2012 International Writing Program for Lebanese Students & Teachers - February 23, 2012

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce an essay writing competition for youth (ages 16-19)! 
The winners of the competition will travel to the United States to participate in a two-week creative writing workshop at the University of Iowa on July 14-28, 2012 that will broaden and sharpen their writing skills, deepen their understanding of American society, and build bridges with young American writers. Teachers are invited to accompany students as chaperones.

Program activities will include writing workshops, 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 printed in a booklet for educational purposes. 

Interested students must submit the following:

1. A 6-8 page writing sample of prose and/or poetry in English and in Arabic;
2. A brief 1 paragraph statement of purpose in English describing your interest in the program;
3. A 2-5 page writing sample of prose and/or poetry in either language in response to one of the following:

• 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 in to the room; or,
• Write a story or poem inspired by the statement: “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

The program is open to students 16 to 19 years old, and teachers between the ages of 25-40, as of July 12, 2012. Applicants should have strong English and Arabic speaking, reading and writing skills.

Student Applicants: Download and print the Word application form (92KB) and PDF application form (345 Kb) for the program. Complete the application, scan it, and e-mail it with your writing samples to BeirutPD@state.gov with the subject line “International Writing Program Application.” 

Teachers: Submit your resume/CV and a brief statement of purpose in English describing your goals for the program and how your participation will benefit the program.

Note: See this document for complete program information (32Kb).

Please include all materials in one email. 
All submissions are due on February 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.