The SuMoS case studies highlight that the organization of international relations missions and tasks differs across partner institutions. In most cases, a two-level hierarchical structure is in place: strategic activities and procedures are defined at the university level and then implemented at the faculty level. This model is applied at the University of Zagreb (FOI), University of Žilina (FRI), University of Maribor (FOV), and University of Belgrade (FON). The general two-level international relations hierarchical structure is shown in Figure 1.

By contrast, ESIEA operates with a one-level structure, as it functions independently without a higher university authority.

These differences illustrate the variety of governance models shaping how internationalization strategies are designed and implemented across institutions. The diversity of profiles and roles involved in student mobility is shown in graphical representation below. As is evidenced in both the organization chart and the RACI matrix presented here, international student credit mobility projects are truly transversal. The success of these projects depends upon fluid collaboration between various departments within an HEI: from the registrar’s office to the finance department, from academic program managers all the way to top management, the International Relations team, which is already quite diverse, needs to work with all of these mini-organizations within the university in intense processes that often loop back on themselves. The challenge is ensuring that the student remains at the center of our processes! 

Figure 1. International relations hierarchical structure

To gain a clearer picture of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in student mobility, the project team also developed an RACI matrix for mobility processes, based on the example of UNIZG FOI. The matrix includes a broad range of stakeholders, extending beyond university staff to also involve students and their families or friends.
In this framework:

• R (Responsible): carries out the activity at the operational level
• A (Accountable): holds strategic responsibility for the activity
• C (Consulted): provides input during the process
• I (Informed): is kept updated about the process

While responsibilities can differ across institutions and some stakeholders are interconnected, the matrix offers a valuable overview of processes and responsibilities within student mobility, supporting a more transparent and structured approach to internationalization.