The American University of Paris Introduces a Globally-Focused MFA Program in Creative Writing
# Exploring the MFA in Creative Writing at The American University of Paris: Blending Creativity with Global Perspectives
The creative and intellectual pursuit of an MFA in Creative Writing takes on an entirely new dimension when set in a city as storied and culturally resonant as Paris. At **The American University of Paris (AUP)**, the **MFA in Creative Writing** program merges the best of the American liberal arts tradition with the inherently cross-cultural and multilingual environment of the university. Together, these elements create a truly unique opportunity for aspiring writers to hone their craft, engage with diverse perspectives, and explore their voice across genres and disciplines.
## A Unique Crossroads of Literature and Culture
Located in the heart of Paris, AUP provides students with an immersive experience in one of the most historically rich literary communities in the world. The city itself is a treasure trove for writers, offering access to thriving networks of authors, translators, world-class publishing houses, and vibrant cultural events. Writers can explore Paris’s iconic archives, libraries, bookstores, and exhibition spaces, drawing inspiration from the same city that helped shape the works of literary giants like James Baldwin, Sylvia Beach, Simone de Beauvoir, and Ernest Hemingway.
Within the university, students join a dynamic community of scholars, writers, and artists. Platforms such as AUP’s **Center for Writers and Translators**, which publishes the *Cahier Series*, foster creative collaboration and dialogue, tackling contemporary issues with a global outlook. The student-run annual journal, *Paris/Atlantic*, further provides a space for budding authors and artists to share their work. Together, these resources highlight AUP’s commitment to a collective and interdisciplinary approach to creative writing.
## Pushing Boundaries: Writing Across Genres and Borders
The MFA program at AUP encourages writers to think beyond the boundaries of traditional literary disciplines. Students have access to workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, while simultaneously being challenged to dissolve the distinctions between these categories. This boundary-breaking ethos reflects one of the program’s core values: storytelling as a universal art form that transcends genre.
As Program Co-Director **Biswamit Dwibedy** explains, “The focus is on storytelling — you will be trained in any genre your story needs to be told in.” This open-minded pedagogical approach paves the way for creative experimentation, cultural exchange, and deep personal discovery. Beyond studying literature, students also engage with issues such as **eco-politics**, **translation**, and intermedial cultural exchange, broadening the scope of what it means to be a writer in today’s world.
Additionally, the program places a distinct emphasis on translation and multilingualism. By studying and practicing translation, students can experiment with alternative ways of understanding literature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which stories are told across cultures.
## Exceptional Experiences Beyond the Classroom
What sets the AUP MFA in Creative Writing program apart is its commitment to an education that extends well beyond the traditional classroom. In addition to studying in a city synonymous with literary innovation, students participate in extraordinary international opportunities that enrich their understanding of global literature.
One such highlight is the three-day **writers’ retreat to the Royaumont Abbey**, where participants can fully immerse themselves in their craft in a contemplative and inspiring setting. AUP also organizes study trips to various locations around the world. Recent excursions have taken students to vibrant literary and cultural hubs like **Iceland**, **London**, **Crete**, **Bordeaux**, and **Cairo**, each offering its own flavor of inspiration and insight.
Of particular note is the **India Literary Practicum**, a transformative experience specifically crafted for MFA participants. This initiative exposes students to India’s dynamic and multilingual literary scene, while also offering opportunities to meet collaborators from top design schools, NGOs, museums, and archives. Through such global exposure, AUP’s program inspires writers to engage with new perspectives and cultural contexts, enriching the stories they tell and the ways they choose to tell them.
## Becoming Part of Paris’s Literary Fabric
Pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at AUP is more than just an academic journey; it’s about becoming part of the fabric of Paris’s literary and cultural heritage. Students don’t just study literary traditions — they actively contribute to them, building a legacy of their own through creative exploration and collaboration. In doing so, they establish connections not only with the city’s abundant cultural resources but also with literary voices from around the world.
The MFA program fosters a deep integration of personal exploration and cross-cultural understanding. It provides a supportive platform for students to confront the challenges of difference, celebrate diverse perspectives, and produce works that resonate on a global scale.
## Writing Your Own Story in Paris and Beyond
As a city steeped in cultural heritage and a university defined by global collaboration, AUP offers an MFA in Creative Writing like no other. Guided by seasoned faculty, supported by rich literary networks, and inspired by the dynamic energy of Paris, students are