1. What is the minimum age for applicants?
You should be over 18. Everyone interested in archaeology can apply.
2. Is a there any field work experience required?
No, you are not obliged to show a proof of previous field work experience. Groups will be supervised by the professional staff of the local archaeological museum and an English speaking guide.
3. Am I able to apply if I'm not a student currently?
Yes, you are able to participate in our program. No educational and professional background is required.
4. Do I need to speak any other language than English?
No, fluent English is enough for you to participate in the program. You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide for the whole period of your stay.
5. What is the maximum group size?
Basically programs are based on groups of minimum 2 people and maximum 10 people. Therefore submitting your Application form as early as possible is highly recommended.
6. Is there any application deadline?
There is no application deadline. We accept applications until we fill all the spaces in the program.
7. Are there penalties if I cancel my trip once I'm enrolled?
Your application fee is fully refundable if you cancel your trip at least 45 days in advance prior to session date. In this case we will only withold the bank transfer fees.
8. Can I change my session date once I have already confirmed?
Session dates could be changed by the participants if there are spaces available. No penalty charges will be applied if you change your session dates more than 45 days before the original session start. If you change your session less than 45 days before session start, there is a 50 Euro fee.
9. What about if I have chosen to stay longer than one session? What is the supplement for an additional week or two?
If you would like to participate in this program for more than 2 weeks (which is the duration of one session), please let us know in advance. In some cases, it would be possible to arrange this even on the spot, however we cannot guarantee there will be place for you in the last moment to book. So, please, notify us as early as possible for any changes you would like to make.
10. Would it be possible to arrange an extra day field work?
In case you want to stay longer, please specify the period of your stay and we'll inform you about all options.
11. Can you assist me in booking my flight?
We are not a travel agent but we can assist you in booking airline tickets. Please send your request to our e-mail address.
12. Is there a health insurance included in the package?
Medical insurances should be arranged by the participants themselves. If you need assistance, please contact us by e-mail.
13. How hard is the work?
Nobody can push you to work hard. Field work starts at 7AM and finishes at noon time. Practical courses are scheduled for afternoons. We would like to remind you that participants should be in good health.
14. What is the weather during the summer?
During the summer daily grades Celsius range from °C 25 to °C 35. (75F to 95F).
15. Do I need to bring my own equipment and tools?
Equipment and tools will be provided on spot. Everyone should bring his/her own cloth outfit.
16. How do I apply??
You should follow the steps, shown on the Contact&Application page. The very first step is to fill the Application form.
17. How can I reserve a place?
You can reserve a place by sending us the application fee via Paypal, bank wire transfer or Money Gram/Western Union. All payment details will be listed in our Letter of Confirmation which we send to you after you fill the Application form.
18. How many excursions are included in the program?
We'll organize a day trip to an identical site at the ancient town of Philippi, Greece combined with some free time on the beach and another tour of Sofia city before departure. There is an optional day trip to Melnik and Rozhen Monastery.
19. Will I have free time during the program?
Regarding the day schedule, late afternoons and evenings are free for you to spend your time in the way you prefer. Sandanski is a very nice and quiet town with lots of bars, restaurants, diskos, etc. where one can have a good time. You will be directed and probably accompanied by the local staff members, so that you will feel more comfortable in the beginning. Bulgaria is generally known as a place for spending a nice leisure time at very affordable prices and we really would like to combine this with some good archaeology work as we think this would be the best way for everybody to spend some weeks in the summer.
20. How about the free time for own travel plans?
During the program you will have only one full free day (the Sunday between the two working weeks). We can offer an optional tour to Melnik or you can arrange your own plan for the day.
21. Is the optional trip included in the program price?
No, it is not included in the program price. You are not obliged to attend this trip. However if you are interesed in it you will have the chance to participate in it.
22. Why food is not included in the price?
Only breakfast is included in the program price. We decided that it is quite easier for you to choose among many different restaurants in the town of Sandanski, as the fieldwork takes place in the very center of the town and we think it wouldn't be fare to give you any regulation about what and where you eat.
23. What is the cost for the food I pay personally?
An average cost for a nice meal in any local restaurant in Sandanski (many restaurants and bars in 2 min. walking distance) costs about €5 This means a soup or salad, some grilled meat and dessert with a coffee or a beer. Meals in nice restaurants in capital Sofia are about 20% more expensive. Meals in Philippi, Greece in a so called "kantina" are €2 for a souvlaki and another €1 for a can of Coke.
The total sum needed for food for 2 weeks should be around €100 - €120
24. Does your program provide university credits?
For this moment our programs do not provide university credits. Please, check back regularly for any updates. All participants will receive a certificate from the Archaeology museum in Hisar for taking part of the fieldwork, quoting all activities carried out.
