Postgraduate students’ experiences with online and in-person counsellor education in Taiwan and Canada: a cross-country comparison

In this mixed method study, conducted in Canada and Taiwan, we examined counsellor education postgraduate students’ experiences of learning in online and in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online survey, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 130 students in postgraduate counsellor education programmes from across Canada (n = 48) and Taiwan (n = 82). Nonparametric statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the two countries, with higher levels of learning and satisfaction reported in Canada. Significant differences also emerged between in-person and online classes. A post-positivist content analysis was conducted on participants’ responses to open-ended questions about their experiences in different kinds of classes. The qualitative findings largely mirrored the quantitative results, although many participants also provided specific suggestions for ways to improve teaching, especially teaching online counselling classes.