Field School

Project participants, students and volunteers,* are integrated into the GRAPE research team. Everyone is welcome to participate in project workshops, lectures, activities and trips. All participants must adhere to the GRAPE code of conduct while on the project. GRAPE is an inclusive research project. We, as a community hold each other accountable to a high standard of scientific and professional conduct.

Weekdays: Participants work with archaeologists 5 days/week. Mornings are spent excavating and surveying in the field. Participants will gain experience with excavation techniques, sample collection, archaeological recording, mapping, and digital documentation. Over the season participants will gain proficiency in excavating and recording fragile contexts, and identifying archaeological remains.  The evenings are spent processing recovered material at the dig-house. Students receive instruction on faunal processing, lithic analysis, ceramic processing, sediment processing and botanical recovery. 

Experimental Sessions: Throughout the field season the team conducts hands-on experimental archaeology workshops. These include: obsidian stone tool making, bone awl fashioning, ceramic making, kiln building, and meal preparation.

Weekends: Most weekends, the project plans a one or two day trip to a culturally significant location in the Republic of Georgia. Destinations may include: Dimanisi, Mt. Chikiani, Vardzia, Mtskheta, and Tbilisi. Most Saturday evenings and Sundays will be free for participants to recuperate or explore Georgia. 

*Student
Next Session: May-June 2024
University of Toronto Credit: NMC261Y or Directed-Study Students
This option is for University and College students wishing to receive a credit for their participation in 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. 
Non-Credit 
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 NMC261Y activities: field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Course participants may submit assignments, if they chose. 

Volunteer 
Next Session: May-June 2024
This option is designed for those interested in participating in excavation and survey with some artifact processing or analysis. Volunteers will be included in field work, preliminary artifact intake, workshops and experimental sessions. Volunteers can join any lectures and trips. They must reserve their spot with the project and pay for their participation excursion or activity.

NMC261Y: Field Archaeology in The Republic of Georgia (2024) 
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. 

GRAPE offers a university level credit, NMC261Y: 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. NMC261Y fulfills the field requirement for the Archaeology Specialist Degree in the Department of Anthropology at the UofT. No prior field experience in necessary. Credits are transferable. 

A non-credit version of the course will be available in 2023. 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 NMC261Y activities: field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips. Course participants may submit assignments, if they chose. 

Directed Study (300 & 400 Level) (2024)
Directed Studies may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Prior Field, Laboratory, or Digital experience is necessary for a directed study.   

Instructors 
Dr. Stephen Batiuk is currently a Research Associate in the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations and the Archaeology Centre of the University of Toronto. With more than 20 years of fieldwork experience he has participated in over 12 different archaeological projects from CRM (Cultural Resource Management) work in Canada to projects in Ethiopia, Turkey, Israel,  Romania, France and Georgia.  His more recent publications and research are focused on understanding the origins of wine production in  Transcaucasia (specifically Georgia) but perhaps more importantly, the spread of this early Georgian wine culture across the entire Near East and eventually the rest of the world.  Dr. Batiuk brings a well developed skills in landscape and materials analysis, particularly ancient ceramics.

Dr. Khaled Abu Jayyab received his PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology in 2019 at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the role of human mobility and interaction in shaping communities in the late prehistory. His interests include landscape archaeology, the archaeology of mobility, communities of practice, and ceramic analysis. Khaled has conducted archaeological research across the Middle East (Syria, Iraq, and Jordan) in addition to Canada and France. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Jackman Humanities Institute at the University of Toronto and co-directing archaeological survey and excavations focused around the site of Gadachrili and Shulaveris Gora.4

Accommodation availability at the site: Sunday, May 1 to Sunday, June 12.

Lodging: 
The project stays in is a series of farmhouses in the village of Marneuli near the research area. Our accommodations are comfortable, but rustic. The team stays in “dormitory style” shared room sleeping arrangement. Rooms accommodate 3 – 12 people. Sleeping arrangements are divided by gender. Washrooms are communal. Seated toilets, squatting toilets, and outhouses are available. Locking shower stalls with warm and reliable water.

There may be several free days when participants may be able to travel to Tbilisi. Participants who choose to do so will be responsible for their own food and lodging while away.

Menu Preview 
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided seven days a week.

Field Meal (9:30am): hard boiled eggs, dried meats,
Lunch: Chicken Salad, Hot dogs,  
Dinner: chicken, Fried fish, 
Friday Night Dinner: burgers, macaroni and cheese, chili
Traveling: Khinkali, Khachapuri, Lobio, Lobiani, Kebabi, Mtsvadi (shashlik)

Dishes may include: cilantro, walnuts, fish, chicken, beef, pork.  
It is likely strict Vegan diets cannot be accommodated. Discuss any dietary restrictions prior to joining the team.

Amenities
– Internet (wifi)
– Laundry
– Showers
– Shared rooms

May and June are late spring months in the Republic of Georgia and weather patterns can be highly variable – from clear and hot to wet and cold in a short period of time. Nevertheless, the area we will be working in is generally comfortable and very similar to what we experience here in Toronto at the same time of year. The afternoons are characterized by highs of 23–25°C, while the evenings and mornings can be cool (lows of 12–17°C). 

Participants are encouraged to pack for highly variable weather conditions. Here are the four situations you should pack for during your time in Georgia with GRAPE.

1. The Field (6am-1pm Monday to Friday): Outside in the elements from sunrise to midday. Temperatures range from 15 to 30^oC on site. There will be lots of sun exposure. We will likely get caught in the rain.
2. The Lab (4pm-6pm): cleaning dirty artifacts, working with dirt, making pottery at the dig-house. These clothes will get dusty/dirty.
3. Lounging (Daily and weekends): hanging out around the house and in the village
4. Touring and Special Occasions (Weekends!): Going out with the team and peers. Sometimes this will involve a lot of walking or a nice dinner out in the city. It may also involve an overnight stay in a different town or city.

NOTE: There is the potential for significant rain.

We also suggest you bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner. A more extensive list will be sent to all accepted participants.

GRAPE Packing Guide

Master Packing List of Overseas Archaeological Projects – Isaac Ullah

Project Accessibility 
Participants of varying ability are welcome at GRAPE. 

Mobility: To ensure safety, participants in our 2024 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: Arabic, Albanian, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Physical Stressors at GRAPE 2024 
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 2024 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 2024 field work, please reach out to us. We are prepared to discuss alternative participation in our research. 4

Volunteer 
Includes: Field work, preliminary artifact intake, workshops and experimental sessions. 
Volunteers can join any lectures and trips, but must cover their own expenses by paying the project for their spot ahead of time. 
Field Project Fee: $500/week
2 Week Minimum
Includes all meals with the project, accommodations in Marneuli May 1 – June 12 2024, transportation to and from the airport (or Tbilisi city centre), transportation to and from the field, equipment in the lab and field. 

NMC261Y Student (University of Toronto Credit) (2024)
This option is designed for University and College students wishing to receive a credit for their participation in the course. Participation in all field work, laboratory work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures and trips is required for participants to receive the credit. Students must also submit all course assignments. 
Registration and Course Fee: $2,200 for Canadian students $12,229 for International Students
Includes Registration and Tuition fee for University of Toronto 1.0 credit course;  Instructors, specialized lectures, one-on-one instruction with professional archaeologists and evaluations 
Field Project Fee: $3,500
Includes all meals with the project, accommodations in Marneuli May 1 – June 12 2023, transportation to and from the airport (or Tbilisi city centre), transportation to and from the field, equipment in the lab and field; field trips and overnight accommodations. 

Program Participant (non-Credit) (2024)
Includes: All field work, lab work, workshops, experimental sessions, lectures, and trips.  Students may submit course assignments, if they chose.
Training Fee: $1800
Incudes transportation to field trips and overnight accommodations, specialized lectures and one-on-one instruction with professional archaeologists. Optional: evaluation. 
Field Project Fee: $3,000
Includes all meals with the project, accommodations in Marneuli May 1 – June 15 2024, transportation to and from the airport (or Tbilisi city centre), transportation to and from the field, equipment in the lab and field. 

The deadline for fees payable to the University of Toronto: TBA
The deadline for fees payable to the GRAPE: TBA

Other Expenses
Airfare 
Medical Travel Insurance
Travel Expenses (PCR Tests) 
Georgian SIM Card
Independent Meals
Snacks and Ingredients
Miscellaneous Expenses
Personal Field Gear (Boots, trowel, sun protection) 

Financial Assistanc

Republic of Georgia Entry Requirements 
Currently (January 2024), Canadians do not require a tourist visa to enter Georgia. Citizens of other countries may have additional requirements.  

Getting to the Project
Participants must make their own travel arrangements to Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia. 
Flights to Tbilisi usually connect through: Istanbul, Kiev, and Warsaw.
Participants will be picked up at the airport in Tbilisi upon their arrival in Georgia. Arrangements will also be made to pick up participants from the Tbilisi city centre. Further travel information will be provided to participants after admission.

COVID-19 Requirements to be posted in February 2024.
All participants will require a minimum of two (2) COVID-19 vaccinations. 
Participants must bring face masks and hand sanitizer for personal use on the project

Health Insurance 
All project participants must be covered by viable travel health insurance. The project will cannot insure participants. Students enrolled in the University of Toronto may use their UofT health insurance. 4