The Mycenaean Foundation in collaboration with the Department of History, Archeology and Cultural Resources Management of the University of Peloponnese offer to motivated students from around the world the unique opportunity to participate in the archaeological excavation, survey, and field research of the region of the Spercheios River valley in Greece, associated in Greek mythology with the legendary kingdom of Achilles, and receive top practical training through the MY.SPE.AR. field school. 

During field campaigns the students will be trained as trench assistants by experienced field archaeologists in excavation, sifting and flotation, data collection and recording, study/cataloguing of artifacts/ecofacts, museum research, archaeological and geophysical survey (aided by remote sensing devices and techniques). The field school program also includes field trips to nearby museums and ancient sites in Athens, Thessaloniki, Pella, Vergina, Nafplio, Argos, Tiryns, Corinth, Epidaurus, Pylos, Olympia, Delphi, Thebes, Glas, Meteora, and select Greek islands, designed to offer the students hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Prehistoric Aegean and Classical art and archaeology, and the opportunity to immerse in modern Greek culture and language.

In June 2019, the Mycenaean Spercheios Valley Archaeological (MY.SPE.AR) Project (2nd campaign) will run for four weeks and will involve targeted excavation (test pits) on the acropolis of Lamia, regional archaeological survey of the Spercheios Valley, aerial reconnaissance (drone), geophysical survey (Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetometry). 

Participants may enroll either for academic credit (University of Peloponnese) or for a fieldwork certificate (Mycenaean Foundation). Successful completion of the field school will earn 8 ECTS (equivalent to 4 US credits), which can be transferred to other academic institutions.

For the 2019 campaign, positions are limited to 20 undergraduate students and 7-8 graduate students. Positions are open on a rolling basis until filled - apply early. 

Application procedure, schedule of payments and refunds:

1. Send a brief letter of interest by email to info@mycenaeanfoundation.com (cc: maggidic@dickinson.edu).

2 Visit at http://culttech.uop.gr/myspear.html (application link is now open), read the instructions, download and fill out the application form 

3. Submit the completed application form and all required documents (photocopy of valid passport page, unofficial transcript of grades, and a letter of recommendation) by email to culttech@uop.gr 

4. A non-refundable confirmation fee of $330 must be paid to the Laboratory of Archaeometry, Department of History, Archeology and Cultural Resources Management (University of the Peloponnese) within ten days after notification of acceptance into the program to secure a seat (instructions for payment will be provided by email, along with the notification of acceptance). Failure to do so within the deadline will result in the deactivation of your application. All applications (including confirmation deposits) must be complete by the application deadline of March 1, 2019.

5. The balance of the program fee ($4,500) must be paid directly to the Mycenaean Foundation by the final deadline of March 31, 2019 (upon payment, please, include your name and email address to receive acknowledgement and payment invoice) - online PayPal at http://mycenaeanfoundation.com/field-school