Frequently asked questions and general remarks on structures, processes and peculiarities of Dual Study programs
This handout aims to provide general information to Jordanian companies thinking to join forces with GJU in Dual Study programs, by addressing a number of common questions through the following FAQ list. GJU’s Office for Industrial Links and its Dual Studies Advisors are glad to address any further questions.
Background of Dual Studies
Some figures: 10% of the students in German Universities of Applied Sciences are enrolled in Dual Study programs. Almost one quarter of all study programs of German Universities of Applied Sciences are offered as Dual Studies. Unemployment of Dual graduates is virtually unknown, and 73 percent of Dual graduates in Germany still work in their sponsoring company three to five years after graduation.
As success of a company depends largely on the potential of its employees and on its /their capacity to innovate, provision of highly qualified, fit-for-the-job graduates, participation in and recruitment through a Dual Study program is an asset for companies concerning both staff development and access to innovation.
Based on its intense partnerships with German universities and companies, GJU has developed a high-quality Dual Study format. This Jordanian Dual Study model is adapted to the demands of Jordanian companies, who have been closely incorporated in the development process, and the needs of the Jordanian economy.
Which are the added values GJU’s Dual Study programs offer?
Cooperation with GJU in a Dual Study programs pays off in many respects:
i. New contacts to German companies through the internship abroad included in the Dual program
ii. Fresh ideas and business opportunities with German companies
e) Recruitment of tailor-made graduates with well-developed competences:
i. Well-acquainted with the Company’s structures and processes from day one of employment
ii. Solid emotional ties to the Company
iii. Knowledge about workflows and processes in German internship partner companies
iv. Thinking in other, new structures
v. Intercultural knowledge, tested in real life
vi. Fluency in German and English as foreign languages
vii. Strong soft skills
viii. Personality development in an international context
ix. Direct influence on the development of the Dual curricula (also on the academic parts)
x. No costly past-graduate training / upgrading of Dual employees
What is the difference to just adding more internships?
In Dual Study Programs, the academic curriculum and the training at the company are closely connected. Students are continuously integrated in the company‘s workflow, so that they become well acquainted with processes and structures and are immediately fit to start work after graduation. Many of them are directly hired by “their” company, and the others are much demanded by other employers.
In Germany, Dual Study Programs exists since many years and have proven to be effective in providing companies with "tailor made" new staff and to bring graduates directly into employment, but also to enhance industry-university cooperation.
Why should we introduce Dual Study Programs in Jordan and at GJU?
Highly qualified “brains” are Jordan’s most important resource, but their education has to fit with the needs of the Jordanian economy.
Many companies have voiced a need for more staff able to apply theoretical knowledge for managing and problem solving in the real world. They also argue that graduates should be better trained in soft skills like project management, negotiation skills, teamwork in applied and international contexts etc. Such soft skills are trained best in real life situations, i.e. in the companies and not just in the classroom.
GJU as a University following the Applied Sciences model has excellent prerequisites to carry out such an ambitious project successfully: Well established contacts to Jordanian firms (its proximity to industry, called the "Industrial Dimension"), an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, a proactive management and motivated academic staff on the one hand, and pronounced links to Germany on various levels and its numerous partner universities and companies in Germany (called the "German Dimension") on the other. It wants to further intensify its cooperation with industry, to foster innovation, increase productivity, and reduce youth unemployment. This cooperation also serves to develop new and innovative curricula, as companies are invited to participate in curriculum development and bring in their needs and perspectives. That takes place especially (but not only) in Dual Study Programs, which can only work if university and industry are working closely together.
In brief, the establishment of Dual Study Programs creates a win-win situation for companies, the GJU and students.
What will Dual Study Programs at GJU look like?
With the establishment of Dual Study programs, Higher Education in Jordan will enter new territory. Due to the different economic and cultural situation, the introduction of Dual Study programs must take place in an adapted form. Selected partner companies and important other stakeholders were invited to join reflections about the best way to set up Dual Study programs at GJU.
Based on the findings of the related workshops and discussions, the OIL team is currently developing compatible and feasible proposals. It was decided to set up of dual study options (“tracks”) within existing BA courses of GJU. For a start, GJU plans to offer two Dual Study tracks. Once established, these tracks will provide a model for further Dual Study programs, also at other Jordanian universities.
BA programs will be enriched with intensive practical phases in selected partner companies. Students will study at GJU and work at a company in intervals throughout the entire duration of the program. They will also go to Germany to spend a semester at a partner university and to do an internship at a German company.
Dual Studies @ GJU will be more than just another internship – students are supposed to take over serious tasks in the companies, bring the knowledge gained at GJU to their workplace at the company and include current challenges and research interests identified in the companies to GJU, through projects, thesis work etc.
How to decide about joining a Dual Study program of GJU?
What requirements does a company have to fulfill to participate in a Dual Study program?
Which formal requirements do applicants (student trainees) have to fulfill to be accepted in a Dual BA program?
How are the applicants (student trainees) selected?
What’s the nature of the training the company has to offer?
Which timelines do apply in the selection of student trainees for the Dual program?
Candidates are chosen in a joint process between GJU and the partner companies.
What does a Company-Student contract in a Dual Study program look like?
Important elements of this contract (model contract is available at the Office for Industrial Links) are:
What about vacation?
How high are the monthly expense allowance of Dual Students?
Are Dual Study students insured (health, liability)?
What will be the costs a company has to bear per Dual Student?
What will the relation between Company and GJU look like on working level?
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