Structural Components of Inclusive Counseling Services for International University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the structural components of higher education counseling services for international students through an inclusive approach. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 32 participants including faculty, staff, and students and analyzed thematically. The themes that emerged included the necessity of aligning counseling services with the mission of education; the value of universal support and guidance; the benefits of collaboration among counseling units and other service providers; the need for counseling services to be designed for both providers and students; economic constraints and staffing shortages; impact of social, historical, and cultural factors on international students’ counseling needs; and the importance of international counselors in providing culturally responsive care. This study highlights the importance of inclusive counseling services for international students in higher education and provides valuable insights for developing and improving such services.