Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey this summer as we unveil the hidden treasures of Cortona and the breathtaking Chiana Valley in Italy. Dive into the rich tapestry of millennia-old cultural heritage nestled within the heart of Tuscany, where the echoes of Etruscan and Roman civilizations still resonate. Our immersive field school offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the region’s history, tracing the footsteps of ancient peoples through the landscape they once shaped. While Cortona’s allure has captivated many seeking the quintessential Italian experience, join us in going beyond the surface to unearth the secrets of this ancient landscape firsthand.
Field school highlights:
- Decipher the lasting legacies of the Etruscan and Roman civilizations
- Participate in hands-on archaeological techniques, developing skills in landscape mapping, ground observations, and cutting-edge technologies like remote sensing and 3D modeling.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Tuscany
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | June 16 – July 11, 2025 |
| Course Type | Digital and Cyber Archaeology |
| Instructors | Dr. Maurizio Forte |
| Credits* | 6 semester (9 quarter) |
| Apply By | February 1 |
| Fees Due By | April 15 |
| Program Fees | (2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,570 |
| Transcript Fee* | $300 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $130 |
| Room & Partial Board** | $1,560 |
| TOTAL: | $6,560 |
*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.
Testimonials
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
Accommodations are provided by the city of Cortona in the location of Camucia (a few miles from the city center). They are fully equipped apartments with laundry facilities, a kitchen and all the accessories. There is room for about 20 people to be accommodated in different, separate rooms.
Meals: Lunch (lunch boxes) will be provided during all fieldwork activity days. It is important to communicate in advance dietary restrictions, allergies and other important information about food preferences. Students are responsible for their own dinner and breakfast during the week and meals on the weekend.(there are several supermarkets within walking distance from the apartments).
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 will fly into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome by the morning of June 16th and then take the train to Camucia-Cortona where they will be picked up by the field directors. We will assist students in acquiring the proper train tickets and how to navigate the train system during orientation. All other official program travel, such as daily travel to and from sites and to program events, will be provided by the program. Students may choose to make their own arrangements to travel by bus or train on the weekend to nearby cities such as Florence, Siena, or Orvieto.
If you missed your connection or your flight is delayed, please call, text or email the field school director immediately. A local emergency mobile phone number will be provided to all enrolled students.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. All non-residents are required to complete a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza) upon their arrival, usually completed at the first accommodation after entry into Italy.
Non-U.S. citizens should consult the information provided by the Italian immigration website https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/ and contact the project directors.
Anyone intending to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days must obtain a permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno). For more information visit the US State Department website.