FAQs
What is included in the price of the program?
- Six master classes in your genre
- Two half-hour individual conferences with your instructor
- Weekly Open Mics and guest talks
- Community of the Imagination conversations
- Agent talk and live pitch
- Weekly Volcanista gatherings and evening events *
- All-group brunch *
- Local excursions *
- Opening and closing celebrations *
* In-person participants only
N.B. Accommodation and meals are not included.
What is the difference between attending in-person versus virtually?
We strongly encourage in-person enrollment, for a full immersion in the village and our writing community, but welcome a limited number of writers for whom virtual attendance is the only option.
Do you offer financial aid?
Limited partial support is available. All financial support is based on formal proof of financial need. If you check this option on the application you will need to upload proof of your current monthly income and expenses and describe any extenuating circumstances in your cover letter. Our resources this year are especially constrained, so we strongly encourage you to seek outside funding if accepted.
We also offer a number of full fellowships to applicants who demonstrate outstanding talent. Please see the relevant page on this site.
Our Black Writers Matter Fund provides financial support on a sliding scale to qualified applicants (talent + need).
If I plan to apply virtually, am I eligible for financial aid ?
Yes. All applicants are eligible for financial aid with proof of income and expenses.
If I plan to attend virtually, am I eligible for a full named fellowship ?
No. Our full fellowships are reserved for in-person attendees.
Is it possible to combine in-person and virtual participation ?
Yes, but arrangements must be made in advance with the program director. In such cases, participants will pay the in-person rate, and not be eligible for full named fellowships.
Where will I stay in Tepoztlán?
Tepoztlán offers a range of accommodation within walking distance of the village center and all workshop venues. Prices range from $35 to $200 US per night, including breakfast and taxes. We will provide accepted applicants a list of recommended hotels. Housing for full-fellowship recipients will be arranged and paid for by Under the Volcano.
Do I need to know Spanish to participate in under the volcano?
Knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable but not required. We encourage all Volcanistas to interact with one another across the barriers of language. This is a good time to review or polish your Spanish or begin to learn it!
¿Necesito saber inglés para participar en Under the Volcano?
Un nivel mínimo sí es necesario debido a que el inglés nos funciona como lengua compartida entre Volcanistas de varios países.
What are the technical requirements for UTV 2022 workshops?
A PC or laptop with good internet connection and access to Zoom and other standard platforms.
Is it possible to audit a master class without being formally enrolled?
A small number of auditors may be accepted to certain master classes with permission of the instructor for an additional fee. Please email us for details.
Will any events during UTV 2023 be open to outside audiences?
Circumstances permitting, we expect to make a number of our special events available to members of the public. Details will be announced in advance of the event.
How often do the Masterclasses meet?
Most groups meet twice a week, but some will have 3 sessions in Week 1.