Staff Mobility at GJU - Insights, Encounters and Inspirations

From October 6 to 11, 2025, six employees of the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and two colleagues from partner universities Mainz UAS and Fulda UAS on this year's administrative exchange with the German Jordanian University (GJU).

The programme included visits to the main campus in Madaba and the site in Amman. The participants received exciting insights into the projects, structures and working methods of the GJU through lectures, guided tours and discussions. They also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with Jordanian colleagues from comparable administrative areas.

“The participants gain valuable insights into the structures and people at GJU, deepen existing contacts and take away many suggestions for their own work. This not only strengthens personal development, but also cohesion within the university,” explains Ruth Pappenhagen, coordinator at GJU Project Office.

In addition to the exchange of expertise, there was also plenty of time to explore the country: In the Jordan Valley, the delegation visited a solar-powered water pump and desalination plant. Here, brackish water is treated using solar energy and made available for agricultural irrigation – an impressive example of sustainable innovation in a desert state.

Visits to important historical sites were a cultural highlight: Mount Nebo with its breathtaking view over the Jordan Valley, the vibrant old town of Amman and, of course, the legendary rock city of Petra.

“Administrative exchanges focus on those who are otherwise rarely the focus of exchange programs – administrative staff. For many, it is their first visit to Jordan and thus a new addition to our long-standing partnership between Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and GJU,” says Ruth Pappenhagen.

Conclusion:

The mix of programme, exchange and impressions on site was well received. The delegation saw the greatest added value in personal meetings with their counterparts. “Trust is created, barriers are reduced and you have specific contact persons in mind.” This simplifies cooperation and makes it possible to get to know the working methods of Jordanian colleagues, which gives rise to new suggestions.

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Original article “Exchange across borders” by Laura Naujoks | Editing & Conclusion, GJU Project Office

Photo slideshow: (1) Tariq Yousef, (2) Laura Naujoks