Counseling International Students

Abstract

The overriding goal of this chapter is to help counselors explore the common and unique aspects of counseling students from many countries and cultures around the world. The term international student is used to refer to “those students who study at an educational institution outside of their home country” (Arthur, 2005, p. 485). Although the terms foreign student and international student are often used interchangeably, there are negative connotations related to the term foreign student. Moreover, anyone can be considered to be a foreigner, depending on one's cultural point of view (Pedersen, 1991). The chapter is organized into six sections. First, a more extended introduction is presented on the numbers of international students, the problems that some of them present, and the rationale and nature of the services offered to them. Second, a focus on cross-cultural transitions provides counselors with concepts and models for appreciating the complexities of living and learning in another country. Third, a review of common transitions illustrates multiple influences on the adjustment experiences of international students. Fourth, the reentry transition is highlighted to consider relevant counseling issues for supporting international students leaving the host culture and preparing to return home. Fifth, suggestions are given for enhancing multicultural counseling roles in providing services. A case example of Peter, a 24-year-old international student from Nigeria, is woven in to the discussion to highlight issues facing international students and to provide some direction for counseling. The chapter ends with a discussion about future directions for enhancing the conceptual and research literature about counseling international students.

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