Expert: Ralph Salier - 10/23/2011

Question
i am a junior and i want to be a anthropologist/archeologist when i graduate.

First, What programs are there that i can volunteer abroad in the summer on a dig? I have found a few but either they do not pertain specifically to archeology, they have age limits, or they are obscenely expensive.

Second, what kind of school/requirements would i have to fulfill  in order to get a job abroad?

Third, what are the top schools and/or programs for these fields? And what kind of things would i need to get accepted into said schools?

I know.., sorry i have so many questions, and thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Rylee,

The Field Studies Council in England (UK) often has archaeological programs that are fairly reasonable and generally last from one to 4 weeks.  They are not inexpensive but then it covers housing, food and the classroom work as well as the field work.  These are generally digs at Roman, or early British sites or they may be digs at early industrial sites as well.  Each year, Shovelbums.com puts out a list of field schools.  THese are usually run by colleges and universities where you get college credit for the field/lab work.  Some are free for volunteers.  You can contact them on line.  You can also become a member of www.shovelbums.com (or org).  

You will need chemistry, biology, earth science at a minimum, it would be even better if these are either AP or IB level courses.  Also good writing skills, geography and math skills are important too.

The basic archaeological courses at any US university/college should provide the skills you may need for work in other parts of the world (BA).  BUT! it is up to you what sub-culture or region you specialize in when getting your masters degree. And you may want to also get a PhD. 1000s of hours of field work will be needed during your schooling before being able to find work abroad.

There are a number of great schools from your local state university all the way up to Yale or Harvard but how much can you afford?  Also are your grades good enough to get you into a top ranked private school like a Yale or Columbia?  Also, remember, with a BA, you will be a shovelbum and not making much money, if you have school loans,  these will be hard to pay back based on your pay which will be spotty until you  get your MA (master's degree).  It is a tough life and one that requires a great deal of dedication.  Are you ready for that?  

Tell me what state you live in and I will direct you to the best program in your state and if you can tell me what cultures you are interested in, I will direct you towards the best programs for those cultures.