In the framework of globalisation, the development of cross-cultural communication skills is of high interest. However, there is no due attention paid to the development of intercultural language competence in all universities as well as the possibility to share it directly with native interlocutors of the other culture. The objective of the article is to define the critical complexities in the area of cross-cultural communication among those who study a foreign language. Another objective is to elaborate recommendations that will enable the solution of the issues in the area of cross-cultural communication within up-to-date education. As a result, the researchers' have organised and carried out the survey among 650 linguistic students of the 4th course from four largest Russian higher educational institutions (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Higher School of Economics, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and Moscow State University). The outcomes of the research can be used in future as the basis for the development of cross-cultural communication for university students, which should have cross-cultural competence. © 2019 Kosareva et al.