Abstract

This study aimed to examine the characteristics and advantages of interpersonal communication (IPC) among local and international students of a Malaysian public university. A quantitative survey with 220 local and international students was conducted as the main data collection method for this study, and the qualitative interviews were done to enrich the data. The findings of the study showed adequate opportunities for both local and international students to be involved in IPC with their peers from other cultures and countries. About 80% of the participants reported that they experienced some interactions with students from different nationalities during their stay and study at the university. They gained some new cultural information throughout this process, and also learned how to interact with other people. The results confirmed that interactions among local and international students had positive effects on their personal and academic lives, and enabled them to have more collaborative activities at the university campus. The qualitative findings of this study support the quantitative results and confirmed that IPC among students was beneficial for their social and academic lives. Findings of this study may encourage university students to have more interactions with students from different social and cultural backgrounds in collegiate environments.