The Office of International Relations (OIR), University of Cape Coast, was established to promote, support and co-ordinate all facets of international activities in the University.
These activities include, but not limited to, international students and staff exchanges, research collaborations and publications, and information sharing, all aimed at enhancing the international image of the University. Over the years, the Office had fostered links with institutions of higher learning from the USA, China, UK, Sweden, Germany, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal, among others.
The Office offers specialized support services for inbound and outbound exchange students and staff on issues including, but not exclusive to, orientation, admission, enrollment, accommodation, pastoral care, pre-departure briefings and post-return debriefings for inbound and outbound exchange students and staff.
The Office is responsible for the development and facilitation of all Memorandum of Understanding or partnership agreements with institutions outside Ghana.
It also serves as an advisory unit to all academic departments on exchanges and collaborations and monitors the implemenation of activities under signed agreements.
The Office, in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Services, assists International students and staff to extend their residence permits and work permits, respectively. Ghanaian members of the University community are also assisted to obtain valid passports.
The Office also assists members of the University community to apply for visas to travel/study abroad and provide important travel information to travel/study destination.
The Office manages pre-departure orientations for members of the University community and post-arrival orientations for visiting students, staff, or faculty.
The Office manages the housing needs of all international students and staff. With the assistance of the Counselling Centre, OIR also provides effective counselling to students.
It also provides a platform for these students to find their feet on campus through the use of trained volunteers to assist the students. It also organises socialisation activities to help the students ease their stress and get to know each other better.
The Office provides the framework and opportunities for students of the University to travel abroad to study on Exchanges and Summer Schools, through the various partnership agreements signed with insititutions across the world.
The Leadership Empowerment Academy Programme is a one-year Certificate Course organised by the University of Cape Coast and University at Buffalo. The programme is designed to empower leaders by using innovative approaches to prepare participants to demonstrate exemplary leadership practices.
The programme comprises four face-to-face sessions. Three sessions at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and one at University at Buffalo, USA. Additionally, there are many online sessions during the period.
The Office of International Relations (OIR), University of Cape Coast, was established in 1994 under a USAID-sponsored five-year programme to promote, support and co-ordinate all facets of international education activities in the University.
It has undergone many changes over the years, at times called Development Linkages, Office of International Programmes, Centre for International Education, and now the Office of International Relations. However, these changes have not changed the mandate of the office.
To promote meaningful international experiences for members of the University community through the establishment of international linkages and partnerships in the areas of international students’ recruitment, staff/faculty and student exchanges, research collaborations and information sharing.
To position the University of Cape Coast as the globally preferred University that provides international education for staff/faculty and students.
To fulfil the above-mentioned vision and mission, the following core values will guide the activities of the Office:
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Excellence in fostering international linkages and partnerships
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Ethical and Responsible Behaviour in acting honestly and responsibly
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Equality of access in providing equal opportunity to all by promoting a spirit of fairness, trustworthiness, respect, and teamwork among our staff/faculty, students, and partner institutions.
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Creativity in improving the quality and efficiency of services for international students