Purpose and Method of Study: Using a phenomenological approach, this study explored in-depth the lived experience of United States Military Academy (USMA) cadets participating in a semester abroad program (SAP) to increase knowledge of how such experiences impacted their intercultural effectiveness development. This study added to the knowledge base by providing a rich, detailed account of the semester abroad experiences of USMA cadets in the participants' voices, offering insight into the meaning ascribed to the program by the cadets who participated in it. Findings and Conclusions: Using Moustakas' (1994) modification of Colaizzi's (1973) protocol for data analysis unveiled five emergent textural themes. When combined with the composite structural description, these textural themes revealed that regardless of the cadet's age, gender, major, geographical location, or prior experience, the obstacles they encountered and overcame during their four months in the program had a profound effect on them personally and professionally. The growth experienced by the cadets included but was not limited to their intercultural effectiveness and self-efficacy, both of which benefitted from the characteristics that distinguished participation in an SAP from other more traditional learning and enrichment opportunities offered on the USMA campus. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]