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Wuppertal Exchange Program

Since 1951 Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas and the Bergische-Universität-Gesamthochschule-Wuppertal have maintained a student exchange program. The exchange program, which permits two students from each of the institutions to spend an academic year at the other institution, is undoubtedly one of the oldest exchange programs between an American college and a German university.

When begun in 1951, the exchange program was affiliated with the Pädagogische-Hochschule in Wuppertal, which later became the Bergische-Universität. As a result of this exchange program, more than 150 students have been able to gain first-hand experience in a different culture, build life-long friendships, develop proficiency in the respective foreign language, as well as complete academic course work at a foreign university. In more recent years a group of German participants in the program, as well as some Bethel alumni in Germany founded the Förderverein der Freunde des Bethel Colleges (Friends of Bethel in Germany). This organization has been especially helpful in supporting the Bethel students studying in Wuppertal.

Special anniversary celebrations have taken place in 1966, 1976 and 2001 to commemorate the program. Special 15th-, 25th- and 50th-annniversary booklets were produced to document both the special observances and the history of the program.

The exchange program is administered by the Professor Merle Schlabaugh, chair of the Bethel College Language Department, and Professor Bettina Hofmann, member of the English faculty in Wuppertal. Persons desiring more information on the program should contact either Professor Schlabaugh or Professor Hofmann, as well as visit the Web sites of either Bethel College or the Bergische-Universität.

Friends of Bethel in Germany (Förderverein der Freunde des Bethel Colleges)

In more recent years a group of German participants in the program, as well as some Bethel alumni in Germany founded the Förderverein der Freunde des Bethel Colleges (Friends of Bethel in Germany). This organization has been especially helpful in supporting the Bethel students studying in Wuppertal. The current president is Christiane Renger '58 of Bonn.

The association has also connected with other Bethel alumni and students. In May 2003, Christiane Renger brought official greetings at the annual Bethel College Alumni Association banquet on campus. In June of that same year, an alumni choir toured Europe and met with German alumni in Solingen. Friends of Bethel members have also hosted students and staff traveling with the Concert Choir during January Interterm.