Overview

This year marked the debut of BTL Russia, in which Russian and American students came together to experience the literary culture of Iowa City while stretching their own writing and reading muscles in new ways. In addition, they went on field trips to the Quad Cities as well as to a working farm, where they enjoyed a hayride and a dinner with dishes from both Russia and the US. Our fifth BTL Arabic session welcomed students from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Palestinian Territories (Gaza and West Bank) along with students from the US and Canada. Some of their activities included trips to Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, where they participated in an Iftar meal held at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids. We did our best to make it a great experience for all involved!

 

Between the Lines participants listen to Chandrahas Choudhury discuss writing via Zoom.
Instructor Alan Cherchesov talks to three Between the Lines participants, who are sitting in desks and writing.
Camille T. Dungy does a reading a Prairie Lights. Bookshelves can be seen behind her.
A group of Between the Lines participants sit at a picnic table in a barn at ZJ Farm in Solon, Iowa.
A group of Between the Lines participants race go karts at Michael's Fun World in Davenport, Iowa.
A picture of Cheburashka: a stuffed animal that resembles a monkey with very large ears.
A group of Between the Lines participants pose for a photo.
A group of Between the Lines participants sit at desks, working on playwriting.
A group of Between the Lines participants pose for a photo at the Devonian Fossil Gorge.
Between The Lines Arabic instructors Marcus Jackson and Iman Humaydan smile for the camera.
Between the Lines participants sit at desks and watch poet Rae Bryant present via Zoom.
A group of Between the Lines participant pose for a photo while in a paddle boat.
A group of Between the Lines participants pose with a sculpture at the Sculpture Garden in Des Moines, Iowa.
A group of Between the Lines pose for a photo.