Overview
Join this program for the unique opportunity to excavate by the seashore! This ongoing project is working to uncover more details around the transition from the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (EBA), and to help us understand more about the evolution of settlement complexes in the EBA. You’ll gain experience and concrete skills vital to the field of archaeology as a whole, while gaining an in depth appreciation of Arabian Archaeology specifically. Be part of the relatively new group of scholars exploring settlements in East Arabia!
Field school highlights:
- Learn practical skills directly from experts around the world in multiple areas like excavation, aretefact processing, documentation, photogrammetry, GIS, 3D, and more!
- Contribute to ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the site with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman.
- Relax by the sea after a hard day in the field!
**Please note the following requirements specific to this program:
Prerequisite: You must be enrolled in a program in anthropology, archaeology, cultural heritage, history, geology, or related field. Reach out if you are unsure if you meet this requirement.
Passport: You must possess a passport with at least 6 month’s validity by October 1 for the permit/visa process.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates | Jan. 2 – Jan. 23, 2026 |
| Course Type | Archaeology |
| Instructors | Dr. Valentina Azzarà & Alexandre De Rorre |
| Credits* | 5 semester (9 quarter) |
| Apply By | November 1 |
| Fees Due By | December 1 |
| Program Fees | (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,025 |
| Transcript Fee* | $300 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | $130 |
| Room & Board | $825 |
| TOTAL: | $5,280 |
Applications for Winter 2026 are now closed.
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
Have a quintessential field experience staying in a communal dig house close to the field site! Bedrooms and bathrooms are each shared between 3-5 people, and the house provides additional has shared common spaces.
Meals: are prepared by an onsite cook everyday except Fridays, which is an off day. You can prepare your own food in the house kitchen from house groceries or choose to eat out on this day. All food is halal and special diets can be accommodated, though vegans or gluten-free students may desire to supplement the provided food with additional groceries bought at nearby shops. Due to the shared kitchen, it may not be possible to avoid cross-contamination of food, so students with severe food allergies should contact the program in advance.
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.
You’ll meet your program directors at the bus station in Sur, the closest city to the field site. You will likely fly into the Muscat International Airport and then transfer to Sur via bus or shared taxi. More details are provided on the Program Information sheet linked above.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All US students must have an Official Visa to participate in the program. The program will initiate the visa application, so be sure to have a current passport in your possession by October 1 so you can to supply your required documents for the visa process.
Citizens of other countries are asked to check the embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements