Maya Research Program’s 2027 Archaeological Field School (Student Discounts and Scholarships Available)

Location: Blue Creek, BZ

Season: June 7, 2027 to July 18, 2027

Session Dates: 2027 Field Season Dates: Session 1: Monday, June 7th to Sunday, June 20th, 2027 Session 2: Monday, June 21st to Sunday, July 4th, 2027 Session 3: Monday, July 5th to Sunday, July 18th, 2027 Session 3: Monday, July 6th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Application Deadline: June 1, 2027

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://www.mayaresearchprogram.org

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Texas at Tyler

Project Director:
Dr. Thomas H. Guderjan and C. Colleen Hanratty, University of Texas at Tyler

Project Description:

The Maya Research Program (MRP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting archaeological and ethnographic research in Latin America. Since 1992, MRP has conducted archaeological fieldwork in northwestern Belize through the Blue Creek Archaeological Project (BCAP). This long-term research program focuses on several important Maya sites, including Blue Creek, Grey Fox, Nojol Nah, Tulix Mul, Tz’unun, and Xnoha . Many of MRP’s publications are available here.

MRP has contributed significantly to the documentation, preservation, and protection of Maya cultural heritage in northwestern Belize. Over the past 31 years, more than 3,000 students and volunteers have participated in this ongoing research. The current BCAP project team includes faculty members and graduate students from over a dozen universities worldwide, and is affiliated with the University of Texas at Tyler.

In Summer 2027, MRP will conduct the 32nd field season of the Blue Creek Archaeological Project. The project brings together an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, including archaeologists and specialists in soil science, geography, geology, conservation, 3D modeling, bioarchaeology, botany, and anthropology. This range of expertise allows BCAP to address archaeological questions through multiple lines of evidence and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient Maya and their environment.

Each summer, MRP offers three two-week archaeological field school sessions for students and volunteers. Participants receive hands-on training in archaeological excavation, manual and digital recording methods, artifact analysis, and collections curation. The field school provides an opportunity to work alongside professional researchers while gaining practical experience in the methods and practices of archaeological research.
For detailed information on what to expect during your time with MRP—such as daily activities, housing arrangements, and what to bring—please consult our Participant Guide.

MRP offers scholarships to support students’ participation. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for these opportunities. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 15, 2027.

2027 Field Season Dates:

Session 1: Monday, June 7th to Sunday, June 20th, 2027

Session 2: Monday, June 21st to Sunday, July 4th, 2027

Session 3: Monday, July 5th to Sunday, July 18th, 2027

Enrollment for the 2027 field season is now open. We invite you to join us in continuing this important work of  research and conservation!

Enrollment Process:

The maximum number of participants for each 2-week session is 24 students and volunteers. To begin the enrollment process, the applicant should forward an enrollment form and $250 USD deposit per session to the Maya Research Program. (Please note that you must have a COVID vaccine and applicable boosters to participate in the Blue Creek Archaeological Project.)

You can email the enrollment forms to Dr. Thomas Guderjan at mrpinquiries@gmail.com or via postal mail to 1912 East Southeast Loop 323 #296, Tyler, Texas, 75701. You can send your donation via mail by check or electronically via PayPal.

Cost:

A special first-session rate of $1850 is available to students currently enrolled in an accredited University or College. Students are encouraged to apply for a MRP scholarship to reduce their costs.

The donation for a single two-week session for non-students is $1950 USD.

If more than one session is desired, the donation is $1550 for each additional session (for both students and non-students).

A non-refundable deposit of $250 per session is required to hold your spot.

Participants are responsible for their travel costs to and from Belize.

If a student wishes to receive academic credit, tuition costs (via the University of Texas at Tyler or their home institution) will apply in addition to the required donation to the Maya Research Program

Period(s) of Occupation: Maya / Classic Period

Notes:
In Summer 2027, MRP will conduct the 32nd field season of the Blue Creek Archaeological Project. The project brings together an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, including archaeologists and specialists in soil science, geography, geology, conservation, 3D modeling, bioarchaeology, botany, and anthropology. This range of expertise allows BCAP to address archaeological questions through multiple lines of evidence and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient Maya and their environment. Each summer, MRP offers three two-week archaeological field school sessions for students and volunteers. Participants receive hands-on training in archaeological excavation, manual and digital recording methods, artifact analysis, and collections curation. The field school provides an opportunity to work alongside professional researchers while gaining practical experience in the methods and practices of archaeological research.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks (one session)

Minimum Age: 18 (Underage participants are allowed on a case by case basis.)

Experience Required: No previous experience required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Our base station has a large central 2 story house (including a public lounge, library and kitchen)  a laboratory building, a large shower/restroom building, a dining hall, and a large central palapa. Participants stay in residential cabanas (with electricity). All meals are provided within the overall cost. All field equipment, supplies, and in country transportation are also provided. For detailed information on what to expect during your time with MRP—such as daily activities, housing arrangements, and what to bring—please consult MRP's Participant Guide (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j1gptD5uplwQboocfsmwi5xMtbv0alGL/view)

Academic Credit:
3 hours of credit per 2 week session (credit offered by University of Texas at Tyler or student's home institution).