This program is a hands-on introduction to archaeology as well as to the land of Israel and its historical, religious and cultural treasures. It is centered around participation in an archaeological expedition to Tel Hazor to help excavate Biblical-period palaces and other architecture. Hazor was the largest city in ancient Israel/Canaan and is located just north of the Sea of Galilee.

Students will spend the first week in Jerusalem touring sites like the Temple Mount, the Dead Sea, and Megiddo, before transferring to the excavation. Once at Tel Hazor, students will be instructed in the field, with further excursions on excavation weekends.

In addition to instruction in archaeological field methods, participants will explore the relationship of archaeology to the Bible and to the history of ancient and modern Israel/Palestine, while living and working closely with people from across the world.

Program dates
June 17 – July 15, 2013

Eligibility
This program is open to OHIO undergraduate with an interest in Archaeology. Preference is given to students for whom Archaeology is an integral part of their undergraduate program.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required or special permission from the Program Director. 

Students who have a judicial record and will be on probation for a judicial offense at any point during the program may petition to study abroad.    Click here to read the entire judicial policy.

All students accepted onto the program will be required to sign a waiver as a condition of participation.

Application deadline

Accommodation
In the week before the excavation students will live in local hotels and inns.  Meals will be taken in local restaurants.
During the excavation students will stay in bungalows (with modern amenities including wi-fi and air conditioning) at Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi.  The kibbutz and the dig staff will provide 3 meals per day while at the excavation.

Excursions
Participants will get to know firsthand such places as the Old City of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Megiddo, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Caesarea, and many more during the first week of the program and on excavation weekends.

Courses and credits
Successful completion of the program will earn 6 OHIO undergraduate credits.

CLAR 2900: Special Topics in Classical Archaeology

Other course options may be available. Please contact Program Director Dr Cory Crawford for more information.

Cost

Additional Information on Israel
To learn more about this study abroad destination, please visit the CIA World Factbook. 

Health and safety
Ohio University Office of Education Abroad suggests you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for healthy travel to your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.
Refer to the State Department site for information related to safety and security at this destination: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Requesting accommodation for disabilities
If you plan to participate in an Ohio University-sponsored study abroad program and wish to request accommodation, you should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to schedule an appointment to complete an Education Abroad Disability Accommodation Request Form. We recommend you do this as early as possible to allow sufficient time to determine what accommodations may be made for this program. 

Entry and exit requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States.  If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport now: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Some countries also require a visa to legally enter and reside in the country. Entry and exit requirements for this country can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.

US citizens may need a visa or other special documents to enter the country for the length of this  program. You may need to show sufficient funds to support yourself while in-country.  Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program.  Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.

For more specific visa related information please visit OEA's Visa Information Page.

Information for NON-US citizens can be found here. 

For more information contact:
Cory Crawford
Program Coordinator
crawfoc1@ohio.edu

Laurence Tuccori
Office of Education Abroad
Walter International Education Center
Tel: 740.593-4583.