GRAPE partners with the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto to offer Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia (NMC290H and 291H). Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia is a 4-week course and is offered twice during the summer. No prior experience or knowledge is required. Students are integrated into the GRAPE research team and participate in workshops, lectures, activities and trips.

Students work with archaeologists 5 days/week. The mornings are spent excavating and surveying in the field. Students will gain experience with excavation techniques, survey techniques, sample collection, archaeological recording, mapping, and digital documentation. Over the season students will gain proficiency in excavating and recording fragile contexts, and identifying archaeological remains.

The evening is spent processing recovered material at the site or the hotel/ dig house. Students receive instruction on faunal processing, lithic analysis, ceramic processing, sediment processing and botanical remain recovery.

Throughout the field season the team conducts hands-on experimental archaeology sessions including: obsidian tool making, meal preparation, bone awl fashioning, and ceramic making.

Weekends consist of a optional (For extra cost) one or two day trip to a culturally significant location in Georgia. Destinations Include: Dimanisi, Mt. Chikiani, Vardzia, Mtsketa, and Tbilisi. Most Saturday evenings and Sundays will be free for students to recoup or explore Georgia if they do not wish to participate on the organized trips.

Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia is weighted at 0.5 credits, or one half course equivalent. Credits are transferable.

Field Archaeology in the Republic of Georgia (NMC290H and 291H) satisfy the Field Requirement for Archaeology Specialist Program at the University of Toronto.

Upcoming Session: 

Session 1: May 18 -June 15, 2025

Session 2: June 15-July 7, 2025

GRAPE is offering two volunteer sessions in during our upcoming 2025 field season. 

All Experience and Skill Levels are Welcome!

Each volunteer session is 4 weeks long. Volunteers will be working with the GRAPE research team. You will have the opportunity to participate in all workshops, lectures, activities, and trips. 

Volunteers will work with archaeologists in the field 5days/week. The mornings are spent excavating and surveying in the field. Evenings can be spent processing recovered material with the rest of the GRAPE team. 

Weekends are free for volunteers to recoup or explore Georgia. Volunteers may join the prearranged GRAPE weekend trips. Destinations Include: Dimanisi, Mt. Chikiani, Vardzia, Mtsketa, and Tbilisi. 

Volunteers will live in communal accommodations with
archaeologists, instructors, and university students. 

Volunteers may participate in one or both sessions. 

Upcoming Sessions: May 1st -June 15th 2025