Perceptions of intercultural communication competence and international student adaptation to an American campus

International students are enrolling in American colleges and universities in increasing numbers, yet we know little of their communicative experiences on United States campuses. This study examined perceptions of intercultural communication competence and adaptation in international students studying on an American campus. Participants in the study were 101 international students enrolled in a medium‐sized university in the Midwest. Results suggest that while the affective and behavioral dimensions of intercultural communication competence are related to students' satisfaction with their communication skills, talking with American students was the single most important factor in perceptions of communication competency and adjusting to American life. Practical implications of these results for communication instruction are discussed.