Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) in academic supervision: insights into international postgraduate experiences in Malaysian universities

This study explores the intercultural communication challenges international postgraduate students encounter under local academic supervisors in public and private universities in Malaysia. Driven by the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025’s goal of attracting more international students, the research highlights the critical role of Intercultural Communication Competence in creating inclusive learning environments. Based on interviews with 15 international postgraduate students supervised by Malaysian academics, the study reveals key challenges, including language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, differing perceptions of time, and hierarchical disparities. The study recommends that the Ministry of Higher Education implement programs to enhance supervisors’ intercultural communication competencies to cultivate a more supportive and productive experience for international students.