Training and Supervisory Experiences and Challenges of International Doctoral Students in CACREP-accredited Counselor Education Programs: Acknowledging the Voices of an Unheard Grou

Despite international students' growing presence in counseling related programs in the United States of America (U.S.), their unique difficulties and needs that merit attention, and their significant contributions in bringing global perspectives into higher education, there is a dearth of research that addresses this population's experiences and sufficiently identifies their challenges and needs leaving their voices easily neglected and unheard. A phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis was used to capture the essence of international doctoral students' training and supervisory experiences in the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited counselor education programs and understand the unique challenges they encounter. Semi-structured Skype interviews were conducted with 10 international doctoral students who were enrolled or have recently graduated from CACREP-accredited counselor education. Seven main themes along with their subthemes were identified: (a) challenges of adjusting to the host culture and acculturation processes, (b) negotiating the repertoire: Surviving in American training environment, (c) English language proficiency: Barriers for academic performance, (d) clinical experiences and supervisory process: Challenges and opportunities for growth, (e) international students' sojourn in the United States: An integrative experience, (f) multiplicity of identities: Differences in cultural backgrounds molding ISs' experiences and perspectives, and (g) recommendations for improving training practices and supervisory process. The study created an opportunity for international students to have their voices heard, enable them to express their struggles and needs. The study yielded valuable information that can inform the evaluation of training effectiveness and supervisory practices and assist counselor educators and supervisors to effectively mentor their ISs and best prepare them to contribute to the growth and development of the counseling profession in their home countries.