International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa

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At-a-Glance

The Fall Residency is a component of the International Writing Program (IWP) and is the oldest and largest multicultural writing residency in the world. The Fall Residency brings outstanding authors from every continent to the University of Iowa. The goal of the Fall Residency is to provide authors with the setting for cultural exchange and also with the time and space to write, read, translate, study, and to become part of the vibrant literary and academic community at the University of Iowa.

The Fall Residency is an unique experience for rising stars and established writers who have achieved literary distinction in their own countries, as well as demonstrated literary talent, broad appeal, and an interest in contributing to the creative writing culture in their home countries. Each fall, 25-35 writers gather in Iowa City for this 10-week residency to work on their own projects, to give readings and lectures, and to interact with American audiences and literary communities across the U.S. Writers share their literary cultures with others and establish contacts with the larger US publishing scene. 

In addition to the Fall Residency, IWP coordinates several massive open online courses (MOOCs) each year on topics related to creative writing and social issues which are free of charge and open to non-U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens. MOOCs provide participants the opportunity to learn from IWP Fall Residents and University of Iowa professors through video lectures, discussion-based instruction, and reading and writing assignments. 

Program Length

10 weeks

Eligibility and Application Overview

Public applications are not accepted. Interested applicants should contact the nearest embassy of consulate in his or her country. The candidate should:

  • Be primarily a writer of fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, drama, or screenplays;
  • Not be a resident of the United States;
  • Be an established or emerging creative writer who has at least one published volume, or works that have appeared in significant publications over the last two years;
  • Have some prior form of national or local recognition for the candidate’s literary achievements;
  • Should be ready to provide a compelling sample in English;
  • Be able to speak English;
  • Be comfortable with cross-cultural dynamics and interested in close interaction with artists from diverse cultures.
Contact Information

For more information about the program, please visit the International Writing Program Fall Residency Website. To learn more about  MOOCs, please visit International Writing Program MOOCs.

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