Abstract: The internationalization of tertiary education is a process inseparably connected with the cross-cultural competence of all its participants. Professional administrative staff of the university, able to provide information in a competent and substantive manner, effectively interacting with both foreign students and lecturers as well as their colleagues, are the backbone of the process. The article presents the definition and selected models of cross-cultural competence, the role it plays in the performance of professional tasks by administrative employees and the methods (off the job and on the job) that can be used to shape it. Based on the analyses, we formulated specific recommendations for universities.