Religion

SEAYLP participants, like all Americans, will have the right and opportunity to practice their religion while they are here. While DeKalb, IL, has a diverse population, we still have far more churches that other types of religious centers. Finding a church in most American cities is a bit like finding a pagoda or temple in Bagan, Myanmar. But here is some information about what is available in or near DeKalb. I'll start with the less common; scroll to the bottom to see a sample of the local churches.

Mosque.There is a mosque for prayers just a few blocks from campus, but Friday prayers are currently being held at the HSC as a new mosque (pictured at right) is being built. You can also contact the Muslim Student Association for other information about the practice of Islam on NIU's campus.



Buddhist TempleThere is a nice temple hidden in the cornfields in Hampshire, IL, only 20 minutes from DeKalb. It is the Wat Lao Buddharam of Northern Illinois. In the past, SEAYLP has taken a field trip for Buddhist New Year to experience the culture there.

Hindu TempleOne has to go a bit further to find a Hindu temple. However, there is a beautiful temple in Bartlett, IL, called the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

SynagogueThere is a also a Jewish group near campus. For information go to Congregation Beth Shalom.

Churches The Newman Center is the closest church, located across from Holmes Student Center. There are several other Catholic churches in the DeKalb area. Here are a few other churches, but there are many others if you look.