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The paper outlines the important role of cross-cultural competence in foreign language training and its role in the process of internationalization of higher education in the countries of Asian region. As foreign language proficiency remained a distinctive feature of social class, foreign language communication skills acquired special importance with increasing pace of internationalization of higher education. Under globalization foreign language proficiency has become one of the main requirements for academic mobility. Special attention is paid to English as the language of cross-cultural communication and necessary component of internationalization. As English is the language for education in universities all over the world, scholars and scientists consider that encouraging the use of English in teaching makes it easier for non-English speaking specialists to fulfill their study abroad. The experience of Asian countries is of great value to scientists as these countries are interested in increasing the number of foreign students in Asian educational establishments as well as studying Asian students abroad. China is put in the center of the authors’ attention as it has acquired the status of a main exporter of higher education due to Chinese students’ interest in oversea courses. The analysis of peculiarities of foreign language training in different countries has been conducted in the article. In non-English-speaking countries English is taught as an additional language or is used as a medium of instruction in education to make non-English speakers’ participation in the process of internationalization possible. The authors have analyzed the main problems and difficulties in foreign language training, stresses the importance of cross-cultural competence for brining up tolerance for representatives from different cultures and awareness of cultural differences between nations as main condition for effective communication. There are some difficulties in students’ attempt to develop adequate English proficiency to learn other subjects’ content through English. On the other hand, cross-cultural communication skills enhance efficiency of teaching as a teacher should be aware of his students’ culture and some traditions. The paper highlights the fact that one of the important factors, influencing foreign language training, is understanding not only linguistic, grammar, phonological differences such as differences in the structure of native and target languages, but cultural values and behavior patterns of verbal and nonverbal communication according to national cultures as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]