This study examines how (dis)similitudes in belongingness add to international and domestic U.S. university students’ cross-cultural relationships and academic achievement (AA). A sense of belongingness enhanced cross-cultural student interaction and considerably increased international students’ average AA. Cultural events, leadership programs, and community service amplified a sense of belongingness, moderated the impact of racism, and offered a solid base for investigating cross-cultural relationships. We discuss implications for resilience-based models of acculturation and propose interventions to enhance a sense of belongingness for all students.