Program Overview
Between the Lines applications are now OPEN!
Since 2008, the IWP has hosted Between the Lines (BTL), a two-week creative writing and cultural exchange program for students aged 15-18. Every summer, participants from all over the world come together in Iowa City to live as a community in university dorms, broaden their literary horizons, and deepen their empathy and their understanding of one another’s cultures.
This summer, BTL: Peace and the Writing Experience will invite up to 16 international (non-U.S.) and 10 U.S.-based students, along with 3 chaperones for two weeks of intensive summer programming July 12–26, 2025. Through honing their craft together and engaging in open-hearted discussions, a new community of young writers connect the dots between their home cultures, sparking friendships throughout the U.S. and around the globe. With award-winning U.S. and international faculty as their mentors, participants spend 2–4 hours a day in creative writing workshops, world literature seminars, literary readings and Q&As with visiting authors, plus social opportunities for cultural exchange, group and individual writing assignments outside of class, and more. All programming is conducted in English.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
- U.S-BASED STUDENTS (ages 15–18) are welcome to apply by following these guidelines.
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (ages 15–18) residing in one of the 2025 BTL program participating countries: Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, India, Iraq, Malawi, Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, Qatar, and Zimbabwe, should review the guidelines to learn more.
- INTERNATIONAL CHAPERONES interested in joining a creative writing and professional development program please review the application process for more information.
Between the Lines: Peace and the Writing Experience is sponsored through a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Programming partners include the University of Iowa and Prairie Lights Bookstore.
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