FAQ
Q: What kind of program is ILS?
A: ILS builds upon the success of its parent program, the groundbreaking and internationally renowned Summer Literary Seminars (SLS, 1998 - 2019). Our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to amplify the literary and cultural visibility of Nairobi and Lamu within an international context and with a particular focus on showcasing the vibrant and complex voices of emerging East African writers. To do this, we offer a unique and intensive series of literary workshops, career consultations, and cultural offerings in Nairobi and Lamu, that foster artistic cooperation, elevate emerging literary talent, and increase mutual understanding across the North American, East African, and international literary communities. In 2023/24, we are considering launching an online magazine of short fiction and poetry, featuring the work of emerging East African writers alongside both emerging and established international writers.
Q: What can I expect during my two weeks with ILS?
A: The December 2023 ILS program in Kenya will begin in Nairobi, where you’ll spend several days socializing with local and international writers, exploring the vibrant city, and attending readings by core faculty members and guests. Then you’ll take a short flight to the spectacular island of Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll engage in an intensive series of craft development sessions and in situ writing exercises as well as writing workshops where you’ll review each other’s work and receive targeted feedback. You will spend time writing, and exploring the many treasures that the historical town of Lamu has to offer, including its delicious Swahili gastronomy, Omani fort, labyrinthian alleyways, tadelakt courtyards, bougainvillea-laden thatch-roofed terraces, art galleries, tailors, and artisan shops, and relaxing in Jannat House’s pool, and on a heavenly white sandy beach. Optional private boat excursions to other islands in the archipelago will also be available.
Q: How much is the tuition cost for the program?
A: The tuition for the program is $1,895 USD. You can enter your writing in our Contest for a chance to be awarded a full scholarship to attend the December 2023 ILS program in Kenya and to be published in Fence, one of North America’s most prestigious literary magazines. A certain number of contest fellowships, in the form of a partial tuition waiver, will be offered to the entrants whose work has impressed with its strength our readers and judges. There also will be a small number of need-based partial tuition-waiver fellowships. Additionally, all previous attendees of the SLS or ILS seminars automatically receive a 20% tuition discount.
Q: What does the tuition cover, and not cover?
A: The tuition fee covers all activities listed on our Program page, except for the optional boat excursions. It does not include travel and accommodations; however, ILS can help you secure accommodations in Nairobi and Lamu at heavily discounted rates.
Q: What are the available accommodations in Nairobi, and on Lamu, and what's the best way to book them?
A: Chester House in Nairobi is $65-70 USD per night; and Jannat House in Lamu (and other comparable in price, nearby located participating guest houses) costs $35-45 USD per night. We would help you make your accommodation bookings, if you are accepted into the program.
Jannat House Lamu - Hotel in Lamu Old Town (jannatlamu.com)
Q: How do I apply to the program?
A: There are two ways to apply:
Directly through the website where you will be asked to submit fiction manuscripts of up to 6,000 words or up to three poems. Space is limited to 48 participants.
Application — International Literary Seminars (ILS)
2. Or, enter your writing in the contest for a chance to be awarded a full scholarship to attend the December 2023 ILS program in Kenya and to be published in Fence, one of North America’s most prestigious literary magazines. All entries will be considered for publication in Fence or Fence Digital, and a chance to receive editorial feedback.
ILS + Fence Fiction Contest — International Literary Seminars (ILS)
The first-prize winner will have their winning work published in Fence and will be awarded a full scholarship, including tuition, accommodations, and an airfare stipend, to attend the December 2023 ILS program in Kenya.
The second-prize winner will have their work published in Fence and be offered a full tuition fee waiver to attend the December 2023 ILS program in Kenya.
The third-prize winner will be offered 50% off the tuition fee. Runners-up will be awarded partial fellowships to attend the December 2023 ILS program in Kenya.
The contest will run until August 25, 2023 (11:59 p.m. EST). Entries will be read blind, with submissions capped at 1000.
Q: What if I still cannot afford the tuition price?
A: Once accepted into the program, you might be able to apply for additional funding through your school or university. We encourage you to apply early, to leave more time for exploring additional funding options.
A small number of needs-based fellowships might also be available. Please send us a brief email outlining your financial circumstances, if you would like to be considered for one.
Q: What is travel in Kenya like, what do I bring with me, and do I need a visa?
A: All of these questions, and more, are answered in our Handbook, which you will receive upon acceptance into the program.
Q: I have been reading up on the current travel advisories for the area. What plan does ILS have in place for supporting everyone’s safety?
A: The current travel advisory has been on the State Department site for years; once one goes up, it doesn't typically come down. As you may have noticed, it says "reissued."
It goes without saying that we wouldn't be taking other people and ourselves into an unsafe situation. Kenya—both Nairobi and Lamu locations in particular—are among the most tourist-visited places in the world (and Nairobi additionally is the main site of the United Nations, UNESCO, and countless international organizations headquarters location).
It is not our place to argue with the State Department, of course, but we consider Nairobi and Lamu to be safe places, which is why SLS/ILS has been coming there for years and indeed decades. Some of us have been going to Kenya for 25 years now, almost every year, and find Lamu to be one of the safest places ever visited.
Of course, Nairobi is a megapolis, and as such it presents one with the need to exercise common sense—for instance, not walking around entirely by oneself in the downtown area after dark. But we do have local assistants helping people to see the city and to get around in it; and we also have local assistants on Lamu, helping people to orient themselves in this unique ancient place.
All that having been said, obviously, it's everyone's personal, individual call.
Q: I’ve read through the FAQ, and I still have additional questions.
A: We are always updating our FAQ section with helpful information, please check back often. Also, please feel free to Contact Us.