This research explores the lived experiences and career decision making styles of three Vietnamese refugees in the United states. Since this study involves the lived experience of the participants pertaining to their everyday activities (i.e. living, making decision, and working in the United States), the phenomenological approach (Van Manen, 1990; Moustakas, 1994) is used to appropriately grasp the meaning of these experiences. I interviewed all the participants with phenomenological semi-structured questions in two in-depth sessions. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Pertaining to the refugee condition, the following main themes emerged from the data: 1) The third culture: Vietnamese culture in the American context; 2) Different roles and responsibilities in the new land; 3) Feeling of being left out and discriminated against; and 4) The language barrier. In the career related area, I explored and discussed with the participants the meanings of the following career counseling issues: 1) Decision making styles, 2) Influential factors in the career decision making process, 3) Meaningful characteristics of job (values and interests), 4) Job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, 5) Career counseling, 6) Counseling relationship, and 7) Working as minority professionals in the United States. The participants' lived experiences related to working in America reflect a dynamic theme of both resistance and adaptation to new changes. As Vietnamese professionals, they are all moving toward understanding and accepting more and more American styles of career decision making and career counseling. Further phenomenological research should be conducted to shed light on the complex dynamic of forming the third culture in America to improve career counseling services for refugees in our country. / Graduation date: 2001