Structuring Internationalisation

The Role of the International Office

In recent years, the International Office has emerged as an important focus for the management of internationalisation in universities. However, there is no single model for the structure and organisation of these offices. Moreover, the work of an International Office can overlap with the work of other administrative offices. This paper is based on a number of case studies in UK universities. It highlights the wide range of responsibilities undertaken by International Offices, but also emphasises how the activities undertaken vary widely between universities, reflecting historical developments and different institutional priorities. The paper also refers to organisational issues and tensions that need to be addressed if the International Office is to support effectively the process of internationalisation.