3. Concerns
Misunderstandings due to:
Communication barriers
Cultural barriers
Difficulties include cultural differences between
counselors’ and students’ values and language barriers
(Chalungsooth & Faris, 2009).
4. Homesick, lonely,
Isolated…
Discrimination
Adjustment to
being alone
Academic
pressure to
perform
Financial
pressure to
perform
Language
Isolation
International students
typically do not utilize
counseling services as a
resource
(Popadiuk & Arthur, 2004)
Koreans are often
reluctant to seek
counseling for fear of
being stigmatized.
(Lee, Suh, Yang & Jang, 2012)
5. Purpose Statement
To provide support
for Korean
international students
through group
counseling
To examine and
strengthen the
graduate student-
researcher’s
developing group
counseling skills.
6. Literature
The number of primary and
secondary students engaging
in extended study is
increasing, suggesting a need
to attend to the psychological
needs those who may be
struggling to navigate difficult
cultural transitions
(Kim & Okazaki, 2014).
Gaps that exist between
different cultures can lead to
emotional distress,
clinically significant
symptoms of depression and
anxiety, and academic
problems
(Carr, Koyama &
Thiagarajan, 2003).
7. Research Question
Can support groups be effective in
addressing the needs of Korean
international high school students?
8. Why Support Groups?
• Support groups can
provide international
students with an
important forum for
addressing adjustment-
related concerns and
having their concerns
validated.
(Carr, Koyama, &
Thiagarajan, 2003).
• Group counseling can
be effective in
promoting individual
change.
(Zinck & Littrell
2000).
9. Why Action Research?
A form of educational research in which practitioners
take action in their work settings to improve certain
aspects of their practice. (McNiff & Whitehead, 2010)
When conducted properly, action research can
empower practitioners and help strengthen the link
between research and practice (Rowell, 2005).
11. Participants
12 EL students from South Korea.
2 females, 10 males
9th: 2 students
10th: 3 students
11th: 5 students
12th: 2 students
• Referrals from EL teachers
and counselors
• Individual interviews
“International Student Support
Research Team”
15. Participant Feedback
Week 1: Meet and Greet
Week 2: “Our Stories”
Week 3: Major Culture Differences
Week 4: Communication
“Talking about our past
experiences was helpful
because it helped us to
reflect on our challenges.”
“I didn’t know many people
have the same struggles
adjusting to American
culture. That makes me feel
not as lonely.”
“Sharing opinions helped me
to understand other people’s
feelings more.”
“I like that I can speak and
people will not judge me.”
“I want to focus on
solutions, not just
the challenges.”
16. Student-Researcher Reflection
Focus on solutions in Cycle Two
Be flexible
Be prepared; Have Plan B
Less involvement from student-counselor
Question:
How can I help international students feel
supported outside of group?
17. Cycle Two
Week 5: Self-Care and Balance
Week 6: College & Career
Week 7: Tips for a Successful transition
(Modification)
Week 8: Handbook for International Students
(Modification)
18. Handbook for
International
Students
*Based on student
feedback and ideas
from group
discussions.
*Plans to make
Korean, Chinese,
and Spanish versions
to address other
international
22. Participant Feedback
“I felt good because I was
part of a team and we all
worked together.”
“I feel more optimistic about
being in America.”
“Support groups are fun. I
was able to connect with
other Korean students and
speak in Korean.”
“I feel more comfortable
talking about my thoughts
and feelings.”
“I have a better
understanding of
American culture.”
23. Post-Group Questionnaire
“Support groups can be
helpful to international
students”
-All 12 participants
“My overall well-being
has improved because of
group”
-Yes: 10 participants
-Somewhat: 2
participants
“Support groups will be
helpful to me”
-Yes: 5 participants
24. Student-researcher Reflection
Building rapport is key to a successful group.
Counselor disclosure opened doors for further discussion.
Giving specific group tasks to students helps them feel more
involved.
Positive effects on student outcomes could be
achieved by enhancing the professional
preparation of counselors working with ELLs
(McCall-Perez, 2000).
29. Overall Findings:
• Creation of new social support system
• Sense of belonging and feeling cared for by the
school
• A“safe space” to open up and share personal
concerns
• Feelings of inspiration
31. References
American School Counselor Association (2009). The professional school counselor and cultural diversity.
Retrieved from
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/home/position%20statements/PS_CulturalDiversity.pdf
Arthur, N., & Popadiuk, N. (2004). Counseling international students in Canadian schools. International
Journal fo the Advancement of Counseling, 26(2), 125-145
Carr, J. L., Koyama, M., & Thiagarajan, M. (2003). A women’s support group for Asian international students.
Journal of American College Health, 52, 131-134.
Chalungsooth, p., & Faris A.S. (2009). The development and implementation of a psychoeducational support
group for international students. Human Services Today, 6(1)
Kim, H. J., & Okazaki, S. (2014). Navigating the cultural transition alone: Psychosocial adjustment of Korean
early study abroad students. Cultural Diversity And Ethnic Minority Psychology, 20(2), 244-253. doi:
10.1037/a0034243
Lee, S. M., Suh, S., Yang, E., & Jang, Y. J. (2012). History, current status, and future prospects of counseling in
South Korea. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 90(4), 494-499. doi:10.1002/j.1556-6676.2012.00061.x
McCall-Perez, Z. (2000). The counselor as advocate for english language learners: an action research approach.
Professional School Counseling, 4(1), 13.
McNiff, J., & Whitehead, J. (2010) You and your action research project. (3rd Ed.). London: Routledge.
Rowell, L. L. (2005). Collaborative action research and school counselors. Professional School Counseling,
9(1), 28-36.
Cycle One: Challenges: loneliness, self-consciousness, English proficiency. All twelve students had these in common.
These common challenges emerged from the discussions.
Participatory group work helps students feel involved.
Providing safe space and constant encouragement helps reluctant students to feel “safe” about sharing.
Students connected more due to similar cultural backgrounds.
Prolong engagement: school year fieldwork.
Sincerity, appropriate disclosure, collaboration, flexibility, and passion.