The purpose of this article is to identify the factors leading to intercultural conflicts and failures as well as reveal their nature and develop a strategy to reduce misunderstandings in academic environments. The research took place in an internationally-oriented university in Russia. The authors analysed several cultural types, associated with different ethnic (ethnic groups -- groups that belong to a particular race, nation and that have their customs and traditions) groups, as they related to academic communication, A survey of Chinese and Arab (Syrian and Egyptian) students was conducted as to their views on a variety of cultural dimensions. It was found that Chinese and Arab students were both influenced in their academic behaviour by their cultural backgrounds. The results of this analysis can be used for training teachers who work with multi-ethnic groups. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and contribute to the maintenance of a positive micro-climate in the classroom and successful acquisition of learning materials by the students.