Location: 05022 Amelia, Province of Terni, Italy
Season: June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.arcifs.org/
Discount for AIA members: 10%
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
This project is an RPA certified field school
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Project Director:
Nikolas Vakalis & Sotirios Kourtesis - Founders, Directors ARCIFS - AICS
Project Description:
We are now accepting applications for our summer 2026 field school in Italy, hosted by Amelia International Conservation Studies (AICS).
Our deadline for applications is March 1, 2026.
With over two decades of expertise and a global alumni network from over 200 colleges and universities, AICS is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage.
During this immersive program, students will have the unique opportunity to study and travel in Italy, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in restoration and conservation.
Our courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the science, ethics, and practical skills necessary for art conservation and historic preservation.
Session One (June 8 – July 3, 2026)
Stone Conservation: Science and Ethics in Historic Preservation
https://www.arcifs.org/stone-conservation
Session Two (July 13 – August 7, 2026)
Analyzing, Documenting and Restoring Archaeological Ceramics
https://www.arcifs.org/archaeological-ceramics-conservation
Period(s) of Occupation: Roman period, Medieval, Renaissance
Notes:
ยท Restoration and conservation of artifacts from the Archaeological Museum of Amelia. Additionally, we have signed an agreement with the Special Superintendency of Rome to restore amphorae from the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Since June 2024, we have enjoyed a significant cooperation with the Accademia di Belle Arti in Naples, and more recently, we established a new academic agreement with the prestigious and internationally renowned Accademia di Brera in Milan in April 2025. These agreements further expand our reach and commitment to excellence in conservation education.
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: Our program is not just for art historians or preservationists. We encourage students from architecture, archaeology, library science, chemistry, museum studies, classics, anthropology, and related fields to apply, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of art conservation and historic preservation. Our courses are open to students from various disciplines, both undergraduate and graduate, to join us for this incredible learning experience. All lessons are taught in English.
Room and Board Arrangements:
Participants in the program will be accommodated in apartments or houses located in the charming town of Amelia. All apartments provide basic and comfortable living arrangements in the historic center of Amelia.
Here is a breakdown of what is included in the shared housing:
Shared bedrooms, typically with two to three beds.
Shared bathrooms.
Kitchens equipped with basic cooking utensils.
Weekly linen change, providing fresh bed sheets and one bath towel.
Not Included in Program Cost:
Meals
Airfare to Italy
Academic Credit:
Current Accreditation Status:
Our conservation school is in the process of seeking accreditation and establishing strategic academic partnerships. We are currently finalizing our affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which has announced the beginning of their Master's in Historic Preservation program. ARCIFS-AICS will be an integral part of this program, and we only need to complete the formal signing of our affiliation agreement with them. We understand the importance of accreditation in validating the academic success of our students, and we are actively working towards establishing additional partnerships with universities and accreditation organizations.
Graduation Certificates:
Upon successful completion of our conservation programs, students will receive a graduation certificate from our conservation school. This certificate acknowledges their commitment, achievements, and the skills they have acquired during their time with us. Additionally, through our upcoming partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Master's in Historic Preservation program, students will have pathways to advanced academic credentials and enhanced professional opportunities in the field of historic preservation and conservation.
