This study investigated the intercultural inclusion of international students in Saudi universities, especially the language and culture barriers while interacting with local peers within and beyond classroom settings. Qualitative data gathered through interviews with 12 international students revealed that the Arabic language, shared human experiences, and a lack of intercultural awareness pose challenges. International students avoid engaging with local peers due to a lack of confidence stemming from their limited language proficiency and the array of accents they encounter. In terms of commonalities, factors such as ethnicity, economic status, and academic performance are considered impediments to seamless intercultural integration.