Exploring the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and cognitive flexibility: An inquiry into a multicultural university setting

The multicultural university environment provides fertile ground for the exchange of diverse cultures, allowing students to expand their intellectual and cultural horizons, learn about various global cultures, and embrace cultural differences. This study investigates intercultural sensitivity (IS) with respect to variables such as gender, age, nationality, and language of instruction, as well as its relationship with cognitive flexibility (CF) among university students in Ajman. A sample of 356 students completed the Intercultural Sensitivity and Cognitive Flexibility Scales. A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in IS based on gender, age, nationality, and cumulative GPA, while no significant differences were found concerning the language of instruction. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between CF and IS. Regression analysis indicated that CF accounted for 75.7 % of the variance in overall IS. The study concludes with a recommendation to integrate CF skills into university programs to enhance IS among students at Ajman University.