We are excited to announce that the 9th GJU Alumni Ambassador Meeting will take place from 18 – 20 September 2026 at Kassel University.
Each year, the Alumni Ambassador Meeting brings together graduates of the German Jordanian University from across Germany to reconnect, share experiences, and strengthen the GJU alumni network. Over the course of the weekend, you can look forward to a dynamic programme with opportunities for professional exchange, new perspectives, and meaningful connections, alongside plenty of space for informal networking and catching up.
NEW THIS YEAR:
For the first time, we have opened up parts of the programme via a Call for Participation and invited GJU alumni to contribute actively to the event (see the workshops in the programme).
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Kassel and to shaping this year’s meeting together with you.
Programme
Event Venue:
Kassel University
Campus Center, Moritzstr. 18, 34127 Kassel
Day 1 | Friday, September 18
Event-Check-In
2.00 PM – 2.30 PM
Opening & Welcome
2.30 PM – 3.00 PM
Navigating conflicting objectives: sustainability between regulation, practice and career
3.00 PM – 4.00 PM | Keynote
Speaker:
Britta Sadoun | Director Social Impact at AMG Critical Materials N.V.
This presentation will demonstrate how sustainability is transforming project work, decision-making and career paths, and how it can be effectively advanced in practice. It will examine how to manage conflicting objectives within a dynamic regulatory environment and a changing international landscape. The focus will be on the experiences and skills that enable alumni to better understand, communicate and actively shape complex challenges.
Coffee Break
4.00 PM – 4.30 PM
Parallel Workshops | 1st round
4.30 PM – 5.10 PM
(A) Finding a job in Germany | Speaker: Abdallah Khirfan
This workshop covers key trends in the German labour market, practical job search strategies, and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for stronger applications. It also offers guidance on CV and LinkedIn optimisation, networking, and future-proof career paths.
(B) Finding Your Place in Germany: Building Community, Confidence, and Belonging as an International Graduate | Speaker: Natasha Bakri
This workshop focuses on building community, friendships and social integration in Germany. It also explores how to deal with isolation and cultural adjustment while strengthening identity, belonging, and social and professional networks through practical ways.
(C) Steuererklärung Lessons Learned: 7 years of experience | Speaker: Qusai Masharqa
This workshop provides a basic understanding of tax returns, including what they are, why they matter and how the process works. It also offers practical tips, lessons learned from seven years of experience, and guidance to help participants handle their tax returns more independently.
(D) Qualification Opportunities Act for Employees | Speaker: Karam Al-Dassin
This workshop introduces the Qualification Opportunities Act and explains who can benefit from it. It also outlines the application process, the discussion with employers, and the practical opportunities and challenges of further training alongside work.
Short Break
5.10 PM – 5.20 PM
Parallel Workshops | 2nd round
5.20 PM – 6.00 PM
(A) Finding a job in Germany | Speaker: Abdallah Khirfan
(B) Finding Your Place in Germany: Building Community, Confidence, and Belonging as an International Graduate | Speaker: Natasha Bakri
(C) Steuererklärung Lessons Learned: 7 years of experience | Speaker: Qusai Masharqa
(D) Qualification Opportunities Act for Employees | Speaker: Karam Al-Dassin
Dinner at the Venue
From 6.00 PM
Day 2 | Saturday, September 19
Event-Check-In
From 9.00 AM
Welcome
9.30 AM – 9.45 AM
Beyond Networking: Building Authentic Connections & Navigating Cultural Differences in Germany
9.45 AM – 11.45 AM | Interactive Session
Speaker:
Hanan Al-Qaraghuli | GJU alumna, Lead Coach, and Facilitator
Mohamed Amer | Operation Manager and Lead Coach
Moving to Germany often means starting over socially and professionally. Many GJU alumni arrive with strong academic backgrounds, yet still struggle with building authentic connections, navigating cultural differences, and finding a sense of belonging in new environments.
This interactive session explores how communication styles, identity, cultural expectations, and personal experiences shape the way we connect with others in Germany – professionally and personally.
Group Picture & Lunch at the Venue
11.45 PM – 1.00 PM
Wealth Building and Retirement Planning
1.00 PM – 2.00 PM | Seminar
Speaker:
Vincent Hegewald | Selbstständiger Finanzplaner at HORBACH
This seminar provides a practical introduction to wealth building and retirement planning in Germany, tailored to the needs of international professionals. Participants will gain an overview of key financial concepts, learn about the German pension system, and explore common challenges and important considerations when building long-term financial security in Germany.
Coffee Break
2.00 PM – 2.30 PM
Evaluation of the Mentorship Programme and Closing Ceremony
2.30 PM – 4.00 PM
Cultural Programme
4.00 PM – 5.30 PM
Dinner at Peter Pane
From 7.00 PM
Day 3 | Sunday, September 20
Day of Departure
Our optional tips for Sunday 😊 You can do both. It is nearby.
Ahoi Beer Garden & Pedal Boating
Orangerie Kassel at the banks of Fulda river
Water features at the UNESCO World Heritage Site
2.30 PM – around 4.00 PM | Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
Starting point: at the top, by the statue of Hercules at the foot of the Octagon
The water features are a central element of the Bergpark and date back to Landgrave Karl (reigned 1677–1730). The grand water feature, which was created during his reign, was an exceptional feat of architecture and engineering for its time and has been preserved in its original working condition to this day.
Note:
The programme is subject to change if necessary.
This event is brought to you by the GJU Project Office at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (UAS) as part of the GJU Alumni Ambassador Programme.
