The influence of multicultural experiences on students’ intention to participate in international internship programs: the mediating roles of cultural intelligence and openness to experience

Purpose This study aims to examine how multicultural experiences shape university students’ intention to participate in international internship programs. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the study conceptualises multicultural experiences as environmental stimuli that foster students’ psychological readiness for global learning and career opportunities through cultural intelligence and openness to experience. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a convenience sample of university students in Vietnam using a two-wave, time-separated survey design to reduce the risk of common method bias. The first wave measured multicultural experiences and cultural intelligence, while the second wave measured openness to experience and international internship intention. A total of 291 valid responses were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The findings show that multicultural experiences have a positive direct effect on students’ intention to participate in international internship programs. The results further reveal that cultural intelligence and openness to experience serve as parallel mediating mechanisms, explaining how exposure to multicultural environments is translated into stronger international engagement intention. Originality/value This study contributes to quality education and international higher education literature by clarifying the psychological pathways through which multicultural experiences support students’ access to global learning opportunities, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.