<?xml version="1.1" encoding="utf-8"?>
<article xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="http://jats.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/1.1/xsd/JATS-journalpublishing1-mathml3.xsd" dtd-version="1.1" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">IEF</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>International Education Forum</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn>3083-4902</issn><eissn>2981-8605</eissn><publisher><publisher-name>Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.26689/ief.v4i4.14932</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Article</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title>Research on the Digital Teaching Reform of Intercultural Communication Courses in the AI Era</title><url>https://artdesignp.com/journal/IEF/4/4/10.26689/ief.v4i4.14932</url><author>ChenYiran</author><pub-date pub-type="publication-year"><year>2026</year></pub-date><volume>4</volume><issue>4</issue><history><date date-type="pub"><published-time>2026-04-28</published-time></date></history><abstract>With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the field of education is undergoing a profound digital transformation. As a core course for cultivating international talents, intercultural communication courses are confronted with multiple challenges, including innovation in teaching models, integration of technological applications, and transformation of competency cultivation. This paper systematically reviews domestic and foreign research literature on AI‑enabled intercultural communication teaching published from 2023 to 2026. From the dimensions of theoretical foundation, technological application, innovative teaching models, reform of evaluation systems, and existing challenges, it summarizes the current research status and development trends of digital teaching reform, aiming to provide references for the high-quality development of intercultural communication courses in universities.</abstract><keywords/></article-meta></front><body/><back><ref-list><ref id="B1" content-type="article"><label>1</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Wang XL, 2025, Cultivation of Gen Z’s Intercultural Competence Empowered by AI Technology: Paths and Methods. In 2025 Symposium on the Disciplinary Development of Intercultural Studies, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B2" content-type="article"><label>2</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Ding J, 2026, Research on Innovative Practice of AI-enabled College English Reading Teaching to Boost a Classroom with Cultural Diversity. Intelligence and Wisdom, 2026(4): 1–4.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B3" content-type="article"><label>3</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Guo H, Jiang W, Ke HL, 2025, Mechanism Analysis and Teaching Application of Large AI Models Empowering intercultural Communication Competence: A Case Study of Chinese and Western Festival-themed Teaching in Primary School English. Fujian Education, 2025(5): 21–25.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B4" content-type="article"><label>4</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhou R, Tang ML, Chen XX, et al., 2025, A Study on the Promoting Effect of Intelligent Technology-enabled Blended Teaching on Non-English Majors’ Intercultural Communication Competence, thesis, Hunan University of Arts and Science.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B5" content-type="article"><label>5</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Klimova B, Chen JH, 2024, The Impact of AI on Enhancing Students’ Intercultural Communication Competence at the University Level: A Review Study. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 2024(35): 45–58.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B6" content-type="article"><label>6</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Yang H, 2025, Research on Innovation of AI-driven Cultivation Model of College Students’ Intercultural Sensitivity. Education Development and Innovation, 36(1): 78–85.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B7" content-type="article"><label>7</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Li ZW, 2024, ChatGPT Empowering Foreign Language Teaching: Scenarios and Strategies. Journal of Beijing International Studies University, 46(2): 3–12.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B8" content-type="article"><label>8</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhou HY, Chang SL, 2023, Future Prospects, Potential Risks and Governance of Generative Artificial Intelligence Embedded in Higher Education. Modern Education Management, 2023(11): 1–10.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B9" content-type="article"><label>9</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Huang Y, Deng T, 2024, Teaching Reform in Teacher Education: What to Do, what is Difficult to Do and what can be Done in the Era of General Artificial Intelligence. E-Education Research, 45(3): 5–12.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B10" content-type="article"><label>10</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Hu XY, 2025, Innovation and Practice of College English Intercultural Communication Teaching Model Based on AI Technology. Education Research, 7(9): 112–118.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B11" content-type="article"><label>11</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhang Y, Zhu QQ, 2024, Research on the Reform of College English Teaching Model under the Background of Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Hubei Open Vocational College, 37(8): 45–48.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B12" content-type="article"><label>12</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Wang JL, 2025, Exploration and Practice of College English Teaching Reform in the Digital Age. University &amp; Employment, 2025(3): 23–28.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B13" content-type="article"><label>13</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Shadiev R, Wang X, Shen S, 2025, Effects of Immersion and Interactive Strategies on Students’ Intercultural Competence in Virtual Learning Environments. Education and Information Technologies, 30(2): 1567–1589.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B14" content-type="article"><label>14</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Li Q, Liu Q, Jiang M, et al., 2024, Virtual Reality as a Bridge: Enhancing Intercultural Learning and Communication Skills among International Students. International Communication of Chinese Culture, 11(3): 289–307.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B15" content-type="article"><label>15</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Kong L, 2024, Application of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Language Major Teaching: Taking College Critical English Course: Intensive Reading as an Example. Frontiers in Foreign Language Education Research, 7(4): 56–63.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B16" content-type="article"><label>16</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Cai WJ, 2025, Research on the Application of Generative Artificial Intelligence in College English Teaching. Advances in Education, 15(3): 1–8.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B17" content-type="article"><label>17</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Gan T, 2025, A Study on the Teaching Practice of Knowledge Graphs in Spanish Intercultural Courses. Global Education Outlook, 54(2): 89–96.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B18" content-type="article"><label>18</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2025, Innovative Practice of Language Teaching Empowered by “AI Toolbox”. Academic Affairs Office, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B19" content-type="article"><label>19</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Liu ZX, 2025, A Study on POA-oriented “Online + Offline” Blended Teaching Model of College English. Education Innovation and Practice, 8(2): 34–41.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B20" content-type="article"><label>20</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Fang Q, 2025, Technological Empowerment and Humanistic Persistence in the New Paradigm of Intercultural Communication. China News Service, May 28, 2025.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B21" content-type="article"><label>21</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Wang ZZ, Shu X, Kang CJ, 2025, Research on the Development Path of Medical Foreign Language Teachers’ Teaching and Research Competence under Blended Teaching. China Medical Education Technology, 39(1): 45–52.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B22" content-type="article"><label>22</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Chen J, 2025, Research on Innovative Intercultural Communication Teaching for German Majors Based on OBE Model. Education Innovation and Practice, 8(3): 67–74.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B23" content-type="article"><label>23</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Chai Q, 2025, Collaborative Development of Foreign Language Talent Cultivation and International Communication of Chinese Culture Empowered by Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Hubei Open Vocational College, 38(4): 56–59.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B24" content-type="article"><label>24</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Fountoulakis M, 2024, Evaluating the Impact of AI Tools on Language Proficiency and Intercultural Communication in Second Language Education. International Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 3(1): 45–62.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B25" content-type="article"><label>25</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Santhini C, Ruba M, Priya VS, et al., 2025, Intercultural Communication and Assessment Practices in the Integration of AI with Education, in Handbook of Research on AI Technologies in Higher Education (pp. 156–178). IGI Global, Beijing.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B26" content-type="article"><label>26</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhu YX, Yang F, 2023, ChatGPT/generative Artificial Intelligence and Educational Innovation: Opportunities, Challenges and Future. Journal of East China Normal University (Educational Sciences), 41(7): 1–14.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B27" content-type="article"><label>27</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Pu QP, Xiang W, 2023, Generative Artificial Intelligence—ChatGPT’s Transformative Impact, Risks and Challenges and Coping Strategies. Journal of Chongqing University (Social Sciences Edition), 29(3): 1–14.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B28" content-type="article"><label>28</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Yang G, Gu SM, 2023, Risks and Avoidance of Foreign Language Teaching Model Reform in the AI Era. Language Education, 11(3): 20–29.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B29" content-type="article"><label>29</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Li Y, Sun LY, Jiang QY, et al., 2025, College Teachers’ Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Promotion Strategies. Open Education Research, 31(1): 45–56.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B30" content-type="article"><label>30</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>He SY, Shen Y, 2025, Learning to Ask Questions: A Study on the Collaborative Learning Model of College Students and Generative Artificial Intelligence. Journal of East China Normal University (Educational Sciences), 43(2): 1–11.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B31" content-type="article"><label>31</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Li JH, 2024, The Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Curriculum, Teaching Materials and Teaching Methods. Curriculum, Teaching Material and Method, 44(2): 14–23.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B32" content-type="article"><label>32</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Chen JY, Hu LY, Wu F, 2023, Research on ChatGPT/generative Artificial Intelligence Promoting the Transformation of Knowledge Point-centered Teaching Model. Journal of East China Normal University (Educational Sciences), 41(7): 116–125.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B33" content-type="article"><label>33</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zou ML, 2026, Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating Foreign Language Teaching Reform and Ideological and Political Education under Digital Transformation. Chinese Journal of Modern Education, 8(1): 23–31.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B34" content-type="article"><label>34</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Dervin F, R’boul H, 2025, An Introduction to AI and Intercultural Communication Education. Routledge, New York.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref></ref-list></back></article>
