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Study counseling abroad
An in-depth guide to studying counseling as an international student.
Counseling degrees abroad
Counseling is a type of therapy, centered around talking through problems, thoughts and relationships. It is popular as a treatment for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Studying counseling abroad may also involve studying psychotherapy or psychology. In general, a counselor provides short-term treatment and psychotherapy is generally considered a longer term treatment.
Counseling degrees abroad will vary depending on which university you are studying at, and the country the university is in. Counseling qualifications may be aligned or accredited by a country’s counseling board, for example the BPS or BACP in the UK.
Counseling program structure
Counseling programs may offer practical and professional experience through placements, work experience, or internships with counseling services.
You will need to complete written exams as well as practical assessments, and some programs will require you to undertake research.
A counseling degree abroad will cover a wide range of areas, including some within the subjects of psychology and psychotherapy. On counseling degree programs it is likely you will be able to choose areas of study. Universities will offer counseling teaching from a wide range of modules such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Counseling program structure
Counseling programs may offer practical and professional experience through placements, work experience, or internships with counseling services.
You will need to complete written exams as well as practical assessments, and some programs will require you to undertake research.
A counseling degree abroad will cover a wide range of areas, including some within the subjects of psychology and psychotherapy. On counseling degree programs it is likely you will be able to choose areas of study. Universities will offer counseling teaching from a wide range of modules such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Types of counseling degrees
Counseling qualifications can be bachelor’s degrees, short programs to top up a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or even PhDs: counseling degrees range from three months to four years in length.
If you want to become a professional counselor then you will need to find out the correct pathway for the country you want to practice in.
There are variations of counseling degrees that may focus on the particular area you are interested in. The more focused and specialist subjects are more commonly available at postgraduate level:
- Counseling and psychology
- Counseling and psychotherapy
- Clinical psychology
- Addiction studies
- Mental health
- Family therapy
Why study counseling abroad
Understanding and experiencing a different culture will help you become a more effective counselor if you choose to go into the profession. Studying abroad for your counseling qualification gives you experience of a different country and widens your understanding of people’s problems.
You will also find that some countries are more progressive and advanced with their practices of counseling than others. It may even be more commonplace in society to have experience of counseling depending on the society.
Where to study counseling abroad
When deciding where to study counseling abroad, it’s important to consider the following things:
- The counseling program
your personal goals and interests will help determine which university is right for you to study counseling at. There may be a specific area you are interested in specializing in, that not all universities will offer enough of a focus on. Read through course options thoroughly to determine if it’s what you want.
- Where you want to work after graduation
Whether you want to carry on your career in your host country or back at home, this will determine the type of program you do. If you want to qualify as a counselor you need to know the requirements for the country you want to work in, or how to convert that qualification.
- What university experience you want
The university itself will be your living and learning environment for up to four years, so it’s important you get what you need from it. If you want a quiet and relaxed atmosphere then some smaller universities may suit you better. If you have an activity or sport you want to be playing alongside your studies, that may also determine where you should go.
Best countries to study counseling
Some of the best countries to study counseling include the UK, the US, Canada, Norway and Sweden. These are the countries that tend to have the best counseling funding and research and also offer the best career opportunities after graduation.
The importance placed on mental health varies across the globe, and looking at a country’s mental health services can give you a good indication of the quality of counseling courses its universities offer.
Best universities to study counseling
The best university for studying counseling will depend on your needs. When you’re considering which university is right for you, it’s important to think about the following areas for guidance:
- What the university’s program covers, including the structure and year by year break down
- Whether the university has counseling internships, year abroad or placements included in the course
- What the university offers in terms of extra-curricular activities
- The facilities of the university - does it have everything you’d want?
How to study counseling abroad
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Counseling study abroad programs
Counseling bachelor’s programs often fall under the classification of a bachelor of science (BSc). At undergraduate level you can also study for a diploma or certificate to prove your abilities and knowledge in counseling, or a particular specialism of counseling.
In the US, or at universities that follow a liberal arts structure, you may be able to major in counseling or have it as a minor, rather than an entire bachelor’s degree focused on one subject.
At postgraduate level you are able to study specialist areas of counseling and therapy at master’s or PhD levels.
Counseling undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in counseling
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Pastoral Counseling and Care - BSc Indiana Wesleyan University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,184 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- September, May, January
-
Counseling - BA Southeast Missouri State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,155 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
-
Counseling and Applied Psychological Science - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
30,634 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, May, January
-
Psychology (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling) - BA Midway University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
24,500 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
-
Psychology (Counseling Specialization) - BA Mount Aloysius College, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,110 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- January, September
Associate in counseling
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Substance Abuse Counseling - AASc Elgin Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,510 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- January, September, August, June, February
-
Substance Use Disorder Counseling - AASc Fox Valley Technical College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,600 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
Certificate in counseling
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Human Services Substance Abuse Counseling - Cert Elgin Community College, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 16 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,510 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- January, September, August, June, February
-
Mental Health Counseling (Non-Teaching Certification) - Cert Florida A&M University, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,940 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- January, August
Counseling graduate programs
Master's in counseling
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Guidance and Counseling - MSc University of West Alabama, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,494 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
-
Clinical Art Therapy and Counseling - MA Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,100 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- September, January
-
Clinical Mental Health Counseling - MSc University of Wisconsin Parkside, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,365 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- September, February
-
Clinical Mental Health Counseling - MSc Monmouth University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,000 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- September, January
-
Clinical Mental Health Counseling - MSEd University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,752 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
Doctorate in counseling
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Counseling: School Counseling - EdS Murray State University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,800 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- January, August
-
Counseling - EdS University of West Alabama, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,680 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
-
Counseling, Education Specialist - EdS University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,752 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
-
Psychology (Counseling) - PhD University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,770 USD
Fees are displayed in the university's local currency
- Start date
- August, January
Entry requirements to study counseling abroad
If you haven’t studied therapy or psychology before then you will still find programs available to you for studying counseling. You will be required to prove your English language proficiency if you are studying in English and it isn’t your first language.
The exact requirements for being admitted to a counseling program will depend on the country and level of study. In general, these are the requirements you may need to meet to study counseling abroad:
- Completion of high school education
- Educational transcripts
- English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Proof of funds to support yourself while studying
- Professional experience
- Personal statement
- References
Future counseling careers
A degree in counseling can lead to using your skills in a number of areas. Knowing how to effectively talk to people, helping them through difficulties, and knowing about psychology can all be valuable skills in many organizations.
Some of the most common career paths taken by counseling students lead to the following roles:
- Family therapist
- Marriage counselor
- Career counselor
- School counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Mental health counselor
