This course is designed as a general practicum and training program in archaeological field methods. As a field course, emphasis will be placed on active participation in ongoing research by the Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) in the Republic of Georgia. Students will receive extensive training in archaeological excavation and survey methods, survey procedures, the preliminary process of processing artifacts, and experimental archaeology – recreating ancient artifacts and lifeways. Weekly field trips explore the archaeology and culture of the region, which will supplement the primary focus on fieldwork experience. 

This course is a university level credit, NMC290/291H: Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia, through the University of Toronto to students who complete the archaeology training program. To receive credit, students must participate in all field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Students must also submit all course assignments. NMC290/291H fulfills the program requirement for the Archaeology Specialist Program in the Department of Anthropology and NMC program in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations at the U of T. No prior field experience in necessary. Credits are transferable. 

A non-credit version of the course will be available. This option is for those interested in the archaeology training program, that do not wish to receive a credit. Course participants will be included in the NMC290/291H activities: field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Course participants may submit assignments, if they choose. 

Field Session: The exact dates will be determined.

NMC290/291H “Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia” – University of Toronto Credit

• Registration and Course Fee: See the Tuition & Fees webpage (https://studentaccount.utoronto.ca/tuition-fees/current-summer-fee-refun...)(* The Tuition & Fees for 2026 Summer Session will be updated once it is available.)

Includes Registration and Tuition fee for University of Toronto 0.5 credit course;  Instructors, specialized lectures, one-on-one instruction with professional archaeologists and evaluations.

Field Project Fee: Gadachrili Excavations and Survey: US$2645 per each 4-week session

The fee is for each individual session. It includes a $695 non refundable registration fees, room and board as described above, lectures, training, most gear, site access, museum clearance. If you register before March 1st, 2026, you are expected to pay at the time of registration $695 (the non-refundable registration portion of the fees), as well as any ancillary fees (such as weekend field trips and chartered bus tickets from the airport to our hotel, and back) within 21 days after being accepted to the program. The remainder of the fees are to be paid in full no later than April 15, 2026. No refund will be considered after March 14, 2026.

The program fees do not include the trip to and from Georgia. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Georgia, and health/travel insurance. Participants who are not taking the chartered bus from the Tbilisi to our hotel (and back) are responsible to get to our base on their own (instructions will be provided with the travel kit in March 2026). Participants are responsible for their own meals during weekends, and lunches during the week, as described above

Team size -18-20 participants

At the present time, no entry visa is required for Georgia for up to 12 weeks for EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens.

Covid-19 vaccination is required to be allowed to participate to the program. If at any time, you test positive for COVID-19 while in Georgia, it is strictly the responsibility of the participant to fulfill all the conditions required by law by the host country at their own expense.

• For University of Toronto Credit: enrol the course through ACORN
• For Gadachrili Excavations and Suvey, submit your application: https://grape.utoronto.ca/application/

For more information,

• NMC Undergraduate Program Office: nmc.undergrad@utoronto.ca

Project Accessibility
Participants of varying ability are welcome at GRAPE.

Mobility: To ensure safety, participants in our 2026 field season must be independently mobile on uneven terrain and in poor lighting conditions.

Language: GRAPE field work is conducted in English. To participate in the University Credited courses basic written and spoken English are necessary. To participate in the project basic English or Georgian (საქართველო ) is necessary. Members of the research and teaching team also speak: French, Arabic, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Physical Stressors at GRAPE 2026
These are listed to bring awareness to potentially strenuous situations. If you have previous injures or conditions that may be exacerbated by the described activities, please discuss the specifics with the project. This will not impact your acceptance onto the GRAPE 2026 season.

Walking: while surveying project participants will be walking throughout the day. The walking is discontinuous. The session may last for up to 5 hours.

Bending: While surveying and excavating participants will frequently need to bend over to pick up archaeological material.

Lifting: Lifting 9-15L of soil. Moving wheelbarrows filled with soil.

Carrying: moving soil, samples, and field equipment

Crouching and Squatting: while excavating you will often crouch or squat to be near the excavation surface.

Sleeping on a cot: Project cots are minimal, with a thin mattress and pillow provided. If you require a more supportive or forgiving surface we suggest bringing a pillow, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad.

Emotional and Psychological Wellbeing
Extended time living and working away from a familiar environment in close communal quarters is a strenuous element of field work.

Keeping in Contact with Home- a quiet room will be designated for private calls. Project WiFi is available, although unpredictable. Participants can also purchase a Georgia SIM card with data (this is inexpensive and reloadable).

If you require medicines not available in the Republic of Georgia, or are struggling with substance use consult a physician prior to applying to GRAPE. In Georgia wine is regularly served with meals. If you are under medical care of any kind, you are advised to consult with a physician before going to the Republic of Georgia. All health concerns should be discussed with the GRAPE Team during the application process.

If the above are obstacles to your participation in GRAPE’s 2026 field work, please reach out to us. We are prepared to discuss alternative participation in our research.