Applying for the Iceland Writers Retreat Scholarship Program
As a writer (and a toddler mom) I am always looking to immerse myself in new, (quiet), creative environments, so I decided to apply for the Iceland Writers Retreat scholarship program.
The Iceland Writers Retreat offers scholarships to talented writers who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover either full or partial funding, including the participant fee, accommodation, and round-trip flights to Iceland. The application process is competitive, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for writers who might not otherwise be able to attend, which let’s be honest, in this economy? No, but really, with a child in daycare and the fact that we took our first vacation our family has taken in five years in 2024, the money is just not there, unfortunately.
What is the Iceland Writers Retreat?
The Iceland Writers Retreat is a five-day event held in Reykjavík, a UNESCO City of Literature, so how perfect is that? It features small-group writing workshops led by well-known authors from around the world, unique panels with Icelandic authors, literary walking tours, and more. Eek! Just writing about it is making me more and more excited! Although the application period has ended for this cycle, keep an eye out for when the next cycle opens. Here are a few tips I put together as well as some information on how to apply.
How to Apply
To apply for the scholarship, you’ll fill out a Google form. Try to have this information in a separate document, so you won’t lost it in case you need to come back to the application before submitting it. Information the application requests includes:
- Personal Information: Details about yourself and your writing background. Share your passion for writing, where that passion originated from, and how the retreat aligns with your goals and your interests.
- Financial Need: An explanation of why you need financial support to attend the retreat. Don’t be afraid to be completely honest in this section. You have no reason to feel ashamed for applying for this scholarship!
- Two Writing Samples: Two samples of your work to showcase your writing talent. They need to be 5,000 characters or less, so choose wisely!
- Two Letters of Recommendation: These letters of recommendation need to come from people who are familiar with your writing and are not related to you. Be sure the letters are specific to this retreat!
- Why Iceland: A brief statement on why you believe the retreat will benefit your writing journey. Tailor your application to reflect why you believe the Iceland Writers Retreat is the perfect fit for you. Include if there are any faculty that you are particularly excited about working with.
Conclusion
If you’re a writer looking to grow, learn, and connect with others in a beautiful and inspiring environment, the Iceland Writers Retreat scholarship program is worth considering. Take the time to craft a thoughtful application and share your story. Who knows? This could be the start of an incredible journey in your writing career.
Fingers crossed🤞that I receive the scholarship for the 2025 retreat! I’ll update this blog post once I am notified!
For more information and to apply, visit the Iceland Writers Retreat website.
Have you ever attended a writer’s retreat? Would you recommend it? Why or why not? Share in the comments below!
Update 12/16/24:
Unfortunately, I was not selected as one of the scholarship recipients for the Icelandic Writer’s Retreat. There were 1200 applicants for 6 spots and I was not lucky enough to make the cut. I’d like to think I was their 7th choice….but probably not.
Áfram!