Triangular Model of Intercultural Communication Competence Development: A Narrative Inquiry of an Egyptian Student in Indonesia

The growing global mobility of students highlights the importance of Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) for successful academic and social integration in host countries. This study aims to investigate the development of ICC in an international student navigating a new cultural environment. Through narrative inquiry approach, the development of Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) of Nubia, an Egyptian student in Indonesia is investigated by drawing on Chen and Starosta's (1996) Triangular Model of ICC. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal Nubia's significant growth across the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of ICC. Cognitively, Nubia showed development in understanding Indonesian culture and language. Affectively, she demonstrated open-mindedness and a non-judgmental attitude. Behaviorally, Nubia improved her communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia and adapted to social contexts. The study supports the principles of the Triangular Model and indicates that ICC is a dynamic process shaped by experiences and interactions.