Whole Hearts, Clear Paths: A Regional Hub for Counselor Collaboration

As student well-being continues to shape the global education landscape, the Korea International School Counselor Association (KISCA) stands at the forefront of advancing this vital dialogue in East Asia. This November, KISCA will host its annual conference, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths: Empowering Student Well-Being and Purpose, at Dwight School Seoul, located in the Digital Media City (DMC) of Sangam-dong, Seoul, South Korea. The two-day event—scheduled for November 28–29, 2025—will gather international school counselors, psychologists, and higher education professionals for a powerful program centered on student wellness, purpose, and connection.

As the only regional conference uniting both social-emotional learning (SEL) and university and career counselors, KISCA provides a unique space where professionals who guide students’ emotional and academic journeys can collaborate and learn together. The 2025 theme, Whole Hearts, Clear Paths, embodies KISCA’s commitment to helping educators foster balance, resilience, and meaning in the lives of the young people they serve.

The conference opens on Friday, November 28, with a Pre-Conference Day designed to offer in-depth professional learning and regional engagement opportunities for counselors across specializations. In the morning, university and career counselors will participate in the Korea University Bus Tour, featuring a visit to Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)—Korea’s first and oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1398. The tour provides an exclusive opportunity to explore SKKU’s historical and modern campuses and engage with admissions teams while deepening understanding of Korea’s higher education landscape.

Past conferences have always been well attended, providing a great opportunity to meet with so many colleagues.

In the afternoon, Nancy Conner will lead an extended SEL Pre-Conference Workshop for social-emotional and student support counselors. With over 40 years of experience as an educator and counselor across the U.S. and Asia, Nancy has devoted her career to building compassionate, trauma-informed school communities. Certified as a trainer of trainers in “Trauma-Informed Schools” and “Restorative Practices,” she brings a wealth of practical insight on fostering care, connection, and belonging. Her interactive session will guide participants through trauma-informed frameworks and restorative strategies that can strengthen counseling programs and school-wide well-being initiatives.

The Main Conference Day, held on Saturday, November 29, will feature a keynote address by Dr. Rana Cheatwood, a seasoned clinical counselor, educator, and researcher with more than 25 years of experience in international schools. Dr. Cheatwood’s keynote will explore how schools can create ecosystems that nurture purpose and well-being for both students and educators.

The main day will also include counselor-led and expert-led sessions, job-alike meetings, and collaborative workshops covering a range of topics—from program design and mental health practices to family engagement and global admissions trends.

Since its inception, KISCA has become a cornerstone professional gathering for the region’s counseling community—bringing together educators from across Korea, and beyond. The conference is recognized for its blend of professional rigor, cultural insight, and collegial warmth, creating a networked environment where meaningful collaboration thrives.

“Whole Hearts, Clear Paths is both an invitation and a mission,” say the KISCA Committee organizers. “Our goal is to help counselors create environments where students feel seen, supported, and purposeful—because when students have clear paths guided by whole hearts, they thrive both academically and emotionally.”

Registration for the 2025 KISCA Conference closes on November 8, 2025, with limited spots available for both the pre-conference and the university tour. For more information, including sponsorship and registration details, visit the conference website.