Sybille Amhof

Face to face with NUST – an unforgettable business trip and many wonderful meetings

I have been working as a program manager for B360 for four years. I would say I am an allrounder, but my strong focus is on organizing and managing the Northbound and Southbound programs. My work is very varied, especially the contact with the various stakeholders means a lot to me. The privilege of combining my passion for Africa with appreciative work is the perfect match for me!

Being offered the opportunity to visit Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) on-site in Namibia was a great gift, which I gratefully accepted. No question – let`s go to Namibia!

Collaboration with NUST Staff

I had the chance to meet all the NUST staff in person, with whom I have been in virtual contact over the years. Today's technology makes communication and collaboration much easier. But nevertheless, nothing beats a personal conversation and a warm hug. To see how everyday life runs in the departments, what challenges exist on a daily basis, walking through the campus, seeing the facilities and feeling the pulse of university life with all the young students. It was a special pleasure to finally see B360 Coordinator Nico Smit in person after thousands of emails. He is such a great supporter and tries to organize everything possible and impossible for B360.

Southbound

I had the great opportunity to visit the four B360 experts, Corinne Gantenbein, Markus Schuppler, Miklos Soltesz and Rudolf Schmitt, who were teaching at NUST at the same time. It was a great experience to see how attentive and curious the students were to participate, how practice-oriented the lessons were and how much humor there was in the classroom. I find it very impressive and motivating to see the experts share their expertise and personal experiences with the young students at NUST with such passion.

Northbound

I was able to be part of the interview panel for the students applying for the next internship. Intensive days with lots of impressions. This insight deepens my understanding and motivates my work even more.

B360 network event

One of the highlights was the B360 networking event. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces; many alumni I have accompanied over the past few years during their internships in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, how they have grown into young professionals, and how grateful and happy they are for their time there. This mix of alumni, NUST staff, Namibian professionals, experts and friends was magnificent. An unforgettable evening.

Special event & home office

Sabina Balmer, Markus Schuppler and I spent the weekend including home office on a guest farm outside Windhoek. Walking through the beautiful landscape early in the morning, watching birds, antelopes and giraffes, and starting the day in Africa is an extra dose of motivation. And to be honest, I probably had one of the most beautiful workplaces for two days - on the terrace, in the beautiful landscape with a view of the waterhole - fantastic!

Win-Win and thank you

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this unforgettable and enriching opportunity at B360. Meeting the NUST staff, students, experts, and alumni has strengthened relationships and raised even more awareness of who and what I am working for – the exchange of knowledge with Southern Africa and the great personal gain and love for Africa!

A huge thank you to Sabina, I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity!