Project Description
Prerequisites
This program requires participants to have Open Water Diver Certification (any world-wide recognized training organization) and DAN diving insurance (http://www.daneurope.org/insurance) and to complete a Medical Approval Form prior to the beginning of the field school.
Overview
The Bulgarian Underwater Archaeology field school provides a comprehensive training in underwater archaeological methods through participation in an ongoing research project: discovering the submerged heritage of ancient Mesambria, present-day Nessebar (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Today, significant parts of the ancient town are below sea level. Remains of fortification walls, towers, staircases, gates and other structures from Classical and Hellenistic period, Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages were traced in various sectors around the peninsula. The dynamic coastal landscape of the town makes it an ideal location to experience multiple aspects of maritime archaeology. Students will be trained in various underwater archaeology and interdisciplinary practices: underwater reconnaissance survey, archaeological excavations, underwater photography, photogrammetry and 3D modeling, mapping and recording of submerged archaeological structures and monuments, marine geophysical survey, creating a GIS database, etc. Our research aims to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of the fortification system of Mesambria and its harbors, the changes to the coastal landscape and the fluctuation of the Black Sea level in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the societal reactions and adaptations to these changes. This program aims to broaden the knowledge and refine the skills of participating students, and thus enhance their career in Maritime Archaeology.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | May 25-June 15, 2024 |
| Course Type | Underwater Archaeology, Classical, Byzantine |
| Instructors | Dr. Nayden Prahov |
| Credits* | 6 semester (9 quarter) |
| Priority Deadline | February 1 |
| Fees Due By | Summer 1 (May 1) |
| Program Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,775 |
| Transcript Fee* | $300 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $125 |
| Room & Partial Board | $1,555 |
| TOTAL: | $6,755 |
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
Coming soon!
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
Students will stay at the family hotel Emona Guest house in the Old Town Quarter of Nessebar. Rooms will have 2 or 3 beds with bathrooms with, TV, and air-conditioning. Cheap laundry service and free Wi-Fi is available. The distance from the hotel to the sites and the beach is approx. 200 / 400 m and it takes approx. 2 / 5 min to walk. Diving gear will be transported by a car.
Meals. Breakfasts on workdays as well as the welcome and the farewell dinners are covered by the tuition fee. Students are responsible for their daily lunch and dinners and all meals on days off.
Nessebar offers a variety of restaurants that can meet everyone’s preferences and dietary requirements – from fast food options to cozy gourmet restaurants. The average meal price (soup/salad, main dish and dessert) can cost between $10-$20. The project team will recommend restaurants for different preferences (cuisine, cost, dietary needs) and will arrange discounts for the students.
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.
Students should expect to arrive at the Sofia Airport on May 25. A travel info-sheet with specific travel details will be available to students prior to departure.
Students are able to get general information, essential travel basics and tips concerning the project location and the country at http://www.bhfieldschool.org/countries/bulgaria (for Bulgaria) and https://www.bhfieldschool.org/program/underwater-archaeology-in-the-black-sea (for the project / see the map on the bottom of project web site).
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of EU, EEA, USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days. Citizens of all other countries may need a visa. The Balkan Heritage Foundation can send an official invitation letter that should be used at the relevant embassy to secure a visa to the program. For more information visit the Balkan Heritage Foundation web site at http://www.bhfieldschool.org/information/visa-help and the links provided there.
Citizens of other countries are asked to check the embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements.
Student Safety
The IFR primary concern is with education. Traveling and conducting field research involve risk. Students interested in participating in IFR programs must weigh whether the potential risk is worth the value of education provided. While risk is inherent in everything we do, we do not take risk lightly. The IFR engages in intensive review of each field school location prior to approval. Once a program is accepted, the IFR reviews each program annually to make sure it complies with all our standards and policies, including student safety.
Students attending IFR international programs are covered by a comprehensive Health Insurance policy that includes physical illness or injury, mental or chronic conditions. No deductible and 100% of costs are covered up to $250,000. In addition, we provide Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation policy, which allow us to remove students from field school location if local conditions change. Our field school directors are scholars that know field school locations and cultures well and are plugged in into local communities and state institution structures.
Students attending IFR domestic programs (within the US) must have their own health insurance and provide proof upon enrollment. IFR field school directors are familiar with local authorities and if in need of evacuation, local emergency services and/or law enforcement will be notified and activated.
The IFR has strong, explicit and robust policy towards discrimination and harassment in the field. If students feel they cannot discuss personal safety issues with field school staff, the IFR operates an emergency hotline where students may contact IFR personnel directly.
Call us at 877-839-4374 or email us at info@ifrglobal.org if you have questions about the safety of any particular program.