1. Who can participate in the ArchaeoSpain programs?
Anyone over 18 can participate in the ArchaeoSpain programs,
but our groups usually consist of university students and
recent graduates. Please contact us to see if you are eligible.
Younger
participants can attend our ArchaeoSpain
High School program.
The only prerequisite for participants is a desire to carry out archaeological fieldwork at important historical sites.
Do I need previous fieldwork experience?
No. These programs are designed for people who want to learn and practice archaeology including those without previous fieldwork experience. You will work under the close supervision of professional archaeologists that will teach you what you need to know.
Do I need to know Spanish to participate?
No. Language has never been a barrier for people to participate in ArchaeoSpain programs. The group leaders are bilingual. Nevertheless, our programs will offer plenty of opportunities for those willing to practice another language.
Do I need to be a student of Archaeology / History / Anthropology?
No. People of any background can participate in the ArchaeoSpain programs.
Are there any age limits?
Yes. For most of our programs participants must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, however, please consider our ArchaeoSpain High School program. And aside from the Monte Testaccio dig, we rarely take people older than 50 because of the physical nature and group dynamic of the programs.
What size are the teams?
It depends on the site, but the ArchaeoSpain teams are between 4 and 15 participants. We join local crews of 10 to 20 more people, usually Spanish university students.
2. How can I receive academic credit for the ArchaeoSpain programs?
You will need to contact your academic advisor at your school to start the process. Each school has different rules regarding credits, so you should have your advisor contact us. Most likely you will have to register for your school's fieldwork course and have our site directors give you the grade in conjunction with your professor.
3.
The application process
After we receive your application and application fee we will send you the official acceptance letter and more specific information about your program. At that time we will ask you to fill out some other forms to complete your file. You will need to pay the balance of your program fees 45 days before the beginning date of the program. (See below for refund info)
Is my application fee refundable?
The application fee, minus $50, is refundable until 90 days before the beginning of the program. Should you cancel your application before this deadline, you will be eligible for a refund. You will receive a full refund if your application is not accepted.
Are other fees refundable?
Other fees are refundable until 45 days before the beginning of the program.
How soon will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
We will send you a confirmation of your acceptance within two weeks after we receive your application.
Can I change programs / sessions after signing up?
Yes, provided that there is still space in the program of your choice. There are no extra fees for changing programs.
What is the application deadline?
There is no application deadline. We accept applications until we fill all the spaces in the program.
Can I start/finish the program on different dates than the ones indicated?
Yes, in some cases it will be possible. Please contact our staff with your specific needs.
4. How do I join my team?
With your program information we will send you directions to the rendezvous point, usually at the closest airport the first day of the program. If you can't get to the rendezvous location on time we will give you directions on how to reach the excavation site by yourself.
Do you provide air travel?
No. We do not provide air travel. ArchaeoSpain is not a travel agent nor we provide any kind of travel services. You will need to book your flight.
5. How hard is the work?
The work will mostly consist of digging the ground with different tools, from pick axes to small trowels. You will need to transport dirt by wheelbarrow or buckets. There will also be lab work and artifact washing and restoration. The work is hard, so you should be in good health.
Is it really hot in the field?
Temperatures in Spain are unpredictable, even in the summer. Temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C) at the hottest time of the day, but we usually stop work before it reaches that temperature. In the evenings, temperatures can drop to around 55°F (13°C).
Do I need to be in good shape?
No. You just need to be in reasonable physical condition and in good health.
6. Is it a problem if I am a vegetarian?
No. It is not difficult to accommodate a vegetarian diet, but if you require other dietary restrictions please check with us.
What types of food will we eat?
We will eat local food. The Spanish diet is very diverse and healthy, including plenty of meats, fruits, and vegetables.
What is the meal schedule?
Breakfast is a light meal, eaten before work. At about 10am we will stop work for a snack, usually a sandwich and/or a piece of fruit. Lunch is the main meal of the day, eaten at around 2pm. Dinner is lighter, at around 9pm.
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7. What do I need to bring?
With your program information we will send you a list of suggested items and clothing that will be useful for your program.
Do I need any specific tools?
No. All archaeological tools and equipment will be provided on site.
8. What if I get sick during the program?
There are medical facilities at a short distance from the excavation sites. If you need any kind of medical care you will be transported to the closest health care center. All participants in the ArchaeoSpain projects are covered by a complimentary insurance program providing full medical and surgical treatment as well as prescription drugs. Please contact our staff for complete details.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended. In the rare event that a program is canceled ArchaeoSpain will refund participation costs, but will not refund travel expenses.
9. Will I have time to travel on my own?
On most excavations we rest on Saturday afternoons and on Sundays. During the week and on weekends we offer free excursions to sites of cultural and archaeological interest in the site area. You may choose to do other activities on your own, but it will not be easy to travel very far. If you want to visit other cities in Spain we recommend that you take some days to travel on your own before or after the program.
Are there any excursions included in the programs?
Yes. We will take advantage of our free time to visit some of the main sites of cultural and archaeological interest in the region of your program. These excursions are free, and very useful to give you a broader exposure to the cultural context of your program site.
10. Can I sign up for more than one program?
Yes.
Do I get any discounts if I sign up for more than one program?
Yes. The application fee for the second program will be waived.
Are there any discounts for groups or for past participants?
We used to provide discounts for groups, but the increasingly weak dollar has made it impossible to maintain this policy. When the dollar rebounds we'll reinstate the discount.