An Investigation of International Students’ Experiences of Coping with Intercultural Communication Challenges

Abstract

This study investigates international postgraduate students’ intercultural communication experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on communication challenges, coping strategies, and the perceived development of intercultural awareness. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with eight international postgraduate students in the United Kingdom, the study adopts a qualitative approach to explore participants’ lived experiences. The findings suggest that communication challenges arose from linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and the restrictions associated with COVID-19. To navigate these difficulties, participants employed reduction strategies, compensatory strategies, and strategies extending beyond immediate interactions. The findings also indicate that intercultural encounters contributed to shifts in students’ intercultural awareness, influencing their perceptions of cultural differences and responses to subsequent communication challenges. Conversely, intercultural awareness shaped how participants interpreted and managed these experiences. The study offers pedagogical implications for supporting international students’ intercultural development and promoting more inclusive practices within higher education contexts.