This research studied the impact of language barriers and cultural experiences on students' perceptions at the University of North Texas. The population of this study were students who had taken a class with a non-native speaking instructor and those who hadn't. Following a mixed-method research approach, online surveys were distributed to the students through Canvas and listservs. Follow-up interviews were scheduled with students interested in providing more feedback about their experience. The survey and interview results showed that accent is the main communication barrier in classes taught by non-native-speaking instructors. Although previous research does not show an impact on student performance, students believe the accent of their instructor affects their performance in class, as they tend to place more effort into listening and paying attention to the lecture. Other factors impacting knowledge sharing were vocabulary and cultural awareness for both population groups of this study. Although no significant relationship existed between the cultural experience of students and their perception, interview participants with previous exposure to foreign accents were able to understand their non-native-speaking instructor more easily. This study also discovered different information-seeking and knowledge-sharing behaviors that were discussed by the interview participants. The results of this study are helpful for higher education institutions, instructors, and students to create an effective learning environment. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]