Many authors believe that there are three areas of competencies that are necessary for cross-cultural adjustment: self-maintenance,relationship,and perceptual.

Many authors in the field of intercultural communication and cross-cultural psychology do indeed posit that self-maintenance, relationship, and perceptual competencies are crucial for successful cross-cultural adjustment. These competencies refer to the ability to take care of oneself in a new culture, build positive relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, and understand and adapt to different cultural norms and values.