Studying counseling abroad will open you up to new people, ideas, and methods that will expand your knowledge of this people-focused field. Counseling study abroad programs will also expose you to the different adversities individuals face personally and culturally due to a country’s historical context, social structure, and environment. Through learning how to understand and manage different obstacles in various parts of the world, you will gain a broader perspective on the field of counseling. Studying abroad will provide you with irreplaceable experience that will benefit you for the rest of your career.
Why Study Counseling Abroad
Successful counseling depends on your ability to relate to people. Counseling study abroad programs are a uniquely valuable way to interact with new and different people as well as learn about different ways of living. Through encountering people from a different country, you will develop an understanding of that culture, and can therefore relate better with people of a similar background in the future; but you will also become more able to understand people of diverse backgrounds too, that are facing similar circumstances or challenges.
Additionally, you will learn various psychological methods practiced by different cultures or countries, which will broaden your understanding of the field and the counseling profession. By studying counseling abroad, you will gain new perspectives of the field, which will give you an more objective lens and the ability to see various sides of an issue.
The knowledge you acquire through studying counseling abroad will ultimately help you to become a better counselor in the future.
Locations
Counseling is an essential service that is utilized all around the world in order to create a mentally healthy, functional society. However, counseling methods and practices vary around the world in many ways, so studying counseling abroad in one country will be totally different than studying counseling in another country. Counseling students should keep in mind that there are some countries that value and accept certain counseling approaches or methods more than others, or accept the field in general. The greater the acceptance of counseling as method used to improve mental health, the more counseling study abroad programs there will be available there.
England provides numerous opportunities to study counseling abroad. As a country that is internationally acclaimed for its prevalent and prestigious higher education institutions, students are sure to find an exceptional counseling study abroad program. England has contributed greatly to the world of counseling and psychology, so studying counseling in England is sure to benefit you in many ways, both academically and professionally.
Argentina provides the perfect environment for international students to gain experience within the field of counseling. The mix of ethnic groups in addition to the diversity of culture and landscapes makes for several counseling study abroad programs that can introduce students to different people and ways of living. With a majority of its inhabitants having immigrated from different parts of Europe, along with some African influences, Argentine culture stems from a melting pot of various nationalities and backgrounds. With a high population of immigrants to this day, counseling study abroad programs in Argentina offer students the opportunity to shadow local social workers, aid needy families, and work with homeless populations and mental health patients. Since counseling does not carry a social stigma in Argentina, assuming people must have a mental illness if they seek it out, counseling is more openly utilized. Students who study counseling in Argentina may even get a chance to gain relevant work experience too.
New Zealand is a fun and exciting place to study counseling abroad, which is sure to leave you with new ways of thinking. While much of New Zealand’s culture was inherited by British and Western European traditions, there is also a significant amount of Asian and South Pacific influence that makes for an interesting blend of culture. With this mix of cultural influences, New Zealanders are generally very open minded people, which is a crucial mentality to have when pursuing a career in counseling.
Counseling Study Abroad Programs
Studying counseling abroad can entail courses ranging from more general psychology classes, that cover concepts, methods, and theories, to those focused on social services, that place an emphasis on bringing awareness to a specific social issue. Courses may involve learning about HIV/AIDS awareness, helping the poor and the homeless, family and immigration counseling, and mental health awareness.
Not only will you be learning concepts within a classroom setting, but you may very likely have the chance to learn within the context of the culture and people of the particular society you are living in. Many counseling study abroad programs provide students with the chance to volunteer with local organizations that provide social services, which can set your experiences abroad from those you have had at home. These experiences with a new culture and society ultimately create a connection between different people and perspectives, which is useful for a future career in counseling.
In addition to learning course curriculum that will contribute to your degree, you may have the chance to take language classes and gain work experience within the field of counseling. Learning the language and the culture of a nation will greatly enhance your ability to work in unknown environments, which will also complement your repertoire as a counselor.
Counseling study abroad programs are offered year round, but some schools and universities may not offer certain classes during the summer. This fluctuates amongst schools, so it’s important to check with your specific program before planning your study abroad trip.
Benefits
Studying Counseling Abroad Creates a Sense of Empathy with the Local Culture. By learning about various personal and societal issues faced by a different country, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience in dealing with similar scenarios in the future. These experiences will allow you to relate to a wider range of people and ideas, which will greatly increase your ability to reach a wider audience.
Create a Sense of Unity in the World. Not only will you be exposed to different ideas and people, but you will also have a great deal to contribute to the people and community of a different country. The local community may even gain a new appreciation for your nationality and culture, which will lead to more open interactions between the two cultures in the future.
Learn a Universal Understanding For Compassion. Through learning how to help people in a new culture and environment, you may become inspired to bridge the gap between differing parts of the world. This motive will speak highly of your character and is sure to take you far in your future counseling pursuits.
