Development and Effectiveness of a Solution-Focused Group Counseling Program for Chinese International Students: Focusing on K University Graduate School Students

This study aimed to develop a solution-focused group counseling program for Chinese international students at K university graduate schools in South Korea and to empirically examine its impact on their university adjustment. Based on the theoretical framework of solution-focused group counseling, a six-session program was designed and implemented over a six-week period with a group of five Chinese graduate students enrolled at K University. To evaluate the program’s effectiveness, a mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed statistically significant improvements in university attachment (Z = -2.032, p < .05) and overall university life adjustment (Z = -2.023, p < .05) after participation in the program. Qualitative analysis identified four key themes: experiences of expressing and being supported in one's personal stories, recognition of personal strengths and resources, enhanced problem-solving through the use of strengths and resources, and clarification of future hopes and career goals. These findings suggest that participants’ awareness and application of their internal strengths and resources contributed positively to their psychological stability and adjustment to university life in Korea. The results offer empirical support for the effectiveness of solution-focused group counseling as a practical intervention strategy to promote the university adjustment of Chinese international graduate students in Korea. In particular, the strength-based and emotionally supportive approach of the program was found to facilitate self-understanding and motivation for adaptation among participants. This study not only offers a practical model that can be applied in university counseling centers and international student support services but also expands the applicability and relevance of the solution-focused approach in counseling interventions for international students. Accordingly, the study holds both academic and practical significance.