A Home for International Writers

Ghanaian-Nigerian author Bisi Adjapon.
Ghanaian-Nigerian author Bisi Adjapon.

The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center hosts established and emerging international writers for a residency at George Mason University. These visiting writers continue to develop their creative work—whether their focus is nonfiction, fiction, poetry, drama or journalism—teach classes, and take part in special events that broaden our knowledge and insight into international literature. This residency seeks to connect and strengthen the bonds between the Washington, D.C. and international literary communities.

The international writers’ residency works in coordination with sending George Mason’s MFA students abroad. Sending George Mason’s graduate creative writing students abroad during one summer of their graduate studies not only exposes them to another country and culture but allows them to identify subjects about which they are passionate.

As education and literature becomes increasingly globalized and multi-cultural, The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center provides MFA students opportunities at the cutting edge of creative writing programs across the country. As more MFA writers go out into the world and more international writers come to George Mason, we want these two strands of cultural exchange to reinforce and strengthen each other, building formal and informal partnerships with writers, universities, and writing organizations from across the globe.