The study of intercultural relations is associated with the processes of identification of various ethnic, age, generational groups. In our s tudy, w e p roceeded f rom t he f act t hat t he o ptimization o f intercultural relations is associated with the peculiarities of ethnic identity, intercultural competence and life satisfaction. We conducted a study on a sample of 80 respondents, ethnic groups - Moldovans, Gagauz; age - 18-25 years; social status - students of universities in Chisinau, Comrat, research period - 2021 (pandemic period). Results of the study: 1) A high level of intercultural interest was revealed among young Moldovans and Gagauz, which was determined through the focus on communication with people of a different culture; motivation to meet people of other cultures; the desire to communicate with people of a different culture, which is significantly different from their own; 2) Most of the youth visited different countries and on average each visited 2-3 countries. This is enough to gain experience in practical intercultural competence; 3) Young Moldavians and Gagauz have a positive ethnic identity. Civic identity is more pronounced among young Moldovans, a mong t he G agauz i t c an b e d efined as “ mosaic”. 4 ) Y oung Moldavians and Gagauzians are dominated by general satisfaction with the fulfillment of the meaning of life. However, on the scale of "emotional saturation of life", both ethnic groups revealed significant subgroups of "dissatisfied", "difficult to answer", "satisfied". It seems appropriate to conduct a similar study after the pandemic, and pay special attention to the emotional component of the life of young people of both ethnic groups.