Practicalities

Accommodation
During the first week of the field school, we will stay and work at the American Center of Research (ACOR) in Amman. This research facility has recently been renovated, and provides dormitory rooms, meals, and workspace for archaeologists and other researchers working in Jordan. Because this is a shared facility, students will be expected to adhere strictly to the rules of ACOR and conduct themselves in a respectful way to the staff, residents, and users of this centre.

During the second two weeks of the project, we will be staying at a hotel in Aqaba from where we will commute to the site each day (about 1 hour each way). Rooms will be shared, but comfortable.

Meals
While at ACOR in Amman, students will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and supper. When in the field, we will have an early morning breakfast, a second breakfast on site, and then lunch and supper in Aqaba. Weekend meals will be at your discretion. Meals will be prepared by locals and will primarily be Jordanian cuisine. It should be possible to accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions, but please be sure to indicate any of these on your application so they can be accommodated as best possible.

Weekends
Friday is the day of rest in Jordan, and we will use this day off for field trips. We will work in the field or lab the other six days of the week (Sat.-Thurs.), but we will end work early on Thursdays, and you will have the afternoons to yourselves for rest.

Working and Living Conditions
Participants should be prepared to conduct hard physical labour in rough terrain and in hot temperatures as part of the field school. You should also be prepared to live and work in basic conditions. As participation in the field school will require a lot of walking, note taking, and carrying of equipment and supplies, often in hot weather conditions, every participant should be healthy and reasonably fit. Although May and June are not the hottest months in Jordan, temperatures can and will exceed 40° C. As a result, safety will be our top priority, and we will all take necessary precautions, including protection from the sun (sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and drinking lots of water. Because of the rough terrain and presence of snakes and scorpions, participants will also be required to wear appropriate footwear, namely sturdy hiking boots.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Ethical conduct.
The Humayma project and field school adhere to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and ethical conduct. The UofA’s student code of conduct is valid during the field school, and we subscribe to the EDI policy of University of Alberta International. While in Jordan, you will also be subject to Jordanian laws and its antiquity regulations, to which you will be introduced in one of our pre-departure information sessions. You will also be expected to adhere to and respect local customs and act as good representatives of the University of Alberta and the project.

Health Care and Insurance
Medical help is available in case of emergencies. Both Amman and Aqaba are modern cities with hospitals and many pharmacies. You should nevertheless bring any necessary medication/prescriptions, and should also bring precautionary medication (Tylenol, Imodium, electrolytes for hydration, etc.) for your own use.

You will be asked to provide information about any medical conditions when you register. You will also be asked to sign a University of Alberta liability waiver. It is mandatory to have health care insurance that includes foreign travel. In general, extra coverage is strongly recommended, as provincial plans are unlikely to be adequate.

Travel Documents
All participants will need a valid passport. Before departure, you will also need to purchase a Jordanian Visa, namely a Jordan Pass (Jordanian Wanderer pass for 70 Jordanian Dinar – approximately $135). This pass will be both your visa to enter the country and your admission ticket to Petra, Jerash, and other sites we will be visiting).

Non-Canadians should check applicable requirements for entering Jordan. You are also welcome to get in contact with the program instructor, Dr. Craig Harvey (caharvey@ualberta.ca) with specific questions.

Travel
You will have to make your own travel arrangements for travel to and from Jordan, but should only do so after being admitted to the course and attending the information sessions. Additional information will be provided to accepted participants.

All UofA students need to register at the UAlberta Travel Registration prior to departure:

Please check the University of Alberta Go Abroad pages and register at the UGo Off-Campus Travel Registry after creating an account.