ERIC Number: ED653966
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 108
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3825-9594-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Experiences of Black Counseling Graduate Students While Studying Abroad
Bianca Renae Lee-Jones
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Holy Cross
In this study, I explored the experiences of Black counseling students who studied abroad within the last 7 years. Although research has been conducted regarding the experience of undergraduate students who identify as Black, these voices have not been studied or researched in the field of counseling. This study is important because more students within this population have shown an increased interest in the field of counseling and studying abroad; the experiences of those who have already studied abroad should be documented. Participants were gathered by emailing a listserv and by using snowball sampling. All participants met study criteria and completed a demographic questionnaire. In this qualitative study, I conducted interviews after the study abroad experience using the theoretical perspective of phenomenological research to explore the study abroad experiences of Black graduate counseling students. I found that all participants reported an overall favorable experience while abroad. Participants were able to learn about a different culture while also learning about the counseling field from an international perspective. After completion of the analysis of the interviews and transcriptions, seven main themes emerged: Expectations of People and Culture; Power of Connections and Opportunities; Importance of Safety and Comfort; Multicultural Competency and Memorable Counseling Differences; American Identity and Stigma; Challenges while Black and Abroad; and Further Exploration, Enhancements, and Benefits. Although the participants all studied during different years through the same program, the results were still important. The results highlighted the experience of this population which will contribute to the literature and can inform future counseling study abroad programs, counseling graduate students, and counselor educators. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Counselor Training, Study Abroad, Blacks, African American Students, Student Experience
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: Students; Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A