Field School

Immersive archaeological training grounded in landscape, material culture, and structured documentation.

Apply for 2026 Programme

Programme Overview

The Odyssey Academy Field School offers structured, field-based training in archaeology within historically layered landscapes of Greece. Participants engage in excavation, survey, artefact documentation, and contextual site interpretation.

Skills & Academic Development

  • Stratigraphic interpretation
  • Context recording
  • Artefact handling and analysis
  • Field documentation methods
  • Landscape reading
Archaeologists working at an excavation site with ancient artifacts and tools.

What You Will Do

🏺 Excavation Practice

Participants engage in supervised excavation within stratified contexts, learning systematic trench procedures, stratigraphic interpretation, and responsible artefact recovery. Emphasis is placed on method, precision, and contextual awareness rather than speed.

🌄 Survey & Landscape Study

Field survey introduces participants to landscape-based archaeology through systematic surface recording, spatial observation, and site interpretation. The broader environmental and topographical context forms an essential component of analysis.

🏛 Museum & Artefact Study

Work with artefacts extends from field recovery to post-excavation analysis. Participants examine ceramics and material culture within museum or laboratory settings, developing skills in classification, handling, and interpretative assessment.

📝 Documentation & Recording

Accurate documentation underpins all archaeological work. Training includes context sheets, measured drawing, photographic recording, and structured field notes, reinforcing the discipline required for reliable archaeological interpretation.

Practical Information

Duration
The Field School operates as a structured two-week programme combining excavation, survey, documentation, and seminar sessions. Extended participation may be considered depending on availability and research needs.
Location
Activities are based in Messinia, southern Greece, within historically layered coastal and inland landscapes. Specific site locations are confirmed prior to each programme cycle.
Eligibility
Open to undergraduate and graduate students in archaeology, history, anthropology, and related disciplines. Motivated applicants from other backgrounds may be considered upon review.
Language
Instruction and supervision are conducted in English.
Academic Framework
Training follows structured archaeological methodology, including stratigraphic recording, artefact analysis, and field documentation standards. The programme is educational in nature and does not automatically confer academic credit unless otherwise specified.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are provided upon acceptance. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements to Greece.
Fees
Programme fees cover supervision, training sessions, and structured field activities. Accommodation and travel costs are outlined separately during the application process.
Insurance
Participants must obtain appropriate travel and health insurance prior to arrival.
Application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants may be asked to submit a short academic statement outlining relevant background and motivation.