What we do

We organize summer archaeology internship programs abroad for high school students, college students and adults. We provide all transportation, translation, supervision, food and lodgings. There are many volunteer opportunities to assist at archaeological digs in France. Continuously occupied by humans for more than 50,000 years, France has vast undiscovered remains, artifacts and history buried in its earth. By law prior to any new construction or remodel, a certified archaeologist must examine the proposed terrain and report whether any ancient artifacts may be there. If the examination finds material that looks promising, then a hold is placed on the construction to allow a formal dig. Every summer some of these sites are approved for excavation under the supervision of local, regional or national archaeological authorities.

Summer 2015 Program

th century staircase in Orleans, Loiret, France. This summer we have been invited to return to the Loire Valley to assist with the excavation of a 12century staircase in Orleans, Loiret, France. The dig will be under the guidance of certified archaeologist Sebastien Jesset and the Service Archaeologiques Municipal d’Orleans. The participants and chaperones will live in a newly renovated university dormitory in central Orleans along with some of the archaeologists. Everyone will share in the daily food preparation and clean-up. Along with the work, we will take time to visit other archaeological sites, museums and other areas of interest. Two Options Available: From July 30 to August 22

From August 8 to August 22 Our group will help excavate, document, organize, reconstruct and catalog artifacts from a complex of buildings next to and under police headquarters from the 12th century AD in the city of Orleans (about 80 miles south of Paris). Typically participants will work in the dig site in the mornings and spend afternoons in the lab sorting, cleaning and documenting the items they have recovered.

Location

Lodgings

The participants and chaperones will live in the Residence Universitaire Dessaux at 2 Rue De La Folie, 45000 Orleans along with some of the French archaeologists. Everyone will share in the daily food preparation and clean-up. Along with the work, we will take time to visit other archaeological sites, museums and other areas of interest.

Group Leaders

Judy Richter and Karim Sahli are the group leaders. We will be the drivers, translators, chaperones, advisors and supervisors.

Judy Richter has six years experience as an organizer and chaperone for a month-long Mexico Exchange program for 5th grade students in a Spanish immersion school. Each year the program took a dozen students to Guadalajara, Mexico to live with host families and attend Mexican schools. Judy Richter has six years experience as an organizer and chaperone for a month-long Mexico Exchange program for 5grade students in a Spanish immersion school. Each year the program took a dozen students to Guadalajara, Mexico to live with host families and attend Mexican schools. For the past 12 years, Judy has operated a nonprofit after school enrichment program at two elementary schools in Culver City, CA. Judy is fluent in French.

Karim Sahli is a native French speaker and a graphic designer by profession. He has previous experience managing youth volunteers in the international Concordia summer program in the South of France. Karim Sahli is a native French speaker and a graphic designer by profession. He has previous experience managing youth volunteers in the international Concordia summer program in the South of France. Karim Sahli is married and has two sons in middle school.

Testimonials

Our daughter participated in the first year of the archeological program. We knew she was having a wonderful time on the trip because we only heard from her at infrequent intervals since she was so busy! While we appreciated that she had the opportunity to experience many cultural activities in addition to the dig itself, the highlight for her was clearly the dig. She devoted her time almost exclusively to “her” hole and gained a great sense of accomplishment that she took her flat section of ground and ultimately dug a hole that she had to climb down into because she could no longer reach into the earth. Her emotions ranged from pride and accomplishment, to tenacity and determination, and to awe and wonder at the people who’d walked there before her. Another positive aspect of the program was that she wrote her college essay about her experience on the dig which showed a different side of her to college admissions directors than her academics and school activities. I think this essay on her experience helped make her stand out from other applicants. Lastly, I think the program reinforced her continuing curiosity about other cultures. Thanks for creating such a phenomenal experience! - Sandi K. - mother of 2011 participant

First Hand Academy’s archeology program is an opportunity for hands-on learning and real work experience. Being immersed in an foreign culture helped me change the way I think. The long leisurely meals helped me to become a better gastronomic and social being. My three favorite things were visiting the Chartres cathedral, learning about the architecture of the Middle Ages, and bonding with the other people on the dig. - Bobby S. - 2011 participant

I barely heard from my son during the trip but the chaperones keep me well imformed and posted pictures on their facebook page. They stayed busy and engaged! When he returned home, he was a happier, more confident, and more mature person. First Hand Experience provided a great mix of culture, education, work, and leisure activities. I had full faith in the chaperones. - Kathy S. - mother of 2011 participant

I doubt I will ever encounter an experience as fulfilling and inspiring as my month in France. While there may be other programs that offer study abroad, none will compare to the hands on work, close relationships, and immersion into a foreign culture that I experienced. I learned to how to communicate, forge new friendships and break the language barrier that separates so many wonderful cultures. I came back home with a new found sense of confidence and independence that will carry me to college and through life. I will never forget finding the first matching pieces at the dig in Saran, picking wild strawberries in the field, or driving the tractor at the farm! I became hooked on the lifestyle, the food and the people and wanted to stay forever. I wish I could go back, and I encourage everyone to take hold of this opportunity of a lifetime. I took a huge chance and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. - Emily D., 2011 participant

Availability

From July 30 to August 22: 4 spots

From August 8 to August 22 : 4 spots

The July 30 – August 22 program cost is $2,800 and

the August 8 – 22 program cost is $2,000, not including airfare.

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