As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, employers are seeking "global-ready graduates," that is, individuals with an intercultural mindset, who can interact effectively and appropriately with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In response, tertiary institutions are creating more opportunities for international experience. This article centers on a mixed-method study that investigated the impact of a semester-long international exchange program on the global-readiness of Chinese university students. Whereas the experimental group experienced gains in intercultural competence, second language self-efficacy, and global-mindedness, the control group (students on the home campus prior to study abroad) regressed slightly. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed multifarious elements that led to these differing outcomes.