Course overview

International students have long been integral to the academic and economic fabric of the United States. In 2024, their numbers surpassed 1.1 million, contributing over $43 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs (Diaz, 2025). Many pursue education in the U.S. due to limited access to resources in their home countries, continuing a pattern of academic migration since the late 19th century. In 2024, 73,724 students were enrolled in Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited programs, spanning both master’s and doctoral levels (CACREP, 2025). Notably, the percentage of international students in CACREP-accredited programs has increased over the past decade (CACREP, 2016). 

Despite the benefits of studying abroad, such as enriched cross-cultural experiences and diverse academic exposure, international students continue to face significant challenges. These include language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, microaggressions, interpersonal difficulties, and psychological stressors (Ammigan et al., 2023; Behl et al., 2017; Lertora et al., 2020; Yin et al., 2024). Institutional support often remains limited in scope, with services frequently focused on visa issues and compliance rather than broader academic, cultural, and professional needs (Behl et al., 2017; Clarke, 2023). Employment restrictions further limit opportunities, often leaving students in financially stressful situations (Behl et al., 2017; Lertora et al., 2020). This presentation will review relevant research and offer practical strategies to promote cultural humility and effective engagement with international counseling students in the U.S.

 Learning Objectives:

  1. Throughout the session, attendees will be invited to reflect on their own perspectives and deepen their awareness of international students pursuing mental health counseling training in the United States.
  2. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to identify the unique cultural, academic, and systemic challenges faced by international students pursuing mental health counseling training in the United States.
  3. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to apply culturally responsive strategies and culturally humble approaches to enhance the academic and professional development of international students in counselor education programs.

Course curriculum

    1. Guiding the Journey: Empowering International Students to Become Mental Health Professionals

    2. Webinar Quiz

    3. Webinar Evaluation

About this course

  • Free
  • Certificate Available
  • NBCC 1.5 CE Hours

Shih-Wei Chang, MA, LPCC (KY), LPCP (MD)

Professional Bio: Shih-Wei Chang (Jenny) is a licensed professional counselor in the states of Kentucky and Maryland. After earning the MA in clinical mental health degree, she has been providing direct clinical care at a certified community behavioral health clinic since 2022. She was promoted to the position of Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on serious mental illnesses, in 2023. Jenny is trained in accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and integrates other treatment modalities, such as relational psychodynamics, CBT, DBT, ACT, and solution-focused therapy. Aside from clinical work, she is pursuing a PhD degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University. Jenny has research interests in trauma and the intersection of gender, sexuality, and faith.

Wadeline Theodore, LMHC-D (NY)

Professional Bio: Wadeline Theodore is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, private practitioner, and founder of Theodore Counseling. An immigrant and advocate, she serves as a board member of Honoring Clinicians of Color Mental Health Corporation of WNY and contributes to Building Capacity for Clinicians of Color in Buffalo, NY. She specializes in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and holistic approaches to care, creating safe spaces where individuals and families feel supported and empowered. Currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University, Wadeline is passionate about advocacy, community service, and breaking down barriers to mental health care.