The journey of international counselors to be

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of international mental health counseling master’s students with marginalized identities in the United States, using an intersectionality framework to illuminate the challenges they face and advocate for systemic change. Despite their growing presence in counselor education programs, limited research addresses their educational experiences, admissions processes, and supervisory needs. Through semi-structured interviews with 10 purposefully selected participants, four themes emerged: acculturation and adjustment, intersectional experiences, expectations from faculty and programs, and the intersection of visas and licensure. Findings reveal that participants frequently navigated isolation, discrimination, and inadequate institutional support while striving to adapt academically and professionally. The structural disconnect between visa timelines and licensure requirements emerged as a particularly significant barrier. This study underscores the importance of applying an intersectional lens within counselor education and offers targeted recommendations for programs, faculty, and supervisors seeking to better support this underserved and underresearched population.