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 daily lives and identities of Second Iron Age mountain communities with our archaeological field school at Bostel di Rotzo in Italy’s Vicenza province. Perched on a picturesque promontory, this ancient village offers a strategic view of the surrounding valleys and was a crucial link between the Po plain and Alpine settlements during the 1st millennium BCE. As a central site in a 30-year research project, Bostel di Rotzo offers an unparalleled opportunity to dig into pre-Roman life in the Italian Pre-Alps. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts and be at the heart of exciting archaeological discoveries that reveal the daily lives and cultural practices of the area’s ancient inhabitants. This program also organizes activities to help you engage with the community and culture of Northern Italy, offering a well-rounded experience that goes well beyond the dig site.
Field school highlights:
- Gain practical experience for a future in the field, including: excavating pit-houses and craft areas, using UAV surveys and total stations, and effectively communicating your findings to the public.Â
- Master cutting-edge techniques and tools during specialized digital archaeology workshops.
- Receive personalized mentorship and support from a member of the research team, who will be there to offer guidance, answer your questions, and help you overcome challenges as you integrate into the research activities.
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
Accommodations for this program are still being finalized – info will be posted here soon!
Meals: the program will provide traditional Italian breakfast and lunches on-site. Dinners will be cooked by students in rotating shifts. Due to the rural location and limited kitchen facilities, specialized diets and dietary restrictions cannot be guaranteed. Separate cooking spaces for allergies or other needs are not possible.
![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.
Participants will meet at the train station in Padova, Italy. You can fly into any of the major Italian airports and then take a train to Padova. Further travel details will be provided in course materials and at orientation.Â
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.