Internship & Other Summer Opportunities

Wellesley students often continue their studies through summer programs focused on intensive language learning, archaeological fieldwork, or professional internships. We encourage students to supplement their on campus learning with these targeted opportunities to pursue their own particular interests.
Intensive Language
Our students have had great success beginning their study of Latin and Greek through intensive summer programs that condense the material covered in two or three semesters of elementary language learning. TheGreek WorkshopandLatin Workshopat the University of California, Berkeley are among the most established programs in the US. TheCity University of New York Latin/Greek Instituteoffers total-immersion programs that are team-taught by experienced instructors, and has partial scholarships available. WIth our current need for distance learning, this year students are exploring online courses offered by theErasmus Academy.
Fieldwork
For fieldwork experiences, it’s best for students to discuss potential projects withProfessor Burns, who can help assess projects in relation to their individual interests: how much they want to excavate or learn about analytical techniques, focus on a specific cultural or chrolonlogical period, live and work in a particular location. A variety of programs for students to participate in archaeological projects — either to earn college credit or work as volunteers — are listed with theArchaeological Institute of America.
Each year three or four Wellesley students participate in theexcavation and study of finds at Ancient Eleon in central Greece. Some years, Wellesley offers asummer course in Digital Archaeology based at Eleon, where students learn to create 3D models through digital scanning and drone photography. Wellesley students have also had good experiences at theTrasimeno Field Schooland theApolline Projectin Italy.
Internships
We encourage students to seek out other internship opportunities at museums with significant holdings of ancient art (such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Getty Villa) or other research centers where they might develop their own particular interests (i.e. government entities, foundations, etc.). One leading institution for literary and historical studies is the Center for Hellenic Studies, which offers aSummer Internship Programemploys undergraduate students at their campus in Washington, DC. Other intership opportunites include theSmithsonian, theLibrary of Congressand theNational Archives and Records Administration. Classical Studies majors have also connected to internship opportunities through participation in the College'sAlbright Instititute fellowship program.

Examples of Previous Summer Study Opportunities

Ongoing Research in Greece

Excavating Ancient Eleon

Project Overview
This project investigates a settlement site in the central Greek region of Boeotia, dating primarily to the Mycenaean (ca. 1700-1100 BCE) and Classical (600-400 BCE) periods. Eleon operated within the orbit of the major Greek city of Thebes, but on-going excavations reveal the diverse connections and resilient efforts of this early Greek community.

Volunteer Program
Undergraduate student volunteers are a vital part of our international research team. Each participant will join in all aspects of fieldwork, learning stratigraphic excavation techniques, recording methods, and artifact analysis.Click hereto watch a brief video about the program which offers experiential learning and is physically strenuous. All participants will be required to pay a $2400 fee to cover housing, meals, local travel, and program costs for six weeks.

Click here to learn moreabout the program, and to schedule an interview, please contactBryan Burns.

Eloen Excavation

Summer 2019

CLCV/MAS 220 Digital Archaeology in Greece

数字技术改变的能力of archaeologists to accurately record excavation, analyze artifacts, and restore fragmentary finds through virtual models/animation. This intensive, interdisciplinary course will introduce students to innovative practices in the application of new media to archaeological field work including two weeks based in central Greece. Students will learn how to create 3D models of artifacts, architecture, and archaeological contexts using drones and aerial photography, photogrammetry, and 3D digital scanners. As members of the international team pursuing the excavations at ancient Eleon, students will participate in the analysis of finds dating from the Late Bronze Age through Classical period, including human remains, ceramics, metal tools, and sculpted figurines. They will also document the spatial relationships of digital models through three-dimensional mapping, Geographical Information Systems, and virtual reality environments. Students’ final project will position their own creations within the discussion surrounding the standards of representation in traditional academic formats and new digital opportunities, the ethics of replication and online distribution, and the relationships between 3D modeling. virtual/augmented reality, and material fabrication.