Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can participate in the ArchaeoSpain High School program?
Our students range from anyone who has completed 10th grade to just graduated and not 18 yet. The only prerequisite for the participants is a desire to carry out archaeological fieldwork at an important historical site.
How do you know I am not going to break anything?
You will work under the close supervision of professional archaeologists
who will teach you what you need to know to participate in every
aspect of the excavation.
Do I need to know Spanish to participate?
No. Language has never been a barrier for people to participate in
the ArchaeoSpain programs. Nevertheless, our programs will offer plenty
of opportunities for those willing to practice a second language.
Are there any age limits?
Yes. We cannot accept participants under 16 years old.
What size is the team?
The ArchaeoSpain teams will have about 10 participants. We will join a local
crew of 15 to 20 more people, usually Spanish graduate and undergraduate
university students.
2. The application process
After we receive your application and application fees we will send you the official acceptance letter and 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.
Is my application fee refundable?
The application fee, minus $50 (£25 or €35), 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 in about a week after
we receive your application.
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.
3. How do I join my team?
With your program information we will send you directions to the rendezvous point at Palma de Mallorca airport the first day of the program. ArchaeoSpain staff will transport you to the program site.
Do you provide air travel?
No. We do not provide air travel. You will need to book your flight.
4. 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. All this work will happen under the Spanish summer sun. There will also be lab work and artifact washing and restoration.
PLEASE NOTE: THE WORK IS NOT TOO HARD HOWEVER WORKING UNDER THE SUMMER SUN FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH CAN TAKE ITS TOLL. THEREFORE WE ASK THAT ALL POTENTIAL STUDENTS BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION AND BE IN GOOD HEALTH.
Is it really hot in the field?
Temperatures in Spain are very unpredictable, even in the summer. Temperatures
can reach up to 100°F (38°C) at the warmest time of the day, but
we usually stop work before it reaches that temperature. In the evenings,
temperatures could go as low as mid 50's °F (13°C).
5.
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 needs 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 fruits and vegetables. Believe me, you are in for a treat!
What is the meal schedule?
Breakfast is a light meal, eaten before work. At about 10:30 - 11:00
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 9:30pm.
6. 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.
7. What if I get sick during the program?
There are medical facilities at a short distance from the excavation site. If you need any kind of medical care you will be transported to the closest health care center. All ArchaeoSpain participants 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.
8. Will I have time to travel on my own?
On the weekends we offer free excursions to sites of cultural and archaeological interest in the site area. Provided that you have parental permission, 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 with the programs?
Yes. We will take advantage of our free time to visit some of the main
cultural and archaeological sites in the region. These
excursions are free, and very useful to give you a broader exposure to the
cultural context of the site.