GJU School of Nursing Networking Meeting in Bielefeld

Building bridges in the care sector: Kick-off for the first ‘German Year’

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On 8 and 9 June 2026, the School of Nursing networking meeting took place at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences. In addition to the host institution, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, and the German Jordanian University (GJU), universities from Kempten, Frankfurt, Bochum, Neubrandenburg and Fulda, as well as Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, were also represented. The GJU Project Office also took part, represented by Project Coordinator Ruth Pappenhagen and Student Relations Manager Marie Dierck.

The network members gathered on the green and modern campus of Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and spent two intensive and productive days there, clearly inspired by the vibrant campus life. Judith Peltz, Vice-President for International Affairs at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, reported a student satisfaction rate of 72% (as of 2022) – a figure that comes as little surprise given the context. Within the economically strong East Westphalia-Lippe region, over 10,000 students are spread across the three campuses in Bielefeld, Gütersloh and Minden.

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A special Milestone

The meeting focused on preparations for a special milestone: this autumn, for the first time, a cohort of nursing students will begin their exchange year in Germany, the ‘German Year’. From September, a total of 16 students, spread across seven GJU partner universities, will start their semester of study in Germany and subsequently complete a placement in the nursing sector. A German language level of B2.2 is a prerequisite for this. Upon successful completion of their studies, the students will be excellently prepared for the demands of the German nursing system.

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A degree programme unlike any other

GJU students on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Nursing receive intensive, targeted training in both the technical and linguistic aspects of the German nursing profession. As part of their studies, they also gain practical experience at German universities and in hospitals. The programme is unique in this form.

Naturally, such a pioneering project also presents challenges. This makes a dedicated team and a high degree of trust among all partners involved all the more important for the project’s success. This was emphasised by the German network spokesperson for the School of Nursing, Prof. Dr. med. dent. Wolfgang Raab, Senior Medical Director of the Prosper Hospital in Recklinghausen, and Prof. Dr. Mayada Daibes, Dean of the School of Nursing at GJU – without trust, implementation would not be possible.

As early as October 2025, Prof. Dr Raab visited the German Jordanian University with a German delegation to familiarise himself with the Jordanian healthcare system and the training facilities for nursing students. With regard to academic cooperation, the visit offered him the opportunity to get to know the high-quality clinical environment and the practical training in Jordan, which is based on international standards.

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Diversity and a democratic ethos at the Evangelical Hospital Bethel Bielefeld (EvKB)

The meeting concluded with a visit to the EvKB, led by Inge Neufeld, the hospital’s clinical coordinator. During the tour of the central A&E department in Gilead I, it became clear that future students will be learning here in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.

The final stop on the tour was the hospital chapel, which is open to people of all faiths as a space for reflection, explained Maximilian Dietrich, the hospital’s chaplain and pastor. Among other things, the chapel features prayer rugs and a marker pointing towards Mecca. As a chaplain, he supports patients and staff alike.

The commitment to diversity and social responsibility is clearly evident here and is also reflected at an institutional level: as recently as May, the Director of Nursing at the EvKB, Petra Krause, was awarded the NRW Nursing Prize for Political Stance by the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Nursing. As co-founder of the ‘Pflege gegen Rechts’ (Care Against the Right) initiative, she actively campaigns against racism in the care sector and for the protection of fundamental democratic values.

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We look forward with excitement and confidence to the launch of the first ‘German Year’ in the Nursing degree programme and would like to extend our special thanks to Prof. Michaela Brause, Professor of Public Health at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, and to Humda Qamar, Director of the International Affairs Department at GJU, for their excellent organisation of the ‘School of Nursing’ network meeting.

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