Abstract
The paper discusses some of the challenges universities face when developing the quality of the internationalization process. It compares the current international trends in the competencies, structure, functions and placement of the international relations offices (IRO) within the university settings.
Several common essential aspects such the professionalization of the IRO, collaboration and integration of the internationalization processes within the university are highlighted based on the latest NAFSA Report (2011) and the widely known approach called Internationalization at Home. The author critiques and contrasts different internationalization models (e.g.
University of Helsinki, Yale University, University of Nottingham, University of Malmo and others) looking at centralization, decentralization and even the non-existence of an IRO office at these universities. She challenges the specific forms of IRO - e.g. those defined by Fielden (2008) as "core, "core plus", "comprehensive" models, and discusses its contexts and the impacts the different models have on the quality of internationalization.
The study also provides a framework for discussion over well-designed internationalization processes in terms of HE management strategies and HE policies.