Dig Kabri--Excavation of a Canaanite Palace Past Review
By Gina G (Biology, General., Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/19/2011 to 07/07/2011 with
George Washington University: Tel Kabri - Summer
I gained a lot of hands-on experience with archaeology. It was great to apply my anthropology knowledge outside of the classroom. The program was amazing, the work was amazing, and the people were amazing. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Really great educational experience. We took a course that focused on field methods in archaeology. We learned techniques at the dig site, studied ancient cultures in the area, and practice more advance techniques at the kibbutz. It was great being taught by our (incredibly knowledgeable) supervisors because they provided a lot of individual attention. Great learning opportunity--especially for Anthropology majors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Comfortable cottages. Groups of 5 shared a cottage with 2 rooms (one with 3 twin beds and one with a queen-sized bed). The cottages were all grouped together so everyone could hang out after class and a long day of digging. Created a great community atmosphere. |
| * Food: |
Delicious food! They definitely fed us very well. Because you do so much physical labor, you're always hungry--which makes everything you eat taste amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We spent most of our time at the dig site or on the kibbutz. Everyone went to Jerusalem one weekend and it was possible to go into the nearby town, but you're kept so busy that there isn't much time for travel. Can get some integration with the locals, but not much. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Doing some dangerous work (swinging pick axes), but they make sure that you're doing everything safely. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
They provided all of the food and housing. The only expenses were trips to the market on the kibbutz and the trip to Jerusalem (which was optional). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 (excluding the Jerusalem trip) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That you NEED to bring powdered Gatorade--and actually drink it. Dehydration and exhaustion really sneaks up on you (even if you think you're eating enough and drinking plenty of water). |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
