FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
10Who can participate in ArchaeoSpain programs?
Anyone over 18 can participate in 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 who will teach you what you need to know.
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
No. Language has never been a barrier for people to participate in ArchaeoSpain programs. The group leaders speak Spanish and English (and sometimes another language). 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, or Anthropology?
No. People of any background can participate in 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. That said we rarely take people older than 60 because of the physical nature and group dynamic of the programs. But we often make exceptions so feel free to email us with queries.
How big are the groups?
It depends on the site, but ArchaeoSpain groups range between 10 and 16 participants. In some programs we join local crews of 10 to 20 more people.
Can I receive academic credit for the ArchaeoSpain programs?
Yes, but credit will have to come from your school or institution. You will need to contact your academic adviser to start the process because each school has different rules regarding credits. 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.
Does ArchaeoSpain offer any kind of scholarships?
Sadly, ArchaeoSpain doesn't offer scholarships, however you can check several options in this links.
How does the application process work?
A short time after we receive your application and application fee we will send you the official acceptance letter and more information about your program. You will need to pay the balance of your program fee usually before June.
Is my application fee refundable?
The application fee, minus $80, is refundable until the date listed on the website and on your infopac.
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 the deadline to pay the balance of your program fee.
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 and application fee.
Can I change programs or sessions after signing up?
Yes, provided that there is still space in your new 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 or finish the program on different dates than the ones indicated?
Yes, in some cases it will be possible. Please contact us with your specific needs.
How do I join my group?
The program information attached to the acceptance letter will explain our rendezvous point at the closest airport on the start date. If you can’t get to the meeting point 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 do we provide any kind of travel services aside from advice. You will need to book your own flight.
How hard is the work?
The work will mostly consist of digging the ground with different tools, from small trowels to pick axes. You will need to transport dirt by wheelbarrow or buckets. There will also be artefact 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 excellent shape?
No, you just need to be in reasonable physical condition and in good health.
Is it a problem if I am a vegetarian?
No, it is not difficult to accommodate a vegetarian diet, but if you have other dietary restrictions please check with us.
What types of food will we eat?
We will eat local food. The Spanish Mediterranean 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 10:30am we will stop work for a snack, usually a sandwich and/or fruit. Lunch is the main meal of the day, eaten at around 2:30pm. Dinner is lighter, at around 8pm.
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 trip.
Do I need any specific tools?
No, all archaeological tools and equipment will be provided on site.
What if I get sick during the program?
There are medical facilities a short distance from the excavation sites. If you need any kind of medical care you will be transported to the closest healthcare center. All ArchaeoSpain participants are covered by a complimentary insurance program providing full medical and surgical treatment as well as prescription drugs. European participants should bring an EHIC card with them. Please contact our staff for complete details.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended. In the rare event that a program is cancelled, ArchaeoSpain will refund program fees, but will not refund travel expenses.
Will I have time to travel on my own?
On most excavations we rest on the weekends. During the week and on weekends we offer free excursions to sites of cultural and archaeological interest. 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 do so 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 amazing cultural and archaeological sites in the area. These excursions are included in your program fee, and they serve to give you a broader exposure to the cultural context of your program site.
Can I sign up for more than one program?
Of course.
Is ArchaeoSpain on social media?
Yes, we try to keep everyone updated on Facebook and Instagram, plus we have our Adventures in Archaeology blog full of photos and news from our digs.
Anyone over 18 can participate in 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 who will teach you what you need to know.
Do I need to speak Spanish to participate?
No. Language has never been a barrier for people to participate in ArchaeoSpain programs. The group leaders speak Spanish and English (and sometimes another language). 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, or Anthropology?
No. People of any background can participate in 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. That said we rarely take people older than 60 because of the physical nature and group dynamic of the programs. But we often make exceptions so feel free to email us with queries.
How big are the groups?
It depends on the site, but ArchaeoSpain groups range between 10 and 16 participants. In some programs we join local crews of 10 to 20 more people.
Can I receive academic credit for the ArchaeoSpain programs?
Yes, but credit will have to come from your school or institution. You will need to contact your academic adviser to start the process because each school has different rules regarding credits. 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.
Does ArchaeoSpain offer any kind of scholarships?
Sadly, ArchaeoSpain doesn't offer scholarships, however you can check several options in this links.
How does the application process work?
A short time after we receive your application and application fee we will send you the official acceptance letter and more information about your program. You will need to pay the balance of your program fee usually before June.
Is my application fee refundable?
The application fee, minus $80, is refundable until the date listed on the website and on your infopac.
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 the deadline to pay the balance of your program fee.
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 and application fee.
Can I change programs or sessions after signing up?
Yes, provided that there is still space in your new 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 or finish the program on different dates than the ones indicated?
Yes, in some cases it will be possible. Please contact us with your specific needs.
How do I join my group?
The program information attached to the acceptance letter will explain our rendezvous point at the closest airport on the start date. If you can’t get to the meeting point 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 do we provide any kind of travel services aside from advice. You will need to book your own flight.
How hard is the work?
The work will mostly consist of digging the ground with different tools, from small trowels to pick axes. You will need to transport dirt by wheelbarrow or buckets. There will also be artefact 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 excellent shape?
No, you just need to be in reasonable physical condition and in good health.
Is it a problem if I am a vegetarian?
No, it is not difficult to accommodate a vegetarian diet, but if you have other dietary restrictions please check with us.
What types of food will we eat?
We will eat local food. The Spanish Mediterranean 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 10:30am we will stop work for a snack, usually a sandwich and/or fruit. Lunch is the main meal of the day, eaten at around 2:30pm. Dinner is lighter, at around 8pm.
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 trip.
Do I need any specific tools?
No, all archaeological tools and equipment will be provided on site.
What if I get sick during the program?
There are medical facilities a short distance from the excavation sites. If you need any kind of medical care you will be transported to the closest healthcare center. All ArchaeoSpain participants are covered by a complimentary insurance program providing full medical and surgical treatment as well as prescription drugs. European participants should bring an EHIC card with them. Please contact our staff for complete details.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended. In the rare event that a program is cancelled, ArchaeoSpain will refund program fees, but will not refund travel expenses.
Will I have time to travel on my own?
On most excavations we rest on the weekends. During the week and on weekends we offer free excursions to sites of cultural and archaeological interest. 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 do so 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 amazing cultural and archaeological sites in the area. These excursions are included in your program fee, and they serve to give you a broader exposure to the cultural context of your program site.
Can I sign up for more than one program?
Of course.
Is ArchaeoSpain on social media?
Yes, we try to keep everyone updated on Facebook and Instagram, plus we have our Adventures in Archaeology blog full of photos and news from our digs.
