Between the Lines 2012 Now Accepting Applications

Since 2008, the International Writing Program has hosted Between the Lines (BTL), a program that brings young writers, aged 16-19, to the University of Iowa for creative writing study and cultural interaction. Sponsored by the University of Iowa, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and the International Writing Program, Between the lines is a unique summer writing program that gives students the opportunity to interact with student writers from other cultures, to experience the literary life in Iowa City (the only UNESCO-designated City of Literature in the United States), and to receive writing instruction from distinguished professionals in the field.  

We are excited to announce that for 2012, there will be two BTL sessions:

• BTL Russia (June 30-July 13): Ten students from across Russia will be invited to join 10 American students.
• BTL Arabic (July 14-28): Twelve students from selected Arabic-speaking countries will be invited to join 12 American students.

Both sessions will include a literature seminar and a language-specific creative writing workshop taught by faculty who are renowned writers in their own right. Students will live in a dorm on the University of Iowa campus along with university-trained counselors, who help foster a strong sense of creative community.

International students are nominated by the American embassy in their respective countries, and American students are invited to apply for either session. Please see this page for application details and a link to the online application. Completed applications are due Februrary, 15, 2012.