The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers and opportunities faced by a Russian origin student experienced while living in Brazil and studying in a Brazilian Federal University’s master’s program. Using a narrative inquiry approach, a story with a view to intercultural communication and adaptation to the Brazilian culture is focused. The analysis identifies the ways by which cultural shocks were dealt with. The data show evidences of cross-cultural adaptation and how this process is facilitated by fluency in Portuguese. The results of the research may be useful both for international students who go through the process of adaptation in a new culture and for universities’ departments which work with international students.