Location: Providence Island, Colombia
Session Dates: June 7, 2025 - July 2, 2025
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/caribbean-providence-island/
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR)
Project Director:
Dr. Tracie Mayfield
Project Description:
Embark on a thrilling summer adventure that combines history, culture, and hands-on research on the captivating Colombian islands of Old Providence and Santa Catalina. Located in the heart of a stunning UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Western Caribbean, these islands boast a rich cultural tapestry shaped by their past as a global trade hub and centuries of shifting power dynamics, from English and Spanish administrations to encounters with pirates and privateers. Today, the islands are still home to the Native Raizal descendants of the original English colonists, enslaved Africans, and self-emancipated Maroon villagers. Join IFR’s community-led project by digging into the islands’ complex heritage and helping to preserve Native Raizal oral histories.
Field school highlights:
Period(s) of Occupation: Historical, Contemporary
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: None
Room and Board Arrangements:
Students and faculty will be housed at Posada Enilda Bed and Breakfast located in the south of the Island in an area called Bottom House. This posada is a fully modern facility with comfortable outdoor seating areas, shared dining room, and other amenities, such as air-conditioning, in- room safes, and personal refrigerators, and is extremely comfortable. The husband and wife owners are excited about hosting the students and we have enjoyed our stays in past years, immensely.
Room and board at the Posada includes breakfast every day, and lunch Monday-Saturday, which will be served in the field or in the dining area at Posada Enilda. Dinners will not be provided by the program, but there are restaurants nearby and food can be ordered and delivered to the Posada. Additionally, grocery stores are available on the Island where students can purchase food; each room has a refrigerator where meal and snack supplies can be stored.
The owners of the Posada can meet most dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, and lactose intolerant), other than Kosher, although if given enough advance time to order supplies and with specific instructions/ consultation, the Posada may be able to meet Kosher needs as well, so please contact the Director if this is of interest to you. Laundry services are also offered at the Posada; which you can request when you check in after arriving on site.
Academic Credit:
8 semester (12 quarter)
Institute for Field Research
1855 Industrial Street, Unit 106
Los Angeles
CA
90021
United States
Phone: (424) 209-1173
