Numerous studies have examined international students' adjustment problems, yet, these studies have not explored the mechanisms through which social support operates in the context of stressful events in predicting cross-cultural adjustment among international students. Using Barrera's (1988) models of social support, the present study investigated the relationship among stress factors, social support, and cross-cultural adjustment among international students. Results showed support for the direct effects model and the social support deterioration model: social support was directly related to cross-cultural adjustment; and also acted as a partial mediator of the stress factors and cross-cultural adjustment. However, social support did not buffer the negative effects of the stress factors on cross-cultural adjustment. The authors discuss implications of the results for higher-education institutions, faculty, and international student advisors.