When working with international students from collectivist cultures or backgrounds, it is important for academic advisors and career counselors to consider the influence their families have on their academic and career trajectories. The authors synthesize research on international student's perceptions of their institution experiences in the United States. Additionally, the shared experiences of academic advisors and career counselors that work with international students are incorporated. Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) is offered as a framework conceptualizing international students and for recommendations.