Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
A World of Challenges: International Students in The Landscape of Neuropsychology Training
Robiann Broomfield1, Carmen Jia-Wen Chek1, Moyosoreoluwa Jacobs1
1Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
Introduction:
International students pursuing neuropsychology training in the U.S. face unique and multifaceted challenges that impact their academic, clinical, and professional development. This paper provides an overview and definitions of issues relevant to international students, with special focus on those enrolled in doctoral programs with an emphasis on neuropsychology.
Methods:
To complement a review of guidelines and issues, an online survey sampled 37 students from different regions. Participants provided information about their experiences and recommendations to improve the climate of support and outcomes for international doctoral students in clinical neuropsychology programs.
Results:
Key challenges include navigating visa regulations, financial constraints, cultural adjustment, language barriers, and limited institutional support. Notably, 75% of participants reported difficulties with visa and immigration requirements, whereas 78% highlighted financial challenges as significant obstacles. Language-related issues, including academic writing and oral communication, were reported by 48% of the participants, which were exacerbated by limited institutional resources. Participants also identified gaps in mentorship and opportunities compared to domestic students, with many perceiving low preparedness for securing clinical placements, internships, and postdoctoral fellowships. Participants utilized strategies such as networking, self-driven research, and mentorship to overcome barriers. Recommendations for improving the training experience include increased support for visa navigation, responsive mentorship, and supportive language resources at program and institutional levels. Advocacy for policy changes, such as designating clinical psychology as a STEM discipline to expand OPT eligibility, is also critical.
Conclusions:
The findings underscore the critical need for systemic changes within graduate programs and broader policy frameworks to support international students in adhering to visa stipulations, managing financial burdens, overcoming language barriers, and securing internships and fellowships. Addressing these barriers would benefit international trainees and strengthen the field by broadening perspectives and improving practice and research.
More Related Videos
06:05Employing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in a Resource Limited Environment to Establish Brain-Behavior Relationships
Published on: April 20, 2022
08:05Measuring Statistical Learning Across Modalities and Domains in School-Aged Children Via an Online Platform and Neuroimaging Techniques
Published on: June 30, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:17Cognitivism
Previously dominated by behaviorism, which prioritized observable behaviors and largely ignored mental processes, psychology transformed in the 1950s. Cognitive psychologists argue that understanding how we think and process...