School counseling in South Korea and Japan: A comparative study

Abstract

In this study, the subject of “school counseling” in two far eastern countries, which are South Korea and Japan, is examined. The history, present, education, and current issues of school counseling in South Korea and Japan were compared. Both South Korea and Japan have an advanced education system and many prestigious higher education institutions. It is seen that the two countries, which started on a similar base as the point of origin of school counseling carry out Psychological Counseling and Guidance services in schools with two very different approaches nowadays. In South Korea, school counselors who graduated from education, psychology, or other related bachelor’s programs, received case supervision, and are graduates of a School Counseling graduate program, are performing Psychological Counseling and Guidance services at schools. In Japan, on the other hand, the school counselor, teachers, the school nurse, the school social worker, and school consultants carry out Psychological Counseling and Guidance services at schools. Japanese school counselors are graduates of postgraduate Clinical Psychology programs which are certified by the country’s related associations. When current issues of South Korean students are examined, intense academic stress, cyberbullying and internet addiction problems are encountered. It is seen that Japanese students, on the other hand, experience school refusal, suicidal ideation/attempt, and bullying problems. In literature, the significance of school counseling is emphasized for these current issues. In parallel with the examinations carried out, attention was drawn to important points and some suggestions were presented.