Unique and Inspiring International Writing Residencies

Here in Part II of our Writing Residency Series, we have curated, by country, 21 unique and inspiring international writing residencies (refer to Part I for 25 unique and inspiring writing residencies in the United States.) International writing residencies provide time and space for aspiring authors to focus on our creative work and take place in some of the most idyllic, gorgeous settings around the world. We remind you to always refer to a residency’s website for their most up-to-date information and submission guidelines.

Below, in alphabetical order, are our top 20 international writing residencies. We have also included a section on multi-country international writing residencies, for the globetrotters among us.

Canada

The Narrows Artist Residency

Located near Kootenay Lake in British Colombia, this residency is only accessible by boat, so writers must be comfortable with semi-isolation. Residents stay in shared or private accommodations for 3-4 months. Artists are responsible for travel, lodging, and meals, but scholarships are available.

China

Red Gate Residency

Residents stay in self-contained apartments on the north side of Beijing from 1 to 6 months. Bicycles are available for residents to explore the local neighborhoods. Residents are provided with airport pickup, a welcome dinner, guidebooks and maps, and access to Red Gate Gallery events. Though funding and scholarships are unavailable, the program can help residents apply for grants and other outside funding.

Finland

Arteles Creative Center

Four residency programs, held in Hämeenkyrö, run from 1-3 months and comprise 11-14 artists per group. Residents have access to wireless internet, a car, bikes, and private bedrooms, as well as a meditation space and sauna. Group participation is voluntary, and residents are encouraged to use their time as they wish. Surrounded by forests, fields, and lakes, writers are sure to find both peace and inspiration. Fees range from €1950 to €2980 per month. Financial aid is available.

France

The Camargo Foundation

Located in Cassis, at the edge of the Mediterranean, this program provides time, space, and beautiful surroundings in which to work. A panel selects 18 residents to attend this program. Fellowships span 6-11 weeks. Fellows must participate in project discussions and are encouraged to engage with the local community. A stipend of €250 per week is provided, as is funding for transportation to and from the residency. In the case of air travel, basic coach class booked in advance is covered.

Chateau Saint-Pierre de Mejans

This medieval chateau and wine estate in the south of France offers an inspirational Writer in Residence program. Situated amidst the olive trees and vines, and with gardens replete with art sculptures, get lost in this charming castle that’s sure to unlock your creativity. A residency lasts from one to three weeks from November to March, and costs €300 per week (partners can stay for an additional fee).

La Napoule Art Foundation

Several different residencies are offered each year at the Château de La Napoule, just outside Cannes on the Côte d’Azur. Residents are housed in single rooms, with private baths and sea or garden views. Breakfast and dinner are provided on weekdays, and residents have access to the kitchen to store and prepare their own meals. Residents receive workspace and a stipend.

Studio Faire

Residents stay in the Gascony market town of Nérac, in Southwest France, in a mansion built around 1830. Accommodation is provided on a self-catering basis, and residents are given full use of a fully fitted kitchen. Residencies last from 2-4 weeks—the longer you stay, the less you pay, with 4 weeks starting at around €44 per night.

Georgia

Words and Wanderlust

More a retreat than a residency, writers convene for six days in Tbilisi, located in the picturesque Caucasus Mountains. Writers stay at a boutique hotel and attend guided workshops with award-winning authors. Airport transfers, guided tours, and some meals are provided.

Germany

GlogauAIR

Located on the former border of East and West Berlin, in a historic building originally designed to be a school, residencies take place for either three or six months. Residents are provided with private studio space, which doubles as a bedroom and workshop. Bathrooms and kitchen are shared. Costs for food and travel are the residents’ responsibility.

Greece

Event Horizon Crete

Residencies ranging from one week to three months are offered year-round on five acres of olive groves in Crete. Residents receive lodging, which includes options in a traditional Cretan house, a converted stone windmill, and two caravans. Residents also have access to nearby beaches and towns, including Fourni Village, Neapolis, and Mirabello Bay. Work space is provided. Lodging ranges from €25-45 per night. Food and travel expenses are not included.

Iceland

Gullkistan

Located in a quiet village about 70 kilometers from Reykjavik, this residency is accessible year-round. Accommodations are family-friendly and range from single rooms to studio apartments. Residents have access to modern facilities, Wi-Fi, and incredible views of Laugarvatn Lake and the Hekla volcano. The minimum stay is one month, and costs range from €850-€1450.

The Westfjords Residency

Residencies are available from May to September in the remote village of Thingeyri, located about 500 kilometers north of Reykjavik. Residencies are self-organized, and residents are responsible for their own food, transportation, and work schedule. Accommodations and workspace (sometimes shared) are provided.

Ireland

Tyrone Guthrie Centre

Residencies are offered in Annaghmakerrig, on 450 acres of mature woodland amid the lakes and drumlins of County Monaghan. Residents can stay in ‘The Big House’ for one month and up to two months in the self-catering Farmyard Cottages. Residents also have access to a library and drawing room. Costs vary depending on length of stay and writer’s country of origin, but some financial aid is available.

Italy

Bogliasco Foundation

One-month Fellowships are awarded to individuals of all ages and nationalities who have made significant contributions in the arts and humanities. Fellows stay and work in a small fishing village near Genoa, with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Fellows are provided with a private room, a workspace, and full board. All meals are shared. Though there is no cost for the residency, Fellows are responsible for their own travel.

Mexico

360 Xochi Quetzal

Ideal for writers who want to create their own experience, this residency offers private live/work spaces in the Garden of Dreams Boutique Hotel in Ajijic, Jalisco on Lake Chapala, located about 30 minutes from the Guadalajara airport. Rather than a formal application, writers make their own reservations for their preferred space and time. Residents have access to a solar-heated swimming pool, the tranquil garden, and daily continental breakfast. Costs vary depending on duration of stay, which can range from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Portugal

Buinho Creative Hub Residencies

Residencies of two weeks to three months are offered year-round in the historic town of Messejana. Residents are provided with private lodging and shared work space in one of three traditional Portuguese houses. The cost to attend this residency ranges from €650-800; transportation and meals are not included.

Multi-country international writing residencies

ROOSTERGNN Artist Residency

ROOSTERGNN holds residencies in Madrid, Spain, and Havana, Cuba. Accommodations are provided, as well as work facilities, some meals, and a bilingual orientation coordinator. Fees vary from €950-€1200 for ten nights.

Wide Open Writing

In 2022 and 2023, Wide Open Writing will host retreats in Isla Holbox, Mexico; Tuscany, Italy; and Whitehead Island, Maine. Group size varies between 8-14 writers. Retreat fees vary, but payment plans are available.