How EMI and multicultural experiences enhance international employability: the roles of intercultural competence and grit

The increasing globalization of higher education requires graduates to demonstrate strong international employability skills. To address this need, this study examines how English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and multicultural experience influence students’ perceived graduate international employability (PGIE). Drawing on filter theory and human capital theory, this study proposes a mediation model that highlights the roles of intercultural competence and grit. Data were collected through structured surveys with purposive sampling from 312 Vietnamese and 283 Taiwanese undergraduate business majors. Using SPSS 24 and SMARTPLS, the analysis shows that intercultural competence and grit significantly mediate the relationship between EMI effectiveness, multicultural experience, and PGIE. However, multicultural experience was identified as the least developed area of students’ learning. A cross-national comparison further revealed notable differences in the strength of several pathways, underscoring the impact of cultural and national contexts. These findings suggest that universities can enhance graduate readiness for the global economy by improving curriculum design, strengthening faculty development, and providing greater support for intercultural engagement.