English abstract
The study aimed to reveal differences in cultural intelligence and cognitive flexibility depending on the variables of duration of cross-cultural experience and degree of competence in the second language. The study adopted the descriptive, comparative approach, and the total sample amounted to 836 Saudi students on scholarships to the United States of America, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore and international students in Saudi universities. Tools employed by the study included the Cultural Intelligence Scale and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale. The study concluded differences were found in cultural intelligence according to the length of experience in the sample of students on scholarship with preference to resident students for more than seven years, while the differences in the sample of internationals give favor to residents for less than one year. There were no differences registered in cognitive flexibility according to the duration of experience of the scholarship students. On the other hand, differences were found in cognitive flexibility according to the period of experience of international students with preference to resident students for less than one year. Differences were found in cultural intelligence according to the level of proficiency in the second language in the two samples of scholarship and international students in favor of those with higher linguistic competence. No significant differences were reported in cognitive flexibility according to the level of proficiency in the second language of the scholarship sample, while differences were found in cognitive flexibility according to the level of competence in the second language with preference to those of higher competence. The study recommended carrying out cross-cultural activities that increase contact of students and support experiences. It is also recommended to ensure good language preparation for international students.
