The ever-increasing interconnectedness of the world and the diversity in demographics call for the training of global awareness and cultural competence among leaders and educators. This study, using qualitative methods, examined how 19 participants and their mentors from a United States university perceived a six-week long immersive global experiential practicum in China, and what impact the global experiential practicum had on the development of their global awareness and cultural competence. Data generated from the open-ended questionnaires, participant reflections and observations were analyzed and interpreted. The results indicated that the participants perceived the practicum as an eye-opening and life-changing experience with implications for their future careers, and also realized some existing challenges in the practicum. The practicum with cultural engagement, teaching practicum and leadership externship in the host country, supported the growth in professional identities and development of global awareness and cultural competence for the participants on multiple levels.