It is the eve of Halloween once again. We at the International Programs would like to wish our students and faculty a safe and glorious Halloween weekend! May your holiday be safe and spooky!
Photograph of a full moon over Venice, Italy. Thank goodness werewolves aren’t nautical!
Photograph by Ryan Shields
In preparation for International Education Week (November 16-20), International Programs will be featuring a favorite international food or recipe from students, faculty, and staff from Indiana University South Bend.
In celebration of this project, we are excited and honored to present our first recipe that comes to us from IU South Bend Chancellor, Terry Allison:
A favorite recipe of mine is a French chocolate cake – Gateau au chocolat l’éminence brune. I learned the recipe from Julia Child.
An adaptation of the recipe is published by the New York Times. This version is not so clear about how to mix the ingredients at the end, however.
So, here’s what you do: You have the chocolate batter, the beaten egg whites, and the cornstarch. First you take ¼ of the egg whites and mix them in quickly with the chocolate batter to lighten it. Then, you add about 1/3 of the cornstarch, and quickly mix it in. Add another ¼ of the egg white mixture and repeat until you’ve folded in all the egg white and starch. This has to be done quickly, because your goal is that the egg whites don’t deflate too much and the more you mix, the more you’ll lose the fluffiness. Also, don’t be surprised when the cake comes out of the oven and deflates. This is a rich, dense cake so it doesn’t have a lot of air in it at the end.
I love this recipe because it tastes like the essence of chocolate. It has the bitter as well as the sweet. Some friends just made it for me for my birthday and it was absolutely delicious. Also, there’s a short opera about making this recipe! That adds to the mystique of the recipe.
Finally, I lived in Paris two different times, a year each time. Making a classic French recipe reminds me of my longest stays abroad.
Special thanks to Chancellor Allison for participating in our International Recipe project and kicking us off to a great start!
Find more amazing recipes on our Facebook and Twitter pages for the next several weeks!
Blog post by International Programs intern Sara Arnett.
This blog features IU South Bend’s Student Government Association President, Hannah Van.
Now a Costa Rica study abroad alumna, Van wrote the following letter to thank her scholarship donors.
Dear Julienne and Patrick,
I hope that all is well with both of you! Although it was just last week we were emailing back and forth, I feel like so much time has passed. Thank you for all the wonderful advice prior to the trip, it was such a wonderful time and I want to share with you a little bit about my experience that you made possible.
The excursions and resort stays were relaxing and beautiful! Although I enjoyed them a lot, I found myself taking a special interest in spending time with the Ticos and studying the culture. My favorite part of the trip was casually interviewing a wide range of Ticos when time permitted. I learned so much about the current period and the history of the politics, tax system, and entrepreneurship in Costa Rica. It was fascinating to hear the range of opinions supplementing the facts. The discussions often led to interesting things; some in particular stood out. The fact that the economy and living environment of China is so different from Costa Rica’s, yet the history of their political systems are so similar was fascinating to me. The correlation ran up to the Chinese “culture fever” in the 1980’s. The period after Mao’s death developed a movement similar to the movement after the return of Carmin to Costa Rica. I not only learned many things, but it was neat to see how excited the Natives were to share the history.
It was challenging to seek out individuals who knew or had entrepreneurial experiences. Shop owners at the local stores were the only ones I could really sneak away to talk with. The legal system was brought forward in almost every conversation. I was caught off guard when discussing income and the role that Costa Rican lawyers have. After assessing the surroundings towards the end of the week the reasoning was clear. It was especially exciting to have my final interviews with Gary and Alberto from the Academy. Knowing that they would have good insight on the corporation process, I had prepared many direct questions in advance. I learned a lot from both of them regarding the growth of foreign entrepreneurship.
The most enjoyable 24 hours were spent in Nosarita. Spending our “free” time individually with the locals was amazing. A language barrier was present but that didn’t keep us from communicating. The cook’s granddaughter resembled my appearance and I’m grateful to say they took a special interest in welcoming me. That first night after our soccer game, I stuck around with the cooks and the rest of the young girls. The following morning I woke up a few hours early with the intention to find a native to interact with. I discovered the Nosarita school children and we played on the monkey bars and practiced counting in English. Cynthia saw that I had developed a bond with the Nosarita kids and allowed me to stay back with them while the rest of the group traveled to Belen for other service projects. That day with Jefferson, Jordan, Emily, Marisol, and Rosalinda was a transforming experience!
I want to thank you for making that experience, all the knowledge gained, and the trip as a whole, possible for me. With your assistance I have been able to learn so much about a wonderful place and expand my understanding of another cultural. It makes me so excited to think that your scholarship does not end with me and will continue to provide opportunity for others to experience the Costa Rica program as well. I plan to continue my journey with the Costa Rica Program. Not only by reaching out and learning more about the legal system, politics, and entrepreneurial potential, but through giving back to the program as you have done! Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity and being an encouragement to follow the path of giving back.
Sincerely,
Hannah Van
P.S. I would love to hear more about your experience in the program! What was your favorite part? What was the most fascinating thing you learned?
This ‘Thank You’ was not the last of our relationship. Julie and I continued to email back and forth until I finally made it to Dallas to meet in person. Julie and Patrick welcomed me with open arms to the Dallas community and made sure that I enjoyed my time and had someone if I needed anything. It’s more than a scholarship that I can thank them for. Julie is a role model and a mentor. IU and the South Bend campus needs more Julies to change students’ lives one thoughtful act at a time. Thank you…
When I was told that Venice was part of the Florence abroad trip, I couldn’t begin to understand just how amazing that experience was going to be. I had no expectation to satisfy. Instead, Venice made its presence known in my heart through its impeccable charm and amazing scenery. Venice is known for its water channels as a method of transportation, but until you’re immersed in that kind of travel it is hard to imagine. The bus system is comprised entirely of boats, complete with floating Bus Stations. At any given time, residents of the city use their personal boats to migrate around the numerous waterways. In the bigger Venetian channels, extravagant yachts and immense cruise ships accentuate the beautiful Italian architecture. And of course, tourists from all over the world come to Venice and catch a ride on the famous gondolas as a way to soak in the magic of the city.
This image is of Venice’s most popular and renowned social square, the Piazza San Marco. This Piazza is where the Doges of the Venetian republic would operate and entertain Italian politicians and elites, as well as foreign diplomats. The Doge’s Palace (pictured on the right) was the venue for Venetian court for over 500 years before being turned into a museum. The story of the Piazza San Marco is enough to make anyone consider Venice’s historical importance, but the magnificence of the architecture and the beauty of Italy’s east coast make it an unforgettable and essential destination for any traveler!
Piazza San Marco & Doge’s Palace. Venice, Italy. Photo by Ryan Shields.
On Friday, October 23rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in DW 1001, Dr. Tetzlaff (a professor at IU South Bend) will speak about her academic year at the University of Ghana Legon.
Dr. Monica Tetzlaff in front of the Fulbright House, where she stayed in Ghana
In Ghana, Dr. Tetzlaff researched in the Institute of African Studies and taught material on the African diaspora and women’s issues.
In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Tetzlaff adapted to living in Africa by learning that there was not just one way to do something. A great example of this is how she learned how to eat soup with her hands, which Dr. Tetzlaff will discuss during her lecture.
Join IU South Bend in welcoming back Dr. Tetzlaff back to campus and learn more about the culture of Ghana.
One of the greatest aspects of studying abroad is being immersed in another culture. Italy has an unfamiliar quality compared to the American mindset. They enjoy a much more relaxed lifestyle. For instance, the restaurants and shops will close for a few hours in the middle of the day for recreational and family time. In this time, Italians will cherish a long break away from their jobs before returning to work for a fairly long night. In this photograph, we see an open-air market operating and doing well after dark. Lush fruit and water are the main items for sale, along with snacks and wine at this particular shop. However, if the water isn’t carbonated, you know you’re at shop catering to tourists! Either way, it is imperative that students try the fresh fruit of these markets when studying in Italy.
Are you interested in going abroad? We are going back in 2016! Students of Drawing, Sculpting, and General Studies are encouraged to grasp the opportunity to live in Italy for a month. Students of any degree can also use elective credits to internationalize their education! Applications will be available shortly and their deadline is February 1st. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to go abroad with purpose!
One of many open-air markets in Rome. Photograph by Ryan Shields
Join the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center in a presentation about the Republic of Kenya on October 18 (Sunday). “Michiana’s African Connection Series” is focused on strengthening the relationship between Africans and African Americans living in the Michiana area.
The IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center says that the series will offer “events that explores and appreciates each of the unique African nations that contribute to our city. Through food, through music, through stories, and especially through people, “Africans In Michiana” is a celebration of the amazing cultures throughout our region.”
In addition to the presentations, guests can enjoy traditional Kenyan dishes.
“Michiana’s African Connection Series: Kenya” will be on Sunday, October 18th from 3:30 PM to 6 PM at the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center (1040 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46601).
IU South Bend alumna Nicole Thornton represents a trend in study abroad graduate success.
In 2012, Nicole Thornton traveled to Belize with the Biology Department at IU South Bend. There, Thornton learned about Tropical Marine Biology during the nine-day stay.
Thornton snorkeling in Belize.
Since her time in Belize, Thornton has graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences and is working as a Chemist at KIK Custom Products.
This unique study abroad experience gave Thornton a competitive edge. Since graduation, every interviewing employer has asked about her study abroad experience.
“I experienced and learned numerous things, like research and experiment techniques, that could have only been achieved through this study abroad experience,” says Thornton.
In the Biology field, according to Thornton, employers are looking for people with strong research and leadership skills. Thornton learned both of these crucial skills in Belize.
In Belize, Thornton led her research group and delegated tasks and relayed ideas and important information.
“I use those skills every day at work when I have to pass along a task or have to train someone” says Thornton.
Thornton has received research grants and an award at the IUSB Undergraduate Research Conference based on projects she completed after her trip.
Dr. Ann Grens and Dr. Peter Bushnell, the IU South Bend faculty coordinators for this trip, have mentored and written recommendation letters for Thornton.
Three years later, Thornton is still friends with the 19 people she studied in Belize with. They assist each other with job hunting and references.
To learn more about Study Abroad, visit the International Programs website.
Today will be a little different than usual as we visit Future Florence Friday. Students of General Studies and the Arts have an opportunity to travel to Italy! Indiana University South Bend is going back to Florence in 2016. Professor Dora Natella will lead drawing and sculpture students, as well as General Studies majors, on a month long adventure around beautiful Italy. In conjunction with Santa Reparata, students will be living in student housing within Florence as they study the refined techniques of renowned Italian artists. I implore students with any curiosity of studying in Florence to watch this video featuring the 2016 trip leader, Dora Natella:
This program is worth six credit hours that can be earned during Summer I of 2016. The classes are FINA-S497: Independent Study in Studio Art-Sculpture, and FINA-A399: Art, Aesthetics and Creativity. Students must be of Sophomore status to apply and applications are due on February 1st, 2016. There are scholarships available specifically to study abroad students!
For more information on the Florence 2016 Study Abroad Program, visit the IUSB Website. Any further questions or inquiries should be directed to Professor Dora Natella (dnatella@iusb.edu), or Lisa Zwicker, Director of International Programs (zwicker@iusb.edu). Let’s go to Florence in 2016!
Rome, Italy. Photograph by Ryan Shields
During the rainy season, the Wodaabe, a multinational West African nomadic tribe, participate in a richly elaborate “courting” ceremony called the Guérewol. During this ceremony, men dress in a white skirt, an intricate head dress made of feathers, and wear elaborate make-up. Posture and standing erect is also an important part of the Guérewol ritual; as is the ash from the Guérewol fire, which is considered to be lucky.
Aesthetics are a large part of the Guérewol, but there are religious aspects to it as well or at least there were at one time. The painting of their faces is done in ways that make their eyes and teeth to appear as white as possible and they dance in a way that the light shines through them, penetrating their body. The Guérewol lasts for seven full days and represents a war to save the future of the Wodaabe.
In Niger, the dance has become a major tourist attraction, but that does not detract from the artistic integrity of the ritual. Cultural importance can still be displayed through the consumption of once localized folk art. In many ways this concept reminds me of the indigenous art forms that I saw while studying in Mexico over the summer. Items such as alebrijes, black pottery, and the Guelaguetza (a Mexican folk dance festival) are so amazing to witness, especially when some of these folk traditions span thousands of years. I took a pottery workshop in Oaxaca and some of my maestro’s finished creations were similar in design and color to the ones at the museum at Monte Alban and the Museo Nacional de Antropología.
Throughout the world, folk art pieces are now heavily produced for tourists, but they are still made in a relatively authentic manner. They are not produced in a factory, at least not in the typical U.S. citizens’ view of a factory. In Mexico, production of alebrijes is a family business and everyone contributes to the finished product. This seems to be a great opportunity for these people to increase their standard of living while maintaining elements of their traditional lifestyle. If they are able to ship their products to the U.S. and a fair trade organization guarantees a non-exploitive transaction, one that gives them a living wage, then that seems like a good deal for the artist. Although, I must admit it is not as cool as purchasing it in the place of origin, and many times from the artist directly. There is an authenticity and soul in folk art that cannot be captured when purchasing something at a store that sells mass produced variations. Folk art, such as alebrijes or the Guérewol in Niger, also serves as a great way of remembering a trip, while also serving as a great conversation starter when asked. This leads to the amazing opening sentence “I got that when I spent a summer in Oaxaca, Mexico with IU South Bend.” Mass produced folk art yields no such memories or opportunities.
Having a chance to make and witness all the indigenous art forms at Oaxaca has been an awesome experience and I would love to see the Guérewol in person. I would love to have everyone reading this to join me because the shared experience of a study abroad trip is simply indescribable.
International Programs 