Summer Archaeology Field School in Tuscania

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What's Included

API invites you to participate in a truly unique study abroad experience in Tuscania, Italy! You will have the opportunity to learn in an authentic research and excavation environment while gaining a comprehensive understanding of ancient Etruscan culture and archaeological methods. This program is offered through Lorenzo de'Medici, which conducts an intensive Archaeology Field School under the professional supervision of the University of Florence and in collaboration with Italian students of the Department of Archaeology. Earn academic credit, conduct field research, and explore this charming region as you experience the Italy of today while helping to uncover its past!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Excursions

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

Housing (some meals with host families)

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.8 G.P.A.
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • One official transcript
  • Entry requirement: valid passport
  • Program requires participants to be in a physical condition that will allow for full days of field work (digging, crouching, excavation work). Physical condition will be assessed by a doctor associated with the local Archaeological center upon arrival.
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Summer 2 Jul, 2024 - Aug, 2024 $10,500 Mar 15, 2024 No Extension Apr 14, 2024
Excursions

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Tuscania programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Amalfi Coast: Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri

    Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past. The city was badly damaged by an earthquake in 63 AD and was completely demolished in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Life came to a permanent standstill in what had been one of the most active and splendid Roman centers. Although this tragic event ended the lives of 20,000 Pompeian residents, the ash that buried the town served as a sort of mummification for the entire city. The eruption thus captured a moment in time.

    Sorrento is a resort town set atop rocky, picturesque cliffs along the Amalfi Coast. South of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is dotted with numerous beach towns that offer great shopping and dining, as well as breathtaking views of the sea.

    One of the beautiful islands off the coast of Sorrento in the Gulf of Naples, Capri is a top tourist destination. Famous for its limestone crags and the Blue Grotto, students will enjoy the laid-back, serene nature of this exotic retreat.

  • Rome

    With an almost uninterrupted history as an important center of power for more than two millennia, Rome is as close to eternal as it gets. The “Eternal City” was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today, it remains the seat of the Italian government and the world’s biggest open air museum.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 6 semester credits

API offers this program through Lorenzo de’ Medici, which runs the intensive Archaeology Field School under the professional supervision of the University of Florence and in collaboration with Italian students of the Department of Archaeology. The principal goal of this program is to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a real research and excavation environment while gaining a comprehensive understanding of ancient Etruscan culture and archaeological methods.

The Archaeology Field School is a unique opportunity for students to participate in an archaeological excavation as well as to receive valuable undergraduate level credit. Whether you are a current archaeology or anthropology student or simply someone interested in learning more about the subject, this program will provide an exciting and unique opportunity for a first-hand look at archaeological fieldwork.

At the school’s campus in Tuscania and on selected field trips students will explore major features of Etruscan culture and the methodologies utilized in classical archaeology. Participants will play a full role in the excavation of an Etruscan necropolis near Tuscania, currently in phase four of its exploration. By examining material evidence, so abundant in this region, students will be given the opportunity to learn about the lives of the ancient Etruscans from archaeological evidence and literary sources.

Applicants should contact the API office for further details about the program. A maximum of 15 students and a minimum of 5 students are admitted, with preference given to early applicants.

TRANSCRIPTS

Students receive transcripts from U.S.-accredited University of Massachusetts Amherst for courses taken at LdM. University of Massachusetts Amherst is a fully accredited, doctoral degree granting U.S. university in Amherst, Massachusetts.

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    Kelsi Maddock

    Kelsi Maddock will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.

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    Matteo Berni

    Matteo will be your Resident Director in Tuscania and a resource for you while you are in Italy!

    (he/him/his)

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

The course aims at supplying both a chronological and diachronic approach to the study of the Etruscan civilization with special emphasis on fieldwork at a nearby Etruscan archaeological site, currently in phase four of its exploration, where participants will meet and work with students from the University of Florence. Classroom lectures are held in addition to the on-site fieldwork. Topics include:

  • The origins of the Etruscans: the birth and expansion of the Etruscan peoples.
  • Theories, methods, and practice in archaeology.
  • Analysis of historical and archaeological sources as a means for reconstructing the past.
  • Etruscan architecture and sacred space.
  • Etruscan social and political organization and religion.
  • Discussion of tomb paintings, ceramics, household implements.
  • Preserving the Etruscans artifacts.
  • Techniques, with examples of fieldwork, carried out both in Tuscania and in the rest of Italy.

Be sure to check for any course additions, cancellations, or closures, and remember to pay close attention to prerequisites and class times in order to avoid conflicts. Not all courses are offered every session. The course selection may vary and no course is guaranteed. Some courses may require additional fees for labs, equipment, etc. These fees are not included in the program cost.

Courses at Lorenzo de’Medici: The Italian International Institute (Summer Archaeology Field School in Tuscania)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in English
  • A unique opportunity for students to earn academic credit while participating in an archaeological excavation
  • Program cost includes the following: travel connected with course-related activities; bag lunch provided while on-site at the dig; weekly cultural activity
  • Transcript from U.S. accredited institution (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)
Housing

Housing for API students is usually located within 20-25 minutes walking distance of the school.

The host family option is recommended for students who are studying Italian at the intermediate or advanced levels, for students who are Italian majors/minors, and for students who are seeking greater insight into Italian culture. Host families provide three meals per day Monday through Friday, as well as laundry service. Most students live in single rooms.

Apartments are typically a 10-15 minute walk from the school. Most students will share a room with only 1-2 other students. All apartments come equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and common areas. Washing machines are available, and students are responsible for their own meals. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.

Students participating in the summer archaeology field school will live in a local bed and breakfast with other API students.

Apartment In Tuscania 8947241581 O
Apartment In Tuscania 8947863614 O
Apartment In Tuscania 8947864398 O
Api Tuscania Host Family Christine Mattappillil 4833878113 O