US-TX: Brooks County Survey (IFR)

Location: Brooks County, TX, USA

Session Dates: June 14 – 28, 2026

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/us-tx-brooks-county/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR)

Project Director:
Emma Newman

Project Description:

Examine one of the most complex social and historical landscapes in the United States through an immersive, community-informed field school in South Texas. This program uses archaeological and ethnographic methods to study the material traces of clandestine migration along the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on the objects left behind by migrants crossing through Texas’ remote ranchlands. Participants will help document and analyze these materials to better understand migration experiences and the human stories embedded in this landscape. Working under the guidance of experienced researchers, you’ll gain practical training in a range of valuable field skills, while learning first-hand how archaeology can illuminate sensitive and complex human experiences.

Field school highlights:

• Build valuable field experience in archaeological survey, GIS mapping, artifact cataloging, and ethnographic data collection and interviewing.
• Visit local historical sites, volunteer with community nonprofits, and gain insight at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Forensic Anthropology Research Lab.
• Experience South Texas culture firsthand- free-time activities might include rodeos, brisket cookouts, or learning to two-step and country dance.

Period(s) of Occupation: Current day, Field archaeology, Survey, Ethnoarchaeology

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:
You will stay in refurbished but rustic mobile home units on a South Texas ranch. Each unit has a full kitchen, common area, laundry area, and several bedrooms with 1-4 beds. There are also communal outdoor spaces and a nearby lake for swimming. Meals: The program will provide groceries for you to cook dinner as a group and make daily breakfast and lunches for most program days while at the ranch. On days when the group is in the city, and you can purchase meals from the available food options. This program is able to accommodate special dietary needs.

Academic Credit:
TBD