A Journey of Acculturation and Growth: An Autoethnography of an International Counseling Psychologist in Training

Background: The experiences of international counseling psychology students (ICPS) across multiple domains of training and their professional identity development were under investigated. To address this gap, this study used autoethnography to explore the implications of international student identity for one ICPS with a lower socioeconomic background and first-generation college student status. Method: Drawing from narrative analysis, this autoethnography was developed through an iterative, narrative-driven process guided by one open-ended question about how international student identity shaped training experiences and professional identity development. Various personal and professional sources were utilized to support the writing process. Results: Three recurring areas of experience emerged: (1) Adjustment Challenges Related to International Student Identity, (2) Strengths Tied to International Student Identity, and (3) Developing a Social Justice-Oriented Professional Identity through Lived Experience and Training as an ICPS. Discussion: Recommendations are provided to professional organizations, training programs, and mentors to enhance culturally responsive training for ICPS.