Call for Applications
Call for Applications
2012 Between the Lines Program: The Writing Experience at the University of Iowa
Application Deadline: February 13, 2012
In cooperation with the prestigious International Writing Program (IWP) and Iowa Young Writers Studio (IYWS), ECA’s Cultural Programs Division is pleased to announce that the fifth session of Between the Lines (BTL) will take place July 14-28, 2012. This two-week cultural exchange program will host 12 writers ages 16-19 from Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa for a two-week residency at the University of Iowa from July 14-28, 2012. The students will be accompanied by 2 adult chaperones, also from Arabic-speaking countries, to and from an overseas departure city to be determined.
These young writers will be immersed in one of the premier creative writing environments of the United States as part of an exchange that will broaden and sharpen their writing skills, deepen their understanding of American society, and build bridges with young American writers who will participate in creative writing classes alongside the ECA-sponsored youth writers. Program activities will include writing workshops in both English and Arabic, seminars on literary topics, cultural visits, and other local events. At the culmination of the program, the students’ writings (in both English and Arabic) will be collected into a printed booklet to be used for educational purposes.
Application requirements for students:
- 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 one-paragraph statement of purpose in English describing why they are interested in participating in the BTL program
- A writing sample of 2-5 pages of prose and/or poetry in either language in response to one of the following writing prompts:
- Your character has just walked into an empty room that contains an overturned chair, a torn envelope, and a set of keys. Write a story or poem describing what happened just before the character walked into the room.
- Write a story or a poem inspired by the following statement: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
- All writing samples must be sent in 12-point font and have one-inch margins all around.
- Must not be a holder of an American passport nor a green card holder.
- Demonstrate an interest in and ability to write creatively (fiction and/or poetry)
- Fully engage their imaginations in a variety of class settings
- Confidently work alongside other BTL students in Arabic-language classes as well as American students in English-language classes
- Participants will be required to travel to IOWA on J-1 type of visa.
Application requirement for a Chaperone
- Each chaperone applicant must provide a resume or CV and a brief statement of purpose (both in English).
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 40 as of July 11, 2012 and proficient in Arabic and English (reading, writing, and speaking).
- A teacher from the students’ school who is interested in creative writing and has not had previous exposure to the United States.
- Fully participate in a formal English language program on creative writing teaching methods that will also include American teachers.
- Reliable, mature, and willing and able to take on the dual responsibilities of their own program and the overall duties of overseeing the students.
- Demonstrate experience working with young people, particularly students in the demographic (secondary school/college undergrad)
- Be able and willing to expand his or her teaching strategies/expertise by attending a week-long Iowa Summer Writing Festival class (presented at the University of Iowa)
- Be willing to assist BTL faculty and IWP staff with projects related to promoting creative writing and the teaching of creative writing in the Middle East
- Aspire to a literary career and/or a teaching career involving creative writing and/or literature.
- Participants will be required to travel to IOWA on J-1 type of visa.
Deadline: No later than February 13, 2012.
Please submit your applications and supporting documentation onlineto exchanges@state.gov
Inquiries:
West Bank/East Jerusalem residents:
Tel: (02) 622-7172 or 0545-420953, or by email to exchanges@state.gov
Gaza Residents:
Tel: 08-2864-623 or Mobile: 059-9677-317, or by email to emattar@palnet.com
