This phenomenological qualitative study explores the meaning of global engagement among former students who participated in a Backpack Journalism course from 2010 through 2016. Through semi-structured interviews, the researcher explored the meaning of global engagement as it relates to global education, experiential/project-based learning, and public interest communications. The resulting participant themes (community, unexpected/eye opening, discomfort, making a difference, and reflection/discernment) will further inform classroom instruction for upcoming Backpack Journalism courses and may serve as a guide for global educational experiences and public interest communications in other settings. Future research also is explored.