This program will transport a traditional creative writing fiction workshop and seminar examining the literature of Italy to the setting of Tuscany. Students will become better acquainted with the internal workings of storytelling and the vast array of tools available to them as a writer of fiction. You will look closely at language, sentences, narrative voice, point of view, character, detail and structure in the workshop course, and will pay particular attention to the role of setting, through a series of place-based writing exercises, inspired by the sights of Siena as well. You will also have the opportunity to explore how new surroundings can lead to fresh insights into one’s creative work.

With readings ranging across time from Ovid’s Metamorphoses to Hisham Matar’s recent memoir about writing (and living) in Italy, our goal is to place ourselves in that long line of artistic seekers, creating new work out of our Italian encounters, while also submitting ourselves to the knowledge and vision of the people who call Italy home.

The program will take place in the beautiful city of Siena, with excursions to Florence and the Medieval towns of San Gimignano and Montepulciano. You will be able to visit the Uffizi Gallery and other cultural landmarks, incorporating the art of the Italian masters into your writing.

Program Scholarship: Applicants to this program have the option to apply for a program-specific scholarship. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500 - $1,000. To be considered, the Scholarship Essay must be completed by the program application deadline. Please refer to the Scholarship Essay instructions in the program application or speak with your GEO advisor for more details.