Project Description
New Program! All new programs for summer 2025 are currently under review by IFR’s Academic Board. We anticipate offering this program, but changes may be made during the review process.
Overview
Investigate the roots of hominin occupation and behavior in the Armenian Highlands and southern Caucasus during the Late Pleistocene. Nestled in the scenic Debed Gorge of northern Armenia, this archaeology field school focuses on two pivotal Middle Palaeolithic sites, offering a unique opportunity to participate in research that aims to bridge significant gaps in our understanding of this period. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in a variety of hands-on activities, from excavation and survey work to lab analysis. Both in and out of the field, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural traditions of the Tavush Province, a rural area along the Georgian-Armenian border. This region, where Palaeolithic research is still emerging, provides a unique backdrop for gaining first hand archaeological experience. Join us in exploring the profound history of the Armenian Highlands and contribute to transformative research that could redefine our understanding of hominin adaptation and technological evolution.
Field school highlights:
- Gain skills in essential archaeological techniques, including excavation, surveying, digital geospatial recording, stratigraphic interpretation, and the use of a total station
- Work alongside a team of international experts to reconstruct past environments and analyze changes in hominin technology and site use over time
- Connect with rural Armenian life! Participate in cultural festivals and visit historical landmarks in the Tavush Province and nearby Georgia as part of your program
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.
Testimonials
This is a new 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
Nestled in the village of Bagratashen, near the Georgia border, our field school offers comfortable accommodations with 2-3 person rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel staff handles laundry weekly, and students enjoy spacious outdoor common areas for dining, socializing, and occasional lab work.
Meals are provided by the program, with a variety of options catering to different dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan. Breakfast and dinner are prepared by the hotel chefs, featuring traditional Armenian dishes like khorovats (barbecue), khinkali (dumplings), and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), adding a rich cultural flavor to your experience. Purified drinking water is supplied by the program and security is ensured with 24/7 on-site hotel staff.
![Portrait for WP](https://ifrglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Portrait-for-WP.png)
![Portrait for WP](https://ifrglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Portrait-for-WP.png)
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.
Travel Info Coming Soon!
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Info for US citizens coming soon! Citizens of other countries are asked to check the embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements