Study Research Abroad: Chan Chich, Belize, Summer 2013

The 2013 Field School IS FULL (see below)

If you are looking specifically for a Maya archaeology field school in Belize, I highly recommend the Belize River East Archaeological Project at the University of New Hampshire. At last check, it still had openings.

Welcome to the homepage for Texas Tech University’s Field School in Maya Archaeology (FSMA) Study Abroad program. The FSMA is part of the Chan Chich Archaeological Project, under the direction of Dr. Brett A. Houk of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work at Texas Tech .In 2013, we will be offering students the opportunity to extend their stay and earn an additional 3 hours of credit by assisting in the lab.

Where?

The field school will take place at the ancient Maya site of Chan Chich, Belize, in Central America. Chan Chich is tucked away in the jungles of northwestern Belize and is home to Chan Chich Lodge, a beautiful jungle lodge built in the main plaza of the site. Belize is an English speaking country with a stable government. It is easily reached from Texas on flights going through Dallas and Houston. Dr. Houk ran the Chan Chich Archaeological Project from 1996 to 2001, and the 2012 season renewed investigations of an important ancient Maya city. The experience is open to students at Texas Tech and elsewhere.

What is a Field School?

An archaeological field school is an intensive introduction to archaeological methods. The academic component of the program is a 6-hour course called Field Archaeology (ANTH 4642). Students learn how to excavate, how to draw maps and profiles, how to record archaeological data (using the CCAP's iPad-based digital data collection system), and how to look for and record new archaeological sites by surveying transects through the jungle. Students also learn how to process and analyze the artifacts found during excavations. Therefore, although students are learning by doing, they are also contributing directly to ongoing research on the ancient Maya. That's why we call this program a Research Abroad opportunity!

In 2013 students will be excavating at Chan Chich and conducting survey in nearby Gallon Jug. The two activities will expose students to a wide-range of archaeological methods and techniques.

Who Can Participate?

The field school is open to college students who have completed one year of course work and have at least a 2.5 GPA, regardless of major. Space on the Belize program is limited to 16 new students per session. The slots will be assigned to the most qualified students, but applying early will improve your chances of being accepted to the program. Applications will be processed in batches, so getting your application into an early batch helps your chances of getting a slot tremendously.

Students must be physically capable of excavating and hiking in order to participate on the field school. Excavating entails lifting up to 25 pounds, swinging a pick, and using a shovel, in addition to more detailed work using a trowel and paint brush. Survey entails hiking through the jungle while wearing a backpack (carrying up to a gallon of water) and snake guards.

When is the Program?

For the first time, Texas Tech is offering a regular field session and an optional extended session, in which students can earn an additional 3 hours of credit if they are interested. The regular session is 25 nights/26 days long and open to up to 16 students. The extended session, which will include intensive lab training, is an additional 4 nights/5 days long. Students stay for the extended session are NOT required to enroll in the additional 3 hour course.

Regular Session: May 20 to June 14, 2013.

Extended Session:May 20 to June 19, 2013.

Application due date: All slots are filled; accepting wait list applications

The Facilities: Chan Chich Lodge

The field school is based at Chan Chich Lodge, which is located in the main plaza of the site. This makes getting to the field rather easy! Our project will be based just outside the plaza in two large cabanas and a large house. The thatch-roofed cabanas will be fitted with bunk beds, and they have 24-hour electricity, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms with hot water. Up to 5–7 students will share a cabana; the exact number will depend on the numbers of men and women who are accepted to the program.. Some students will be housed in the lab house. We will be served our meals in the lodge's restaurant. The lodge has wireless internet in the restaurant and bar, cell phone coverage, and a screened-in swimming pool with hot tub.

As far as field camps go, you can't do much better. In 2011, Chan Chich Lodge won the Condé Nast Johansens Award for Most Excellent Lodge For Mexico & Central America and was a finalist for Condé Nast Best Eco-Resort.

How Much?

The estimated 2013 costs for new students are:

Tuition*: ~$1,850 for 6 hours or $2,500 for 9 hours.

Program Fee: $2,750 for regular session (25 nights) or $3,000 for extended session (30 nights).

Airfare**: ~$800

*Tuition estimate is for in-state tuition and fees at Texas Tech University. Students from other universities should see the information packet for additional information on credit.

**Students purchase their own airfare and make their own travel arrangements to the Belize international airport.

More Information

For more information, please download the information packet for new students. See the list of frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please email Dr. Brett A. Houk or stop by his office in Holden Hall, Room 277. You can also call him at 806-742-2400 x234.

Also, check out the Frequently Asked Questions and visit the Accommodations page.

How to Apply (Now Accepting Wait List Applications)

All slots are currently filled, but we are accepting applications for the waiting list. There is a two-part application process for the field school. First, fill out a field school application form and email it to Dr. Houk. Students who are accepted to the program will then be sent a link to apply online through Texas Tech University's Study Abroad program.

All applications for the program go through a review process. Acceptance to a study abroad program is based on this review, fulfillment of GPA and academic requirements, and approval by the program sponsor.