The communication strategy adopted by a student involves the elements of multiple linguistic and nonlinguistic systems, which require students to demonstrate high levels of cognitive flexibility to deal with challenges hindering effective communication. The present study aims at examining the challenges faced by the Chinese students majoring in technical translation, who within the framework of international 7-years study program are expected to integrate themselves into the Latvian university life and to adapt to the Latvian culture; social, political and business environment. The challenges they face concern cultural diversity issues, inability to adapt behavior patterns, failure to express emotions or reach a certain level of emotional empathy, insufficient level of background knowledge, underdeveloped analytical and decision making skills. Within the framework of the present research the comparative analysis of students’ performances (both successful and ineffective) in various social interaction activities employing the code switching strategy shall be given, with the aim to explore if it can be considered an efficient communication strategy for the students engaged in multilingual academic environment.