Overview
For NON-WU applicants: Application portal will open SOON. While you're waiting, please work to get people to serve as your recommenders: academic advisor, faculty, and personal. Non-WU students must also have an official transcript sent to Willamette (900 State Street OIE, Salem, OR 97301)
For WU applicants: Take a look at the tips on the How to Apply page for How to apply by DECEMBER 5, 2023.
Experience the Heart of Neolithic Orkney (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) first hand with the Willamette University Archaeology Field School.
Summer programs are an opportunity to study abroad outside of the academic year. All offer credit, however each program is structured differently and planned by individual faculty members. The Willamette University Archaeology Field School is an exciting opportunity to experience The Heart of neolithic Orkney first hand.
- This program is open to WU students and non-WU students from other North American universities.
- All majors and levels of experience (including no archaeology experience) are welcome.
- Program participants are accompanied by a WU faculty member.
- Students live together in a hostel (part of program cost).
- Meals/food is purchased and prepared by students for themselves. This allows students to budget as they need.
Orkney was #12 on the Time Out list of 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2023!
NEW: Nick Card has been nominated for Archaeologist of the Year by Current Archaeology magazine. Nick has put immense work into the Ness of Brodgar over the last 20 years.
NEW: This document shows the exciting finds and excavation activity during the summer 2023 program!
VIEW: This terrific website includes info about the Ness AND also other Orcadian sites.
VIEW: The Stone Age comes to life via the Neolithic Mystery Tour StoryMap
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Students work with Orkney College as it unearths a "Neolithic cathedral" on the Ness of Brodgar. This excavation is redefining the understanding of the Neolithic World and was listed by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) as one of the top 15 "most significant discoveries of 2009." Located in one of the most archaeologically significant parts of the United Kingdom, Orkney College is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. When applying, the program name is Summer - Scotland.
This WU program is open to students from WU and other institutions. It is open to ALL majors (not just archaeology or environmental science) and is open to students with an interest in the project. Background (or a major) in archaeology is not required.
** EXCITED about this program? See actual footage of work on the site, interviews, and more in this short video! **
Special Conditions |
Applicants for this summer program should understand that the program provides unique physical challenges while in the field. The number one priority is the safety of participants.
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Program Details
Location |
Ness of Brodgar, Orkney Islands, Scotland Orkney College, University of Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute |
Professor |
Scott Pike, Professor of Environmental Science and Archaeology, Willamette University |
Credits |
This program is open to students from ALL majors and should also be considered by students without any or limited background in archaeology.
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Grading |
The first course, ARCH 355 is a credit/no credit (CR/NC) course. The advanced course, ARCH 498, earns a letter grade (A-F). |
Dates |
2024 Dates: Saturday July 13 through Saturday, August 17. Arrival date: Accepted students will receive specific dates and arrival instructions at the pre-departure meeting during spring semester. Please DO NOT book travel until instructed by the OIE staff. |
Costs |
2024 cost: Tentatively set for $5800 for WU students ($6000 for non-WU students) based on 13 people. Cost can increase if we do not meet our minimum participation of 13 students. FINAL price will be set at acceptance.
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Scholar- ships |
When offered (still being determined for 2024), Willamette University students who are interested in participating in the field school are encouraged to apply to the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology Student Field School Grants that provide some funding (up to $2,000) toward the cost of the program and travel to and from the site. Prof. Pike will notify applicants of the availability of these funds if available. |
Application
To Apply: Current Willamette students will use the Willamette study abroad application portal. The program's name is Summer Scotland. The deadline is December 5, 2023 for summer 2024 participation.
For any questions or if you experience problems, please email oieadvising@willamette.edu.
All applicants can view general information about the Application Content and the Selection Criteria on the OIE website.
Information Session: Please see the events page for a list of study abroad information sessions.
For more information, email oieadvising@willamette.edu.
Non-Willamette Students
Non-Willamette students of all majors are welcome to apply.
Students from other universities (not Willamette) should use the "Non-WU Students - Apply" button. Specific questions about the program or the application? Email the Office of International Education at oieadvising@willamette.edu.
Since space is limited, priority is given to qualified WU students. Typically, non-WU students have participated in the program each summer. Non-WU students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested in learning more? |
Program and site information: |
The site and the Willamette program have been featured in a number of places:
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