Examining the Association Between Cultural Intelligence and Linguistic Confidence: The Mediating Roles of Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Interpersonal Communication Competence in International Students in China

International students frequently encounter cultural and language barriers abroad, which can disrupt their integration and negatively impact their academic performance, social well-being, and increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety. In an effort to explore the intricate dynamics between cultural intelligence, linguistic confidence, cross-cultural adaptation, and interpersonal communication competence among international students, this study was conducted in China from October 2023. The sample selection process was the snowball sampling method, resulting in a final sample size of 244 participants who were international students experiencing challenges related to cultural adaptation and language confidence. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS version 26. The study found that cultural intelligence positively influences cross-cultural adaptation, interpersonal communication competence, and linguistic confidence, with the relationships mediated by cross-cultural adaptation and interpersonal communication competence. Based on these significant findings, a key recommendation is to implement interventions aimed at enhancing cultural intelligence and interpersonal communication skills among international students. Such proactive measures, facilitated by educational institutions and support services, have the potential to improve international students’ linguistic confidence, reduce feelings of isolation, and alleviate academic anxiety, ultimately their overall study abroad experience.