International Writing Program

Fulbright Israel plans to award one grant to either a writer of short stories or novels, a poet, playwright, scripter or literary translator to participate in the 2025 International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa. The goal of the program is to provide to its participants a setting for cultural exchange; the time and space to write, read, translate, study, conduct research, and travel; and the opportunity to give readings and become part of the vibrant literary and academic community at the University of Iowa.   

Further information on the IWP may be found on the program website.

• Candidates’ literary talent and accomplishments will be evaluated on the basis of works published in literary journals; works published as books; plays performed in theatres; screenplays produced to film & television; etc.
• English language proficiency.
• Leadership qualities.
• Demonstrable ambassadorial skills required to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Israel (Fulbright Scholars serve as cultural ambassadors and should be prepared to speak about their countries, communities, cultures and research to academic and community groups).
• The potential for cultural contribution and influence after the end of the program (length of time, quality, magnitude).
• Since the aim of the Fulbright Program is to foster cultural understanding between the U.S. and Israel, preference will be given to applicants who have not had a substantial recent academic experience in the United States or another English-speaking country.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not received previous Fulbright grants.
• The Foundation reserves the exclusive right to determine, within the framework of applicable law and regulations, the qualitative standards for the evaluation of applications.  The Foundation is not under any obligation to provide the reasons for its decisions regarding the allocation of Fellowships.

• Funding is for three months only.
• The grantee must travel on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa sponsored by the Fulbright program.
• It is a condition of the visa that after completion of their Fulbright program, grantees must return to Israel and reside in the country for two years before being eligible to immigrate to the U.S., to take up permanent residence there, or to enter the U.S. with a work permit. The purpose of the two-year home residency requirement is to ensure that exchange visitors return home and fulfill the exchange objectives of the Fulbright program.
• Two years must pass from the completion of the grantee’s Fulbright program before being permitted to return to the U.S. as the holder of a J-1 professor/research scholar visa.
• The above restrictions do not apply to re-entry to the United States as the holder of a J visa in another category (short-term scholar, specialist, international visitor), or as the holder of a student or tourist visa.
• Unless they have received a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement, Fulbright Scholars, holding J-1 visas, are ineligible to change their status from J-1 to J-2 while in the U.S.
• Awards cannot be deferred to the following year.  Awards must be taken up no later than the program start date.
• The Program does not sponsor J-2 visas for spouses or dependents. Thus, Fellows may not bring spouses or dependents with them to the U.S.
• Fellows will be asked to act as Fulbright Israel Programs' Ambassadors – to share their experiences with others, to disseminate fellowship information among colleagues and potential candidates and to participate in information sessions for new candidates that may be held in their region. Alumni will also be invited to attend Fulbright Israel's activities and events and, from time to time, asked to assist in the reviewing process for incoming candidates.