Pass It On: IWP Creative Writing Camp Seeks Arabic-writing Teens

The Iowa-based International Writing Program‘s “Between the Lines” writing camp is looking for creative-writing applicants, aged 16-19, from countries across the region:

iwp-main-logoThe program, which began in 2008, brings high-school-aged writers together for a serious study of creative writing, with acclaimed author-instructors like novelist Iman Humaydan Younes and poet Marcus Jackson. 

Students who want to participate must submit creative work in Arabic and in English, a creative response to one of two writing prompts, and a statement of purpose. However, IWP organizers stress they’re not looking for the next Waguih Ghali or Hisham Matar. They’re looking for teens who, “first and foremost,” are “passionate about creative writing in their own language.” 

Although writing-camp participants must have a working knowledge of English, “It is important to note that international students are chosen based on their creative writings IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE, not in English.”

For accepted international students, all fees, including travel, lodging and meals, are paid.

Participating countries are: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria (Syrian students living outside of Syria), Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Those who are interested in applying must do so through their country’s US embassy. Syrian students can apply through the embassy in their country of residence.

For more information, email iwp[at]uiowa.edu. The application deadline is March 1, 2014.

More on how to apply: iwp.uiowa.edu/programs/between-the-lines.