The Field School

The 2023 field season of the Birsama Exploration Project will take place from May 28th - June 23rd.

Previous Experience Required: None! No previous experience is required to participate as a student or volunteer on the project.

Field School Objectives: Field school students will learn the basics of how to conduct archaeological field research. During the 2023 season, we will begin excavating and will continue to survey the site. Students will rotate between the excavation and survey teams, to learn about excavation techniques and methodologies and how to conduct a pedestrian survey. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in several post-excavation data processing activities, such as ceramic analysis, soil sample flotation, and the 3-D modeling of small finds using photogrammetry. Students will also receive lectures from project staff about the history of Birsama and the Levant, ongoing regional research, and specialized approaches within the field of archaeology.

Accommodation: Comfortable rooms at the guesthouse at Kibbutz Gvulot including bathrooms with shower and WC, TV, A/C, and free Wi-Fi.

Meals: The participants will be provided with three meals on work days. Breakfast at the site, lunch, and dinner at the kibbutz.

Please contact Alexandra Ratzlaff (ratzlaff@brandeis.edu) with questions about the field school.

Participants must register for the complete season. The full cost of $4,050.00 for participation in the project includes room and board at Kibbutz Gvulot; breakfast, lunch, and dinner; transportation from and to the airport; two Saturday field trips. Complete payment must be made by April 1, 2023. 

Funding for participation is available through multiple archaeological research organizations. PLEASE NOTE: Deadlines for these awards tend to be early in the spring semester. Click here for a list of scholarship and fellowship opportunities.