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The Writers' Retreat

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Liberal Arts Education

The Writer’s Retreat: Where Stories Find Their Voice

Whether you are a novice picking up a pen for the first time or a prolific writer looking to sharpen your craft, this retreat is your dedicated creative sanctuary. Moving beyond the constraints of a typical classroom, we provide a safe and collaborative space to share your dreams, professional ambitions and—most importantly—your stories. This bootcamp is designed to give you exactly what every writer needs most: the uninterrupted time and the community support to finally focus on your work.

Each day of the retreat offers a deep dive into the writing life, balanced between expert inspiration and focused execution. You will have the unique opportunity to meet a different published author every session, gaining firsthand insight into their personal experiences with the writing process and the complexities of the publishing world. Following these discussions, you will be challenged with daily prompts that shift focus to different narrative elements, allowing you to master everything from character depth to world-building in a structured yet fluid environment.

The heart of the experience lies in the two-hour dedicated writing blocks, where you can transform ideas into drafts before sharing them with a supportive network of peers and guest authors. This retreat is a rare chance to swap tips, overcome creative hurdles and receive constructive feedback in a space that celebrates the writer’s journey. Join a community of fellow creators and move from the blank page to a polished piece.

 

Apply Now

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop the ability to evaluate stories with a professional eye and analyze the specific literary needs and interests of a target audience.
  • Gain a deep understanding of the core elements of a story and the fundamentals of rhetorical analysis.
  • Build the confidence and clarity to express complex creative ideas effectively in both written drafts and verbal discussions.
  • Master the art of giving and receiving constructive feedback while supporting and collaborating with a community of fellow writers.

 

Duration and Location

  • July 26-30, 2026
  • Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
  • AUC New Cairo campus
  • Fridays and Saturdays off
  • Official Holidays are compensated for with extra hours

 

Fees

  • EGP 4,400 (price including materials needed)
  • The following discounts are offered:
    • 10% discount for siblings
    • 10% discount for AUC faculty and staff
    • 15% discount for AUC alumni

 

Who Can Apply?

Students aged 16 years and older.

 

Certification

All the boot camp participants will receive a certificate of participation from The American University in Cairo.

 

Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for an extra fee. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program's start date.

 

Accommodation 

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

 

About the Instructor

Aliaa Hamad 

Aliaa Hamad serves as a senior instructor, theme leader and chair of the writing minor advising committee within the Department of Rhetoric and Composition at The American University in Cairo. Her teaching portfolio spans foundational courses such as Freshman Seminar and Research Writing to specialized professional subjects including Business Communication, Public Speaking and the creative craft of Writing Children’s Literature.

Hamad holds a PhD in linguistics alongside master’s degrees in both Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and migration and refugee studies from The American University in Cairo. Her interdisciplinary expertise is bolstered by graduate diplomas in gender and women’s studies and international human rights law, as well as a career certificate in legal translation. Beyond the classroom, she has served as a Cambridge-certified oral examiner, freelance translator, editor and curriculum design specialist.

In addition to her leadership, Hamad is a prolific author who has published four significant works since 2017. Her publications include her debut collection of short stories, Be Careful What You Wish For, followed by impactful children’s books such as Sammy Has a Secret, Where is Grandpa? and her most recent 2024 release, Heidi is NOT Afraid

 

Refund Policy

A 100 percent refund of the program fees will be granted if the request is submitted at least two weeks before the course start date, or if the request is due to one of the following reasons:

  • Course cancellation
  • Medical withdrawal
  • Visa denial

A 75 percent refund will be granted if the request is submitted within the last two weeks before the course start date.

No refund will be issued if the request is submitted after the end of the last working day (4 pm) and before classes begin, including the weekend prior to the course start date, or after the course has begun.