Indiana University Bloomington

IU

Office of International Services


A Division of the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs

Franklin Hall 306, 601 East Kirkwood Avenue.  Bloomington, Indiana  47405
Phone: (812) 855-9086  |  Fax: (812) 855-4418  |   Email: intlserv@indiana.edu

International Center Programs & Events

English Conversation Club

  • Monday, November 30

  • 1:00pm–3:00pm

Uyghur Conversation Club

  • Monday, November 30

  • 4:15pm–5:15pm

Public Speaking Club

  • Monday, November 30

  • 7:00pm–8:00pm

International Students & Scholars Support Group

  • Monday, November 30

  • 7:00pm–8:30pm

Kyrgyz Conversation Club

  • Tuesday, December 1

  • 5:30pm–6:30pm

⇒ full calendar

⇒ more events

International Center

⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Faculty, Staff, & Visitors ⇒ J-1 Scholars ⇒ Scholar Newsletter: October 2008

Scholar Newsletter: October 2008

What’s New?

Basketball Season:

Indiana is known for its strong basketball traditions.  “Hoosier Hysteria” is IU’s version of Midnight Madness, which marks the beginning of the college basketball season.  The IU men’s and women’s basketball teams will host Hoosier Hysteria on Friday, October 17th.  Doors will open at 5:30pm and the cost of admission is three canned food goods or a cash donation, both of which will benefit the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.  The evening will begin with an autograph session at 6pm.  The Hoosier Volleyball team will host Ohio State in a 7pm match.  Following the match both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will take the floor for their first official practice session of the season.  For more details, visit the IU Athletics website.

Important Dates

Monday, October 27:

Second eight-week classes begin

Scholar Profile

Each month, we recognize the activities and accomplishments of one of our visiting scholars.  We hope this information will be interesting and help you get to know others on campus.  This month, our featured scholar is Gulnisa Nazarova.

Gulnisa Nazarova

Gulnisa Nazarova

In 2005, Gulnisa Nazarova came to IU on an invitation to teach Intermediate Uyghur (her native language) at the Summer Workshop in Slavic, East European and Central Asian Languages (SWSEEL).  The faculty then invited her to continue teaching through the Department of the Central Eurasian Studies (CEUS).  Now in her fourth year as a visiting professor, Gulnisa teaches Uyghur at the Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced levels.  During the summer, she still teaches an Intensive course of Intermediate Uyghur through SWSEEL.  She is also working at The Center for the Languages of the Central Asian Region (CELCAR) as a developer of learning materials, including online reading and listening comprehension, and multimedia materials for Uyghur learners.

Gulnisa was born in Kyrgyzstan after her parents moved there from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.  She graduated from high school in Uzbekistan, and then attended Ivanovo State University in Russia.  She then moved to Kazakhstan, where she obtained her Ph.D. at the Institute of Uyghur Studies, in 1992.  She then returned to Uzbekistan, where for more than 10 years she taught Uyghur and Turkish languages at the Institute of the Oriental Studies in Tashkent.  Her husband is Bahromjon Sotimov, and they have a daughter, Aliya, who is a freshman at Bloomington High School North.

We asked Gulnisa to share some additional information about her experience at IU:

Q: What is one thing you enjoy about IU or the city of Bloomington?
A: It is a great pleasure to work with such a good and professional staff and colleges.  I am also happy to work with my talented students.  Their hard work supports me and gives me more energy and enthusiasm to work.  I love Bloomington!  I think this is one of the most beautiful places in the US.  I love the campus; it is so peaceful and quiet.  I also love the people who live here.  They are so friendly.
Q: Are you involved in any activities or events at IU or in Bloomington?
A: Oh, yes!  There are so many interesting things going on.  I like to participate in the events organized by the International Center.  These events are especially useful for the new students and scholars.  It is a good place to make new friends, and have a lot of fun.  I love the Navruz celebration; one of the ancient holidays of the people in Central Asia.  There is a Navruz Student Association who organizes this event.  People from Central Asia cook their traditional food and prepare songs, poems, dances and skits.  During the summer session, we have a Silk Road Festival.  We actively participate with our learners.  I also like the volleyball season at IU.  My family and I like to go to their home games.  I played volleyball on a school team and now my daughter plays on her high school volleyball team.  I wish that someday she will also play for IU.
Q: What advice do you have for other scholars, especially those new to IU and Bloomington?
A: Enjoy every day of your life in Bloomington!  Explore all the surroundings.  There are so many beautiful places where you can go and relax.

J Regulation Reminder

30-Day Grace Period:

J Scholars have a 30-day grace period from the program end date on the DS-2019.  The 30-day grace period is intended to prepare for your departure from the US.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact a scholar advisor in OIS.

Upcoming Events

Scholar Luncheon:

The next scholar luncheon will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 15 at the International Center (111 S. Jordan Avenue).  Dr. Christopher Viers, Associate Vice President for International Services, will be our special guest.  If you would like to attend, please email intlcent@indiana.edu by October 10th.

Scholar Symposium:

All J-1 scholars are invited to participate in our 2nd Annual Scholar Symposium.  If you are interested in showcasing your research, please provide a one to two page abstract including your name, IU department, a one paragraph biography of yourself, and a summary of the nature of your research or teaching.  Abstracts must be received by Joanna Snyder in the Office of International Services, Franklin Hall 306 by 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 15th.  A committee will review all submitted abstracts and notify selected scholars by October 31st with instructions on how to prepare the poster presentation.  No more than six (6) scholars will be selected to present at the Scholar Symposium Luncheon on November 18, 2008.  Please direct questions regarding this event to Joanna Snyder at snyder1@indiana.edu.

Talking Politics Beyond Black and White—Infusing a Larger Vision:

Tuesday, October 14, 7:00–9:00 pm at the Hillel Center (730 E. 3rd St).  The purpose of this program is to explore the political thoughts and perspectives of others who may differ in culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, national status, etc.  The program will revolve around the issues of the upcoming US elections.

Get to Know Bloomington:

Saturday, October 18, 2008.  Meet at the Sample Gates by 12:40pm and walk to the Wylie House Museum (307 E. Second Street).  Built by Andrew Wylie (Indiana University’s First President) in 1835, the museum is one of Bloomington’s oldest structures and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  RSVP: Please email intlcent@indiana.edu to reserve your space.
Cost: Free

IU World’s Fare:

The Office of International Services and Union Board will host the IU World’s Fare on Thursday, November 6, 2008, as part of International Education Week.  The event includes food, performances, and cultural displays from the international student and scholar associations of IU.  For more information, visit the IU World’s Fare webpage.

For a full list of events at IU, visit the IU Events Calendar.

Things To Do

Lotus Festival

2008 Lotus Festival, October 2–5:

Since 1994, the Lotus Festival has brought great world music and art to downtown Bloomington.  The festival includes numerous live performances by artists from around the world.  Some performances are ticketed, but there are also many free events with art and music for the whole family.  Enjoy the Lotus Arts Village, food, drinks, film, and live music throughout the weekend.  See the Lotus Festival website for more information.

New Music Ensemble:

Saturday, October 4, 8:00pm at Recital Hall. David Dzubay, Director.  The program will include a piece by J-1 Scholar and Guest Composer Gabriela Ortiz.  Admission is free, and more information can be found at the School of Music website.

Free Recreational Sports Family Night:

Friday, October 10th, 7:00–9:00pm.  Come enjoy a night of fun for the whole family!  This free event includes activities everyone can enjoy, with a different theme each month!  For more information, email recsport@indiana.edu or visit their website.

Homecoming:

Homecoming is a tradition at most US high schools and universities, and is a time to welcome back former students.  The main events of IU’s Homecoming weekend include:

  • Homecoming Parade,

    5:30pm, Friday, October 24.  The parade travels west down Third Street and north on Indiana Avenue to the Sample Gates.  Enjoy the bands, pageantry, and Hoosier spirit as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the annual Homecoming Parade.

  • Pep Rally,

    6:30pm, Friday, October 24, Sample Gates (outside Franklin Hall).  After the parade, join head coach Bill Lynch, IU football players, cheerleaders, and the Marching Hundred for fireworks and more!

  • Homecoming Football Game,

    12:00pm Saturday, October 25 at Memorial Stadium.  Watch the IU football team take on Big Ten rival Northwestern University.  For ticket information, visit the IU Athletics website or call 866-IUSPORTS.

To view the full schedule of events, visit the IU Alumni Association website.

Did You Know?

Halloween

Friday, October 31 is Halloween.  The modern holiday of Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, a celebration of the end of the harvest season.  Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores.  The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, and costumes and masks were also worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.  Irish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century.  Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century.  Halloween activities include:

  • Trick-or-Treating

    is an activity for children in which they proceed from house to house in costumes, asking for treats (candy) with the question, “Trick or treat?” The “trick” part is a threat to play a trick on the homeowner or his property if no treat is given.  (This activity is considered appropriate for children, accompanied by parents or friends.)

  • Carving Jack-o-Lanterns

    (pumpkins) is typically done by cutting off the top, scooping out the inside flesh, then carving an image (such as a scary face) onto the outside surface, and the lid replaced.  At night, a light or candle is placed inside to illuminate the effect.

  • Haunted Houses

    are venues decorated to simulate the experience of visiting a place inhabited by supernatural beings, such as ghosts or spirits.  The illusion, created by actors, theatrical sets, sounds, lighting, and other special effects, is designed to frighten patrons who typically purchase tickets for the privilege.  These events are open to the public and commonly held throughout the month of October, leading up to Halloween.  (This activity is intended for teenagers or adults.)

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