About Network of Nations

Network of Nations is a network linking internationals with one another and with Americans who want to be a friend. Network of Nations is a non-profit organization of individuals and churches in the local community of DeKalb, Illinois and at Northern Illinois University (NIU). We are committed to extending hospitality, friendship, and practical care to internationals in our community.

Our Mission

“When a foreigner lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The foreigner living among you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself.” —The Bible

The mission of Network of Nations is to care for the internationals who come to the DeKalb, Illinois area and to offer them a community of friends where they feel welcomed and appreciated. Our motivations are several. As world citizens, we appreciate the diverse cultures that internationals represent and we want to help them work through the many challenges they face in adjusting to American culture. As Americans, we want those who come here from other countries to receive a more complete picture of what we value as a nation and as a community. And as Christians, we take seriously God’s word drawn from the Bible: We believe God wants us to show his love to people of every nation.

If you are an international in DeKalb County, our hope is that we will be able to help you have an enjoyable and meaningful stay in our community. We hope we will be able to strengthen your spirit, give you a family and a sense of belonging, and help you in your life here.

Our History

Network of Nations grew out of an international student ministry started by a DeKalb, Illinois area church in the late 1990s. By 2000, it became clear that many more students could be helped by involving a broad group of churches. The international student outreach at Portland State University provided a successful model that inspired Network of Nations to form in January, 2001 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb.

The first program of Network of Nations was to continue the Friends Program, which had been begun by First Baptist Church of DeKalb, to coordinate friendships between international students and American friends in the community.

In May 2003, a group of Network of Nations associates began talking about having an Intercultural Cafe, a weekly time of friendship and food. This program was launched with great success in August 2003. In August 2009, the Intercultural Cafe entered its seventh year.

Currently more than 10 churches and hundreds of individuals from the local community are involved in one way or another in caring for internationals.

Our Programs

Network of Nations offers a variety of programs and special events designed to address the needs and interests of internationals. If you are an international, or an American interested in helping internationals, please see our programs page for more information.