Virtual reality as a bridge: enhancing intercultural learning and communication skills among international students

In today’s interconnected world, the capacity for effective and multicultural communication has become an indispensable skill for fostering harmonious interactions and promoting global understanding. Virtual reality (VR), with its presence, interactivity, and imagination, holds potential for enhancing intercultural communication competency. This study delved into the impacts of VR technology on intercultural learning and communication skills via a quasi-experiment and semi-structured interview. Thirty international students from diverse countries, including Korea, Peru, Egypt, and Australia, were recruited in a Chinese university to experience Mind VR Exploration. The study included pre-test, VR experience, post-test, and interview phases to assess participants' intercultural awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and skills. The findings revealed significant improvements in these aspects following the VR experience. Notably, both questionnaires and interviews underscored the positive impact of perceived enjoyment on VR usage intentions. Moreover, in-depth interviews revealed VR's interactivity and sense of presence as key factors influencing usage intentions. Overall, the study provides evidence supporting VR's potential to enhance intercultural communication competence, paving the way for its integration into intercultural education and training programs.