The Career Adjustment Process of Spouses of Chinese International Graduate Students

Multicultural competency is crucial for counselors to effectively support clients from diverse cultural backgrounds (American Counseling Association, 2014; Ratts et al., 2016), yet a significant gap exists in understanding the unique experiences of international spouses (de la Serna, 2022) and the role of counseling in addressing their challenges. Using a social constructivism paradigm, this case study explored the living experiences of Spouses of Chinese international graduate students in the United States, particularly focusing on their professional identity development and transformation as they navigate systemic challenges. Through criterion and snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 spouses who hold or have held an F-2 visa, followed by a focus group discussion. The experiences were analyzed using Berry's Model of Acculturation (1997) and Situated Learning Theory (Lave & Wenger, 1999). Four key findings emerged: a) significant challenges spouses anticipated and encountered, b) disruption in their professional identity development, c) mental health concerns during career and life transitions, and d) their needs and expectations for support. While many Chinese spouses experienced significant identity loss, they gradually adapted by reshaping their professional identities within the constraints of their new environment. The study also underscores the need for institutional support, including career counseling and mental health services tailored to this population's unique challenges. These outcomes provide insights for counselors and educational institutions seeking to support the professional and personal well-being of spouses of Chinese international students.