Chinese International Students’ Expectations About Career Counseling

Abstract

Chinese international students are the largest international student body (33.19%) in the United States. However, career services on college campuses are underutilized by this population despite their pressing needs for career guidance. Chinese international students’ expectations about career counseling may explain the disconnection between needs and service utilization. Although clients’ expectations about counseling have been studied extensively, no study has focused on Chinese international students’ expectations about career counseling. The current qualitative study surveyed 58 Chinese international students by using 10 open-ended questions that inquired about their expectations, including preferences and anticipations, about career counseling. Findings highlighted a number of needs and expectations for career counseling, such as outcome-driven activities, specificity of services, rapport with counselor, taking assessments, and culturally sensitive services. Clinical implications for career services on campus and future directions for research were discussed.