Effectiveness of Training for International Rehabilitation Counseling Graduates

Purpose: To examine the experiences of international rehabilitation counseling graduates who had returned to their home countries or had moved to other countries to work. The study focused on their perceptions of the effectiveness of the training they had received in the United States.

Method: A qualitative methodology was used to conduct the study. There were 5 participants interviewed, and data from interviews were analyzed and coded.

Results: 6 themes emerged from data analysis: (a) lack of training programs in home countries, (b) support received from faculty members, (c) level of satisfaction with curriculum, (d) classroom experiences, (e) opportunities offered by the training program, and (f) difficulties applying the U.S. training to other countries.

Conclusion: The study indicated that the participants had varied perceptions about the effectiveness of the training they had received in the United States. Implications for training international rehabilitation counseling students are discussed.