The Role of Student Services in Promoting Internationalisation

A Case for the Integration of Institutional Service Provision

The provision of student services in higher education institutions across Europe is increasingly acknowledged as a key factor in supporting the process of internationalisation, and, more particularly, student mobility. Ironically, although student support programmes for international students have pioneered the development of this area of institutional management, the narrow perception that services are needed only for international students has also limited the understanding of the broader impact of an integrated student services programme for the entire institution. This article argues for an institutionally centralised and integrated approach to student services, as a strategic decision to promote internationalisation as part of the overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of its development.