Considerations in counseling international students

Much has been written about the culture shock that international students experience while studying at a United States college or university. Sometimes adjustments to new living conditions, language, food and culture have exacerbated latent emotional issues in some international students or contributed to the development of emotional disturbances in others. While living in their home countries, many students from other cultures rely on sources such as older family members or spiritual, religious, or medical experts to discuss emotional conflicts. This population often views counseling as performing two primary services: one, to meet education or career goals; or, two, to deal with severe mental disorders. As a result, international students often avoid potentially helpful therapeutic treatment offered at university and college counseling centers. Convincing such clients to discuss their emotional issues is only half of the dilemma. Counselors are also challenged to find effective interventions for international students