School Counselors-in-Training in International Dialogue: A Study of Cultural Immersion

Abstract

A phenomenological study explored how five U.S. school counselors-in-training experienced cultural immersion in family life, schools, agencies, and community in the Netherlands. The central phenomenon emerging from reflection papers was that insights about cultural values led to making sense of how school counseling and special education were conceptualized. Students’ growth in cultural competence evolved from an initial preoccupation with concrete differences to a nuanced understanding of, and preference for, Dutch institutions and policies, and finally to a balanced view of U.S. and Dutch cultures. Findings attest that deep learning can occur in 2 weeks if thoughtful preparation, mutual benefit, collaboration, homestays, and community experiences are elements.