| This study explored the perceived stress level of international students who faced barriers to employment upon graduation from an American post-secondary institution. The Barriers to Employment Success Inventory (BESI) was used to assess employment barriers and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) assessed the perceived level of stress experienced by international student participants who were in the process of actively finding employment in the United States. An informed consent, demographic survey, and two exploratory semi-structured qualitative interview questions, the BESI, and the PSS were administered.;The criteria for participant selection were: F-1 visa status, no dual citizenship, and a desire to work in the United States post-graduation. The sample for this study was projected to be 150-200 international F-1 visa students who were conveniently and chain sampled through electronic means: the Lyford Cay Foundation, a private university located in the southeastern region of the United States international student listserv; the Counselor Educators and Supervisors Network (CESNET); and the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD).;With the examination of employment barriers and stress levels attributed to employment navigation; international student offices, American educators, international advisors, and those in direct contact with international students---from recruitment to completion of studies---will find the information useful and an aid to better serve this population.;Keywords: international students, employment, barriers, stress. |
