Global Affairs
Learning and Leading: The Path to Change Starts Here
04/06/2020 10:37 am
Altynai Erkimbekova was just a toddler when her love for learning blossomed through her mother’s efforts to teach her how to read. “I was only two years old—I can’t believe it myself,” she stated, recounting her neighbors’ tales of how she would read newspapers for fun in her hometown of Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. This passion would eventually bring her over 10,000 miles away from home—here, to Rockford University.
As a child, Altynai struggled to find a place for herself in spite of her early advancement and precocious nature. She was unable to enroll in kindergarten because the school had run out of space, but instead of lagging behind, she endeavored to learn everything she could. “My sister is two years older than me, so she was going to school already. Every day, my mom would do homework with her, and I would do whatever my mom was saying. I completed those classes with my sister.”
When she was finally able to begin her formal education, she soared despite her sense of displacement. Since she was a practicing Christian, it was challenging for her to grow up in a mostly-Muslim community. Even so, she has always been a leader of her community, whether at school or with friends. She has lead different teams and managed projects that have changed lives of many people. Anything was possible for her, since she had the biggest support of her family and an inherent belief that she would succeed by being her best self. Her determination to get the most out of every day led to her acceptance into the International University of Central Asia (IUCA), where she was invited to join the foreign exchange program in her first year at the institution. “You need to be the best in English and in grade point average as well,” she explains. “Of course, seniors have a higher chance of being selected—and I was a freshman! I was so lucky.”
This is how Altynai first learned of Rockford University, and she felt immediately that this was an environment where she could finally find her place. She noted that in her first few days here, she could already tell how globally oriented and sensitive to culture the University is. Through various activities and events, she embraced her new campus community and found herself thriving, supported by and connected to her fellow students in a way she had never experienced before.
As someone who has continuously had to forge her own path to success, she knows first-hand that progress cannot happen on its own. After an eventful semester here, she went back to Kyrgyzstan and put even more effort into her goals, including a successful business project that employed several local seamstresses. At the same time, she worked to earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration, determined to come back to Rockford University as a graduate student.
Altynai has returned to the University and is currently studying to complete her MBA (Master of Business Administsration) with a concentration in finance. She is also working alongside the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) to help connect other students like her with the opportunities the University has to offer. Her work has led to some strong friendships, too. “OGA is my home here. I can freely talk to everyone in the office like they’re my own family.”
Following her graduation next spring, Altynai hopes to bring her experiences and knowledge from her time at Rockford University back to Kyrgyzstan. She plans to work within her community to share the empathy and determination that she has refined throughout this first chapter of her life.
When asked what advice she would give to students who, like her, come from a growing society and find themselves wanting to leave in search of a way to make a difference, she says, “You should surely go and find what your heart wants. Sometimes you have to leave your environment to be able to learn and grow, but then you should come back home ready to apply your new skills and experiences to make a difference. Don’t worry if you are not able to go abroad yet. It means you are not ready, and when you are ready, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and dreams!”
Rockford University invites community to the 11th Annual International Food Festival on April 6
03/18/2019 2:04 pm
Rockford University’s international students will help prepare a wide variety of international dishes for Rockford University’s 11th annual International Food Festival on Saturday, April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. This popular annual event is open to the community. The event takes place in Regents Hall, 2nd floor, Burpee Center on the Rockford University campus located at 5050 E. State Street, Rockford. The Burpee Center is accessible.
Sponsored by Rockford University’s Multicultural Club and the Office of Global Affairs, the International Food Festival features authentic recipes from more than 33 countries. Some of the countries represented at this year’s festival include Denmark, Germany, Philippines, Japan, China, Sweden, Turkey, Syria, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and France. Members from the Multicultural Club choose their favorite recipes so that visitors can taste and enjoy home cooked meals from their countries. International entertainment is also planned that features traditional songs and dances. Rockford University is currently home to more than 112 international students representing 23 countries.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door for adults, and children are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Rockford University’s Global Affairs office at globalaffairs@rockford.edu or call 815-394-5112.
Website: https://www.rockford.edu/community/globalaffairs/iff/
International Undergraduate Student Scholarships
02/08/2019 10:13 am
International Student Scholarships
Our merit scholarships are designed to reward those students who have been academically dedicated and engaged in their educational experience. These scholarships are awarded each year to new, undergraduate first-year and transfer international students who attend full-time. All GPA equivalencies are calculated on a 4.0 scale. Scholarships are determined at admission, and there is no separate application process. Scholarships are renewable each year as long as a student is enrolled full-time and maintains a 2.0 grade point average.
- Deans Scholarship: First year and transfer students with an equivalent GPA of 3.8 or higher may receive up to $20,000 annually.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: First year and transfer students with an equivalent GPA between 3.40 and 3.799 may receive up to $18,000 annually.
- Founders Award: First year and transfer students with an equivalent GPA between 3.0 and 3.399 may receive up to $17,000 annually.
- Recognition Award: First year and transfer students with an equivalent GPA between 2.65 and 2.999 may receive up to $16,000 annually.
- Regent Award: First year and transfer students with an equivalent GPA below 2.65 may receive up to $13,000 annually.
*Merit-based scholarships cannot be combined with other scholarships. **State-sponsored scholars are ineligible for merit-based scholarships.
Office of Global Affairs (OGA)
Burpee 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4138
Fax: 001-815-226-4141Maria Diemer, Executive Director
mdiemer@rockford.eduJulie Griffith, Associate Director
jgriffith@rockford.eduDaniel Nord, Assistant Director
dnord@rockford.edu微信/Wechat ID: JulieOGA_Rockford
Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Council of Global Affairs
02/14/2018 6:59 pm
Global Spotlight
Nomination Form
Global Spotlight Winners
Message to Rockford University Students from the Faculty
The faculty of Rockford University is committed to the teaching mission of the institution and thus to all our students. The faculty values and appreciates the diversity of religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, disability, and gender in our student body. The rich diversity present in our campus community enriches the educational environment by deepening our understanding of the world and better equipping all students to be global citizens. We, the members of the Rockford University faculty, wish each of you to know that you have our support in your efforts to grow, learn, and fulfill your dreams. We are glad you have chosen to study at Rockford University, and we value your contributions to the whole RU community. We are your teachers and we are here to help and support you.
Council of Global Affairs
The Council on Global Affairs is a group of faculty and staff who have volunteered to meet regularly to discuss issues and activities of global significance on campus. The council is seeking new members for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please email globalaffairs@rockford.edu for more information.
Global Spotlight Award
This award is given to two students per semester who have participated in school or community activities that are cross-cultural, demonstrated a commitment to advancing cultural awareness and function as a cross-cultural agent of change.
Congratulations to our Global Spotlight Students of the Month!
Flags Displayed on Campus
The university proudly flies flags representing our international students and other countries that represent the ethnic backgrounds of students, staff and faculty. Please email the Office of Global Affairs at globalaffairs@rockford.edu if there is a flag that you would like to be displayed!
Global Fellow
Julie Griffith, Associate Director of Global Affairs, received her M.S.Ed. with an emphasis in student affairs from Northern Illinois University. She also serves as the Global Fellow and pioneered Rockford University’s international service program, having gotten her start in international education on several mission trips to Uganda. In conjunction with community partner Kids Around the World, Julie instigated playground builds for RU students in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic in 2022 and 2024. Julie also coordinates the Council of Global Affairs and facilitates study abroad opportunities. Julie was the recipient of the Mary Ashby Cheek Global Award in 2023.
Study Abroad
11/08/2016 12:43 pm
Rockford University
GO GLOBAL WITH RU
Rockford University Study Abroad Program
Rockford University aims to provide education that helps our students not only become excellent professionals but also learn to appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest. Therefore every student of Rockford University has an opportunity to study abroad and explore the world both in short-term trips as well as semester-long programs.
Semester-Long Programs
Explore your opportunities to study in the UK, Sweden, and Japan.
Application deadlines are March 15 and September 15.
Upcoming Trips
Serve Abroad Trip May 2026
Rockford University will once again partner with Kids Around the World on a global service trip to build a playground in a developing country. More information to come.
Ireland May 2026
Explore Ireland visiting the locations you have studied in your literature classes.
Rome May 2026
Imagine yourself walking in the footsteps of ancient Romans. Participants on this 10 day trip will explore various historical sites, including early and imperial Roman, as well as early and later Christian excavations and architecture. Key locations include the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter’s, and lesser-known sites. No knowledge of Italian is required. Faculty from the Languages, Philosophy, Religion, and Culture (LPRC) Department will lead the program.
Prerequisites: Each student must take one of the following courses: CLAS 210 Archaeology of the Ancient World, CLAS 314 History of Ancient Rome, or RELG 279 Conversion: How the Pagan Roman Empire Became Christian. Additionally, every student must complete a one-credit course: LPRC 297 Research & Study Abroad.
Regent University
University of Skövde
University of Kobe
Student Experiences
Blessing.
I am extremely grateful to have obtained a SOF (Student Opportunity Fund) from Rockford University. Because of this blessing, I was able to participate in the Cuba Study Abroad program in 2024. I obtained many beautiful and humbling experiences as I traveled to many environments and communities all across Cuba, built amazing relationships with Cuban residents, and experiencd the colonial period. This program allowed me to visually see that even when we humans live so far from each other and live from different points of view, we can always find a connection to one another. This trip was truly a blessing because not only did I learn, practice, and gain skills, I also lent a hand to those who surrounded me. To have the opportunity to share my knowledge and help others was very special to me. By simply being open to the world, I was blessed with the opportunity to assist others with skills such as leading, teaching, and interpretation. I will forever be thankful for Dr. Yoandy Cabrera-Ortega and for the SOF at Rockford University. Because of them, I arrived in Cuba with three amazing friends and I came back with twenty new, beautiful friendships and many valuable memories that I will cherish forever.
Grateful and Growth.
I couldn’t just pick one word. I had so many I could’ve picked, but I got it down to two. No words can describe how grateful I am for everything to do with the trip. The RU team is so amazing, supportive, thoughtful and many other things. You guys are the best teammates I could’ve ever asked for. I’ve felt so much love and support from you all. The Kids Around the World team was beyond amazing. They did everything they could to make sure we had everything we needed and made sure we got the absolute best out of trip. Even those who didn’t speak the greatest English still found ways to make me feel welcomed and supported. Now for growth. I’ve never traveled out of the country and never traveled without my mom. I’ve also never tried many of things I did try on this trip, and I was pretty proud of myself. But I felt I was able to do all the new things with the support of this team. Overall, it was the best experience or trip I’ve had. I couldn’t be more happy that I had this experience and would recommend that anyone should do a trip like this at least once in their life.
Evolutionary.
I feel like I’ll never be the same after this trip after being exposed to a different way of life. A life much simpler and calmer. Upon arriving I realized the people there followed no schedule and at first I thought it was insane but after interviewing the people of the country I realized that they had a very chill aura to them. I accredit that to their theory on timing. That time should be enjoyed instead of squeezed to the last drop for productivity. Another example of that is how the governor showed up to the event late and everybody thought it was ok. It didn’t destroy the vibe of the party the people just went with the flow. This idea will be adopted into my life. The idea that life doesn’t need to be scheduled minute by minute and maybe the unexpected shouldn’t be viewed as bad.
Past Trips
Dominican Republic 2024
Ecuador 2022
Paris, France 2019
For the study of art history, the experience of viewing works of art and architecture in person simply cannot be replicated. Even the best reproductions fail miserably to convey the richness and subtleties of works of art. In Paris, students will be in the presence of some of the world’s greatest works of art (not just French art), which rarely travel any more. I can’t think of another city in which students can experience the history of our globe’s artistic heritage from antiquity to the present in quite the same way. In addition, there is simply no equivalent for the immersion in another culture available on campus. I intend for students not only to experience the “romantic Paris” but also for them to be immersed in the “real-life” of working Parisians, which is why I have us stay in my former neighborhood. In addition, I know from the previous trip, students learn many practical things during these experiences such as how to navigate in a large city, read subway and street maps, and solve practical, daily issues in a foreign environment. I’ve seen how much more confident they become from the beginning of the trip to its end; it’s an amazing opportunity for personal growth that cannot be replicated in a familiar setting.
Madrid, Spain 2018
This study abroad trip will enable students to gain academic credit for study abroad in relation to the Spanish Program offerings. Students will travel to Spain for a short term field experience. While there, they will attend theater performances and meet with playwrights, actors, and directors to learn more about the theater writing and production process. Visits to museums, libraries, and cultural centers will also contribute to their understanding of contemporary Spanish culture. There will be a research project associated with the field experience.
Rome, Italy 2017
8 students, along with their faculty advisor, Dr. Stephanie Quinn embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Rome, Italy. Students selected and researched a Roman monument from antiquity during the spring semester. Students were able to share their work and findings while standing in front of the actual monument.
For more information on this trip, follow our blog.https://rockforduniversitystudyabroad.wordpress.com/
Contact InformationHow to get in touch with us |
Maria Diemer815.394.5112 |
Mailing Address5050 East State Street, 61108 |
Email Addressmdiemer@rockford.edu |
Office of Global Affairs
11/08/2016 12:41 pm
Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Privet! Hej! Guten tag! Ni hao! Salam! and Jambo!
The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) helps prepare Rockford University students, faculty and community constituents for active participation in a rapidly changing global society by internationalizing our campus and curriculum, facilitating experiential learning opportunities, and developing our international partnerships to achieve Rockford University’s strategic objectives.
Events
The Office of Global Affairs celebrated the start of the semester with several exciting events.
Saudi National Day
Over 180 students and community members joined us for this celebration, enjoying delicious food and a cultural presentation led by our Saudi students.
Origami Day – Japan
Our Japanese exchange students taught us the art of Japanese paper folding! The campus community learned the traditional techniques and make your own beautiful origami creations and sampled delicious Japanese bevereages and snacks.
Vietnamese Day
Students from Vietnam shared their rich cultural heritage in presentations that connected the community and celebrated diversity. Chef David, from Fresh Ideas took us through a culinary journey through Vietnam be preparing dishes using recipes our Vietnamese students shared.
Hotpot Day
Students had the opportunity to warm up with a communal hotpot meal, a cozy and delicious way to experience a beloved tradition from China.
Change of Address
Have you moved or are you planning on moving to a new apartment, RU dormitory or house? If so, please read below to ensure you properly report your change of U.S. address. All F1 and J1 students must notify their designated school official (DSO) within 10 days of any changes to their place of residence in the U.S. You must communicate this revision to your DSO (Office of Global Affairs) by filling out this form within 10 days of your move. Your DSO will ensure that your information is correct in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Mission Statement of the Office of Global Affairs
Create a supportive and interactive learning environment that celebrates multiculturalism by bringing all of Rockford University’s diverse student body together, in such a way that the academic, as well as extra-curricular experiences of all students, are enhanced and enjoyed.
Check Out Our Global Spotlight Students of the Month!
Global Connections Newsletter
Services provided by the OGA:
- Assist both U.S. and international students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad
- Provide services related to U.S. immigration regulations
- Offer international student orientation
- Provide international student academic advising and support
- Advise Multicultural Club, Saudi Club and Arabs United.
Global Ambassador Program
The Global Ambassador Program pairs new international students with a Rockford University student who has been on campus for at least one year. Global Ambassadors assist new international students from the time that a student arrives to Rockford University until the end of her or his first year. The goal of this program is for Global Ambassadors to help international students acclimate to the Rockford University campus and U.S. academic system through post-orientation and first year follow up as a peer mentor for the new student.
Community Friends Program
The Community Friends Program matches families in the Rockford community with international students. These families help international students by giving them the opportunity to have authentic cultural experiences in the area and in their homes. Many students who have participated in this program in past years have shared holidays at their Community Friends’ homes and have attended local area attractions with their families. To learn more about how to become a Community Friend, contact Julie at jgriffith@rockford.edu.
Core Values of the Office of Global Affairs
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Enable everyone to have the opportunity to experience traveling abroad.
Being an international student-athlete gave me the opportunity to create unbreakable relationships, live unforgettable moments, and develop social skills while having a great experience getting my degrees at Rockford University.
When I first started at Rockford University, I never imagined I had the potential to be a confident presenter. But through my major in International Studies, my double minors, my work at the Office of Global Affairs, and my role as president of the Multicultural Club, I discovered who I truly am. The Office of Global Affairs has been like a second family to me–three amazing “moms” who always had my back. Because of their support, I chose Rockford University as my second home to continue my master’s education in Project Management. They also helped me find my second career path. These experiences have shaped me in ways I will always cherish, and I’m forever grateful for this incredible, supportive community.
Contact Information
Maria Diemer, Executive Director of Global Affairs
815-394-5112
MDiemer@rockford.edu
Julie Griffith, Associate Director of Global Affairs
815-394-5118
JGriffith@rockford.edu
Daniel Nord, Assistant Director of Global Affairs
815-226-4138
DNord@rockford.edu
Location: Burpee Building, 2nd Floor
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Study Abroad
11/07/2016 1:06 pm
Meet Our Staff
11/07/2016 1:01 pm
Volunteer Opportunities
11/07/2016 12:58 pm
Program Costs
11/07/2016 12:55 pm
