Deadline: 11 March 2013
The United States Department of State in cooperation with the prestigious Iowa Writers Program (IWP) will host 12 writers ages 16-19 from Arabic-speaking countries for a two-week residency at the University of Iowa from June 22-July 8, 2013. The young writers will be immersed in one of the top creative-writing programs in the U.S. as part of a cultural exchange that will broaden and sharpen their writing skills, deepen their understanding of American society, and build bridges with young American writers who will also participate in the workshop. Program activities will include writing workshops in both English and Arabic, seminars on literary topics, cultural visits, and other local events along with a trip to Chicago. At the conclusion of the program, the students’ writings (in both English and Arabic) will be collected into a printed booklet that will be used for educational purposes. The U.S. Embassy will accept nominations for candidates and chaperones for the program (more details below). The chaperone will also have the opportunity to participate in teacher training workshops on creative writing with American teachers in English. The program is FUNDED by the U.S. Department of State, including international airfare, travel within the United States, accommodation, meals, and program fees.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THE “BETWEEN THE LINES” YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAM:
Applicants are requested to supply the following:
The U.S. Embassy will review applications and contact applicants for interviews.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For queries/ submissions: solimannm@state.gov
Website: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov. http://iwp.uiowa.edu/programs/between-the-lines
The United States Department of State in cooperation with the prestigious Iowa Writers Program (IWP) will host 12 writers ages 16-19 from Arabic-speaking countries for a two-week residency at the University of Iowa from June 22-July 8, 2013. The young writers will be immersed in one of the top creative-writing programs in the U.S. as part of a cultural exchange that will broaden and sharpen their writing skills, deepen their understanding of American society, and build bridges with young American writers who will also participate in the workshop. Program activities will include writing workshops in both English and Arabic, seminars on literary topics, cultural visits, and other local events along with a trip to Chicago. At the conclusion of the program, the students’ writings (in both English and Arabic) will be collected into a printed booklet that will be used for educational purposes. The U.S. Embassy will accept nominations for candidates and chaperones for the program (more details below). The chaperone will also have the opportunity to participate in teacher training workshops on creative writing with American teachers in English. The program is FUNDED by the U.S. Department of State, including international airfare, travel within the United States, accommodation, meals, and program fees.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THE “BETWEEN THE LINES” YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAM:
- A student between the ages of 16-19
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and Arabic
- Demonstrates a willingness to participate in a cross-cultural environment
- A strong interest in writing
- Ideally, be a teacher from the same school at the candidate
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and Arabic
- Reliable, mature, and willing and able to oversee students in the program
Applicants are requested to supply the following:
- A writing sample of 6-8 pages of prose and/or poetry in English
- A writing sample of 6-8 pages of prose and/or poetry in Arabic
- A brief c.v. with information including education, area of study, and contact information
- A brief one paragraph statement in English describing why writing is important to their life and what they hope to gain from the program
- A writing sample of 2-5 pages of prose and/or poetry in either English or Arabic on one of the following themes:
- A person comes home and sees that someone new is moving into the apartment next to them. In the hallway is a giant cage with a colorful bird that talks, an open box full of shiny black shoes, and a strange machine the person has never seen before. The new neighbor’s door is open – what happens? (Write a short story or poem.)
- Write a story of poem inspired by the following statement: “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
The U.S. Embassy will review applications and contact applicants for interviews.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For queries/ submissions: solimannm@state.gov
Website: http://kuwait.usembassy.gov. http://iwp.uiowa.edu/programs/between-the-lines
