Scholar Newsletter: February 2012
-
J-1 Scholars
Immigration Status
-
J-2 Dependents
-
Travel
-
Scholar Newsletter
Scholar Newsletter: February 2012
What’s New?
On February 4th, the IU Cinema will host the world premiere of a film score, written and conducted by IU Jacobs School of Music students, for the silent film version of "David Copperfield" (1922). The IU Cinema and Jacobs School of Music have collaborated on "The David Copperfield Project" to honor the 200th birthday of author Charles Dickens. For more information about this project, see the full press release.
Important Dates
March 10-18 is Spring Break, when students have a recess from classes. Check with your host department about expectations for work during this time. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during spring break, remember you will need to have a valid travel signature on your DS-2019 form. If you do not already have a valid travel signature, it is recommended you request one at http://istart.iu.edu at least 2 weeks in advance of travel.
Scholar Profile
Each month, we recognize the activities and accomplishments of our visiting scholars, offering insight into some of the research activities and nationalities represented on the campus of IU Bloomington. This month, our featured scholars are Joaquín Goñi and Nieves Velez de Mendizabal.
Joaquín is originally from Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. He obtained his degree in Computer Science from the University of the Basque Country in 2003, and a PhD in Mathematics and Applied Physics from the University of Navarra in 2008. He is currently involved in The Virtual Brain Project, and has been recently awarded with a postdoctoral grant of the Spanish Ministry of Education to continue his research at IU with Dr. Olaf Sporns. He is a J1 Research Scholar in the IU Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. He hopes to one day become a professor.
Nieves is from Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country of Spain. She completed her PhD in Computer Science at the University of the Basque Country and developed her thesis at the Center of Applied Medical Research. She completed her first post-doc in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Navarra. She was recently appointed as a J1 Research Scholar position with the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis. In the future, Nieves hopes to enter the pharmaceutical industry or find an academic position.
Together, the couple has lived in Eneriz, Navarra, Spain since 2007 and came to Bloomington in June 2011. The photo was recently taken at Patoka Lake with their dog, Yala (nickname "Little-wolf"). Joaquín explains, "She came with us from Spain and enjoys a lot the natural parks and nature you can find in Indiana." We asked them to share more about their experience with IU and Bloomington:
Q: Why did you choose to come to IU?
Joaquín: To have the privilege of working with Dr. Olaf Sporns. In the last years, I followed his scientific publications with high interest and decided I wanted to have the opportunity to work with him. Everything worked out very well from the very beginning and working in his lab has been fascinating.
Nieves: Because my husband started to work here, hence I looked for opportunities in Indiana in my research field. I contacted Robert Bies and started working for him two months ago. It has been a great experience and I am learning a lot.
Q: What is one thing you enjoy about IU or the city of Bloomington?
Joaquín & Nieves: We like small cities like Bloomington. The academic environment is very nice. It's very beautiful and is surrounded by plenty of nature and a lot of kinds of animals.
Q: What advice do you have for other scholars, especially those new to IU and Bloomington?
Joaquín: Learn how to think in scientific terms and avoid memorizing. Try to enjoy all the disciplines you are in contact with during your stay in IU.
Nieves: A car is almost necessary but it's a very easy to drive town.
Q: Are you involved in any activities or events at IU or in Bloomington?
Joaquín: I frequently play pick up soccer games at SRSC and also the intra-murals. (For more information, see IU RecSports.)
Nieves: During the winter season, I am spending some weekends in Paoli Peaks, a small ski resort one hour south driving from Bloomington.
If you would like to be included in the Scholar Profile, please email OIS@indiana.edu.
J Regulation Reminder
University Enrollment
J-1 scholars are permitted to enroll in classes as long as the classes are incidental to the primary activity of the exchange program. The scholar must continue to pursue the program objectives of the scholar category. If enrollment in classes or a degree program becomes the primary objective, J-1 status as a scholar is no longer appropriate and you should consult with an OIS advisor about changing to a student category. Fees apply to all students and scholars who enroll in classes. Contact the Office of the Bursar for fee information.
International Events
Indo-U.S. Relations: Where We Stand, Where Are We Headed? Nirupama Rao, Indian Ambassador to the United State, will speak on Thursday, February 2 at 5:00 pm in the Whittenberger Auditorium of the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU). This event is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs and the Madhusudan and Kiran C. Dhar India Studies Program.
Need help with your Income Taxes? Do you know if you even need to file taxes? Indiana University Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (IU VITA) will hold a question and answer session on Monday, February 27th from 11:30 to 1 pm at the International Center (111 S. Jordan Ave.) to help you determine whether you need to file U.S. Income Taxes. Come meet one on one with a volunteer! Questions? Email IndianaUniversityVITA@gmail.com IU VITA will also operate on Mondays and Tuesdays, January 30 -March 9, from 5-8pm on the 1st Floor of the IU Law School. Just bring your passport and visa, ITIN tax number (if you have one), and any other income documents (such as W2 or 1098-T) and certified volunteers will assist you.
The International Center is here to support you and your family during your stay at IU. Check the IC website for information about programs and events, such as the Language Conversation Clubs, Noon Concerts, Spouses Circle, and more!
Things To Do
The Monroe County Public Library offers Wintertelling on February 3 at 7:30 pm. Join in on a concert of stories, presented by member of the Bloomington Storytellers' Guild. For information about this and other events, visit the MCPL website.
Urban Landscape: A Selection of Papercuts by Qiao Xiaoguang will be on display at the IU Art Museum until May 27. Japanese New Years' Prints will be on display through April 2012. For information about these exhibits and other events, visit the IU Art Museum website.
The IU Department of Theatre & Drama will present Les Liaisons Dangereuses on February 3, 4, & 11 at the Wells-Metz Theatre, and A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare on February 24, 25, 28 and March 2 & 3 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre.
Many IU athletics teams will be competing in February, including basketball, indoor track & field, swimming, diving, and wrestling to name a few. For more information about athletic events and tickets, visit Indiana Athletics online.
The IU Opera Theater will present Albert Herring February 9th-12th at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Opera Theater will also present Der Rosenkavalier February 24-25 and March 2-3 at the Musical Arts Center. The opera will be sung in German with English supertitles. For more information about performances, visit the Jacobs School of Music.
Enjoy local produce, baked goods, and more at the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market, on Saturdays through March 31 at Harmony School (909 E 2nd Street). The outdoor Bloomington Community Farmers' Market will re-open in April.
If you're looking for ways to stay active in winter, check out the many sports and recreation facilities in Bloomington! IU Recreational Sports offers faculty/staff and family memberships for you to use the HPER and SRSC on campus. If you live off-campus, you may prefer the programs offered through Bloomington Parks & Recreation, including the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, or the Monroe County YMCA.
The IU Auditorium offers four great performances in February. Evidence, A Dance Company, will be in town February 4th, performing On Earth Together, set to the songs of Stevie Wonder. Good vs. Evil, An Evening with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert, is offered on February 16th, and the world-renowned chefs will be talking about more than cooking. Tony Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters will perform Broadway classics on February 25th. In the Heights, winner of four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will come to Bloomington on February 28-29. For information about these and other performances, visit the IU Auditorium website.
For more activities, visit the IU Events Calendar and the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Did You Know?
The Indiana State Police has published Winter Driving Tips. If you drive a car, read this helpful information to stay safe on the roads. The Indiana Department of Transportation also offers Winter Driving Safety information online. Indiana University has also published Winter Safety and Travel Tips through the Office of Emergency Management, offering information on the IU-Notify system, and how to protect your home.
Feedback
Are there items you would like to see included in future editions of the Scholar Newsletter? Click here to send us your suggestions.
