Abstract
This paper is a literature review on the internationalization of higher education focusing on staff competency in managing international students. This writing uncovered some empirical studies by researchers in a Malaysian context on the issue, challenges and expectation from both international students and university academics and administrators. International students faced great challenges in adjusting their life in Malaysia, these include different teaching and learning style, culture, language, loneliness and social distancing among others. On the other hand, the university academics and administrators similarly faced unfamiliar international students’ characteristics and needs. Thus, universities need to review and look into the competency required to manage this group of students more effectively. This paper ends with recommendations by scholars to mitigate these gaps and challenges for universities.