Frequently asked questions

Answers to recent questions sent to the Oxfordshire International Education Bureau.

Who are we?

We are the Oxfordshire International Bureau (OIEB), based at County Hall in Oxford. We have been operating since January 1997 working with schools, the County Council and the advisory service on a number of fronts. Our principal objective is to help schools develop their international dimension and prepare their pupils and students for global citizenship.

What areas do we work in?

We now operate as a subscription service which is on offer to all schools, from nurseries to schools with 6th Forms. View the table of fees. However, we also offer a Pay As You Use (PAYU) option for schools that are not full members.

We provide advice across all subject areas. We also offer professional development opportunities including day-long and after school in-service training sessions, study visits abroad and partnership creation for all age groups.The OIEB offers a consultancy service to Local Authorities or groups of schools outside of Oxfordshire.

Do you have a 'resources for schools' service?

This is still in the process of development and is only available to schools in Oxfordshire. What exists is available as an on-line catalogue which is made up mainly of African artefacts, books and activities. However, funding permitting, we plan to add an Asian collection and a South American collection over time.

Do you assist schools outside Oxfordshire?

We are moving towards a model where schools outside of Oxfordshire can become members or take advantage of our PAYU options. Schools outside the UK are presently not being charged for any aspect of the service but for practical reasons, their access would be limited. However, we are not able to engage in on-going exchanges of correspondence with schools outside the UK either.

At present the partnership creation work we carry out for schools outside the UK is free but we are constantly keeping this under review.