Translation | The University of Iowa

MFA in Literary Translation

The MFA in Literary Translation features a balance between extensive, hands on and collaborative training in the art and practice of literary translation, and theoretical studies on translation and coursework in source language, literature and cultures.

Exchanges Literary Journal

Exchanges is an online journal of literary translation published biannually. Founded in, Exchanges has published the work of award-winning writers and translators across the country and the globe. Exchanges is edited by current students of the Iowa Translation Workshop.

Exchanges Literary Journal

Aerial timelapse photo of the downtown Iowa City and the pentacrest.

The Writing University

The Writing University, an extraordinary constellation of ten distinct writing programs (including the MFA in Literary Translation, and MFAs in Poetry, Fiction, Spanish Creative Writing, Translation, Nonfiction, and Playwriting) and over twenty academic areas.

The Writing University

The International Writing Program

Each fall the International Writing Program brings around thirty writers to Iowa City for a three-month residency. MFA students experience world-literature-in-the-making while collaborating with the writers on translation portfolios for public readings and publications.

The International Writing Program

News and Announcements

Open Position: Visiting Assistant Professor of Translation

Friday, September 16, 2022

The Faculty Fellow in Residence will be fully integrated into an energetic translation environment of emerging and seasoned translators and will gain a comprehensive understanding of and hands-on experience in the diverse dimensions of translation training. Fellows are expected to be in residence for the academic year and participate fully in the life of the Translation Program.

New National Translation Center Builds on UI's Strengths and Extends Reach

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

The new National Resource Center is intended to extend the UI’s reach beyond literary translation. Its four key aims are to:
—promote translation and global literacy across the University of Iowa,
—support faculty development and research,
—promote translation and global literacy among educators at all levels, and
—create a research hub and resource library for public use.

Live from Prairie Lights, reading by Vala Thorodds

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Upcoming Events

Live from Prairie Lights | Aron Aji

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Director of Translation Programs Aron Aji will read from his new translation of The Wounded Age and Eastern Tales, by Ferit Edgü, published by New York Review of Books. “A stark and ferocious love letter to a forgotten people, in a gorgeous translation that is utterly true to the wounded dreamscapes of the original. To read these pages is to be there, swept by mountain snows and the cruel winds of politics, undone by harsh beauty and the endless tragedy unfolding.” —Maureen Freely Ferit Edgü is...

View more events

Translate UI

Created by the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Translate UI is a resource for connecting clients to freelance translators and interpreters.

Uncommon Talent. Distinctive Paths.

News and Announcements

Upcoming Events