The perceived impact of study abroad activities for graduate counseling students

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the perceived impact of study abroad activities for graduate counseling students. The research questions directing the qualitative study included: What are the experiences of graduate counseling students who study abroad? How do counselors-in-training perceive the impact of experiences while participating in a study abroad course? How do graduate counseling students perceive the impact of a study abroad course on their understanding of multiculturalism? How do graduate counseling students perceive the impact of a study abroad course on their development as counselors? Participants were comprised of eight master's-level counseling students from a university in the southwestern region of the United States. The participants were taking a class that included a week long study abroad component in Costa Rica. The data collected included interviews, observations, journals, and a focus group. From the data collected, three distinct themes emerged: (1) adaptability and personal growth, (2) becoming aware of diversity, and (3) group process. Implication for practice and future research recommendations are provided. Study abroad programs are useful in counselor education to develop multicultural counseling competencies and self-awareness