The Lived Experiences of Korean International Students in the United States: A Photovoice Study

The USA is one of the top countries that attract the largest number of international students from around the world, and this student population has been known to have unique experiences and mental health needs and to underutilize counseling services. To understand and support this population, researchers emphasized the importance of addressing its heterogeneity because of within-group differences. This study focused on Korean international students, the third largest group of international students in the USA. As experiences of an understudied group can be better captured when rendered through their own voices, we utilized Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method using photography and critical dialogue, to illuminate the lived experiences of Korean international students on campus. Thematic analyses of group discussions revealed five distinct themes: Difficulties from Differences in Language and Culture, Limitation and Incompatibility of Existing Services, Dilemma: Goals vs. Reality, Burdening the Self, and Experiences with Differential Treatment. Implications for educators, university counseling professionals and services, higher education institutions, and researchers are discussed.