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From coffee to counselling: A day in the life of an international student

Stories | 01.16.25

By Shrija Bose
First-year student, Master of Counselling Psychology

The life of a graduate student is a tale of three Cs: Courage to navigate assignments, consistency to keep moving forward, and caffeine — a lot of it.

Logo of Day in the Life seriesMy day begins with a dose of coffee as I prepare for my Common Hour. At Adler, education is not limited to the classroom; this hour is one example. It offers international students like me the chance to participate in events led by professionals who explore diverse topics, from intersectionality to innovative counselling practices.

Born and raised in India, I find the learning experience here in Vancouver, Canada, vastly different, and the unique structure of the master’s in Counseling Psychology program stands out. This field mandates a degree of expertise, and Adler’s curriculum is meticulously designed to meet these demands.

My next class is Theories of Psychotherapy, which is not just theoretical but highly practical. Currently, I am diving into theories like psychodynamics, feminist theory, Gestalt, and CBT, each of which offers unique insights into human behavior and healing. One of my favorites is Feminist Theory because it delves into the systemic issues that affect individuals, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality in understanding the impact of larger societal structures. For instance, we often carry undue shame and guilt for our struggles, but this theory acknowledges the contributions of systemic factors which help to alleviate much of the shame and self-blame, fostering a more compassionate and holistic understanding of one’s challenges.

This course has transformative power as it emphasizes reflection and self-growth, which are vital for this profession.

My interest in pursuing a career in counselling was sparked by personally witnessing the profound effects of mental health challenges on individuals and families, as well as the detrimental impact of inadequate mental health services. In India, where the mental health field is still developing, the lack of accessible resources often exacerbates the struggles people face. The helplessness I felt seeing this drove me to dedicate myself to a field that is both vital and often undervalued.

After graduating, my professional goals include acquiring my license and working in a hospital setting to support individuals in needing of mental health care. Additionally, I aspire to devote time to teaching as a professor, inspired by the incredible educators who ignited my passion and clarified complex concepts for me during my studies. I hope to pass on that same clarity and enthusiasm to future generations, fostering a new wave of compassionate and skilled mental health professionals.

As an international student, I find it natural to experience feelings of doubt, especially when living in a new province with unfamiliar expectations. However, the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received at Adler has helped me find my rhythm. It helps me with my second “C” and to continue moving forward towards my goals. Gradually, I’ve grown more confident, and I credit this to the curriculum and the professors who embody the qualities we aspire to cultivate as counselors.

As my class ends, I take a glance at my phone to see a wave of messages on my cohort group chat, which is always reassuring because everyone leans on each other. This truly reflects the spirit of this program. Adler is an inclusive, close-knit family. The camaraderie we share is irreplaceable, and the connections we make today are for life.

My day continues with my Social Justice Practicum (SJP), a unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler. This is a distinct aspect of Adler, which is more than an educational institution; it advocates for meaningful social change, which allows me to immerse myself in causes that align with my values.

In my SJP program, I am actively involved in projects focusing on community development, mental health and wellness for marginalized populations. Through this experience, I am honing valuable skills in culturally sensitive communication and community engagement, which are crucial when working with diverse groups. I am also learning to leverage social media as a powerful advocacy tool — amplifying voices, promoting social justice, and crafting inclusive content that resonates with varied audiences. Additionally, this program provides me with invaluable insights into the populations I aim to serve and the services and issues that are most relevant to their needs. It equips me with foundational knowledge and offers a strong starting point for my future career.

Moreover, it deepens my sensitivity to these issues by encouraging thorough research and thoughtful analysis, which are essential in creating meaningful and impactful content. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how to create sustainable change at both individual and systemic levels, equipping me with the tools to be an effective advocate for equity and mental health.

After a long day, I like to take a moment of peace by reading on the train. This not only uplifts my mood but also helps me maintain my reading habit. At home, I usually end the day by completing assignments and starting on class readings for the upcoming sessions.

This keeps me prepared and allows me to enjoy learning and sharing insights during my video calls with my mother and husband. I share everything I did throughout the day with them, and these calls have become a meaningful part of my self-care routine. I truly believe in the power of connections, and being driven by a collectivist culture, I embrace the motto: “Lean on others so they can lean on me.”

While my schedule may sound taxing, I look forward to each day. The counselling program at Adler not only equips me with the tools for my profession but also fills me with hope for the future.

Shrija Bose is a first-year student in the Master of Counselling Psychology program at Adler University. She is an international student, hailing from India. After earning her Master in Clinical Psychology from India, she went on to earn a Post Graduation Certificate on Addiction and Mental Health from Humber College, Ontario. She is a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to destigmatizing the topic through various initiatives, including writing books. Among her five published works is an award-winning children’s book series ‘The Adventures of Aqualand’ that received a prestigious book award in Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she loves to read and spend time with her dogs.

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