Exploring Chinese International Students' Understanding of and Attitudes to "Career" and Career Counselling Services

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Chinese international students ' understanding of the term "career" and their attitudes toward career counselling services. This research is situated in social constructionism which emphasizes the importance of cultural influences, social interactions and language in the construction of meanings. A qualitative inquiry using in-depth, semi structured interviews was employed with eight senior undergraduate Chinese international students. Participants had differing ideas about "career" ranging from a functional view to formation of identity and talent development. Different attitudes towards career counselling were revealed as in expressing emotions and varied preferences for types of counsellors.