Overview

Step back in time and explore Cahokia, a once-thriving Indigenous city that rose to prominence between A.D. 1050-1350 in present-day Illinois. Situated in the American Bottom region near St. Louis, Cahokia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. In this unique archaeology field school, you’ll be part of a larger research project investigating how peripheral neighborhoods contributed to Cahokia’s development, offering a rare opportunity to explore the social and cultural dynamics that shaped this medieval city. This immersive archaeological fieldwork program allows students to delve into excavation, mapping, and lab work, gaining essential skills in archaeological practice while examining Cahokia’s urban landscape and its enduring historical impact. Join us in uncovering Cahokia’s past and contributing to critical research on North America’s ancient urban landscapes.

Field school highlights:

  • Learn essential skills in artifact processing, soil analysis, field photography, and cataloging under the guidance of experienced archaeologists.
  • Get your hands dirty during excavations and geophysical surveys, gaining practical experience in documenting excavation techniques, mapping with Total Station technology, and analyzing site stratigraphy
  • Work on an iconic UNESCO site in an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of North America’s most complex ancient cities.

 

Course Details
Course Dates June 15-July 19, 2025
Course Type Field Archaeology
Instructors Dr. Sarah Baires &
Dr. Melissa Baltus
Credits* 8 semester (12 quarter)
Apply By March 1
Fees Due By April 15
Program Fees (2025)
Tuition $4,475
Transcript Fee* $300
Health & Evacuation Insurance N/A
Room & Board $1,950
TOTAL: $6,690

*Please email admissions@ifrglobal.org for any application issues.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program fills or final deadline passes. 

Instructors

The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.

Dr. Sarah Baires
Dr. Sarah Baires
Dr. Sarah Baires is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Eastern Connecticut State University
Dr. Melissa Baltus
Dr. Melissa Baltus
Dr. Melissa Baltus is an Associate Professor in Anthropology at he University of Toledo.

Testimonials

This is a revised IFR field school. No student testimonials are available at this time.

Payment & Student Fees

Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.

Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.

*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.

For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.

Accommodations

You’ll live in university housing on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Housing will likely be apartment style dorms, with 2 students per bedroom and shared communal spaces.

Meals: Food costs are included in the budget and students will receive a stipend to shop for food and ingredients to make meals and snacks for the week. You’ll have access to a kitchen in your apartment, as well as dining options on SIUE campus. You may choose to supplement your food stipend based on your eating preference. This program allows students to manage their own food choices and so is adaptable to many different diets and food restrictions. 

Travel Info

Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.

General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.

2024 Arrival Information (specifics will be updated for 2025, but will follow the same basic information): Students arriving by air into the St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) should take the Metro (red or blue line) to the St. Louis MetroLink Fairview Heights station. Project staff members will meet these students on June 2, 2024 at 4 pm at the station. If you are driving please arrive at the apartment on June 2 by 4 pm. Students are encouraged to drive if local to the region. Project directors and/or staff will not provide access to a vehicle for weekends, though there is a local bus service.  

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens not from the USA are asked to check the embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements.