Spain Cova Gran

This is an exceptional program due to its temporal breadth and the fact that excavations at this site are ongoing for almost two decades. Cova Gran has evidence of both Neanderthals and Anatomically Modern Humans, and humans had occupied this rock shelter almost continuously in the past 50,000 years. The project directors are well published, and well respected scholars and the field house and labs are top quality. Students are exposed to continued, consistent and long term research, deploying current technology and extremely experienced staff. The field school director was recently changed, and Dr. Javier Sánchez Martínez is a dynamic and relatable young scholar. Dr. Sánchez show great concern for student learning and their ability to participate in research and analysis. This is probably one of the best paleoanthropological field schools in Europe and students should be aware that this program is highly focused on research and meticulous data collection.

The field school provides an excellent introduction to a fascinating area of archaeology. Past
students have clearly had a good experience, though I would encourage the directors to make
sure that English-only students are receiving adequate on-site instruction, perhaps through
regular check-ins (as one student suggested). The required readings are adequate, but the list
of recommended readings could be improved with a selection of articles - particularly open
access articles - for students who do not have institutional access to the recommended
books. Accommodations and food options are good given the location.

This is a good, solid fieldschool in prehistoric archaeology, in a beautiful place with
experienced researchers. No concerns.

The project seems quite interesting, but the syllabus should be elaborated to provide more background (for example, the syllabus states "The Early Upper Paleolithic assemblage contributes to the debate on the Middle/Upper Paleolithic “transition.”" but students are unlikely to understand the significance of this statement without additional context).

The site is spectacular and the archaeologists scientifically prolific. I was lucky enough to witness first-hand the dedication of the team to teaching the students. The accommodation is basic but has everything you need, and the village is small and cute. Language may be a small obstacle but the PIs have had a long experience in dealing with it.

I would recommend this program to anyone looking into a career in archaeology. The only qualm I might have is that you find too much! It almost is unrealistic as many other sites will not have such an intense number of artifacts. This is certainly not a bad problem to have however. I also believe the staff to be wonderful people who put their students and their students education first. I went in knowing absolutely nothing and have left feeling confident in my ability to assist on an archaeological site. Along with this, the staff works hard to make sure students are well taken care of, I ended up sick for a few days and was treated extraordinarily well, something I am very thankful for.

Yes!!! The Cova Gran site is incredibly rich in artifacts and data, the way the research directors supervise the site is constant, with excellent team management and encouraging us students to learn in ways that work with our natural skills.

I would recommend this program to a friend, as it is a great way to gain experience in archaeology, the site is interesting, and the staff and site culture is excellent.

The instructors are very invested in student learning and very obviously cared about our experiences. They are highly qualified and approachable. The program itself was very informative, and I feel like a better student because of my participation in this program. For me, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I think anyone would be lucky to have.

[The field school] was very engaging and intriguing, with great directors supporting me every step of the way both personally and academically.

I absolutely would recommend this program to a depends. It was an incredible experience and a wonderful academic opportunity!

I would recommend this program! It was a great way to build my knowledge and I got to learn from great instructors. I really enjoyed my time excavating here.

[I]t was an incredible experience. I made lifelong friends and got to work hands-on with paleolithic artifacts and get experience to work toward my future career

I would recommend this program to a friend because of the commitment to learning, teaching, and performing thorough archaeological field and lab work which the team at Cova Gran demonstrates. The stay was clean and the food was great!

Learned a lot and had fun. A great way to spend a month. Also, the location is fantastic.

If they are interested in the subject then absolutely, though I don't think its doable without financial aid.

Yes, I loved it, it was amazing.

I think that this program gave more than was expected. They were an excellent group of teachers, and I feel great Gil for the opportunity to come here and to learn from them.