Slavia Field School
in Mortuary Archaeology 2024
In the summer of 2020, the coronavirus epidemic affected many field schools globally. The Slavia Field School in Mortuary Archaeology was no exception. However, some of our archaeological excavations continued, as did other archaeological projects in Poland bringing spectacular discoveries. The rural, open-air location of our sites provides a well-ventilated environment which keeps exposure to the virus at a minimum, making the risk very low. In addition, our team implemented various sanitary measures and protocols to minimise and prevent the risk of viral or bacterial infection to staff members and volunteers, both in the field and at home. We are happy to say that no cases of infection occurred, and neither have we heard of any occurring at other archaeological projects carried out in Poland.
The Slavia Field School in Mortuary Archaeology is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. For over twenty years of the project’s existence, our top priority has been to create a non-hazardous environment for our students, conducive to learning and practicing bioarchaeology. We are convinced that by the summer of 2024, the Coronavirus will either be under control due to the development of a vaccine, or will be abated on its own. We hope to be able to return to the plans and lifestyles that we had cherished so much and had to change due to various safety restrictions related to COVID-19. We are committed to welcoming international students to our Field School in the summer of 2024. With all of the additional COVID-19-specific sanitary protocols we have developed, there is no doubt it will be safer than ever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Coronavirus disease mostly affects people over the age of 65 and those suffering from severe underlying health conditions. The cases of infection among healthy young adults are either asymptomatic or very mild (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm). However, it is very important that students provide us with your current medical information while filling out your application form. Such information will be treated with absolute confidentiality and will not be disclosed to any third party unless required to safeguard the student’s health.
The Slavia Field School is possible thanks to the collective efforts of its students and staff members. We work together as a team and there is little space for ungovernable individualism. The summer of 2024 may require particular self-discipline and compliance with rules and procedures on the part of all of the field school participants as we will be adhering to public recommendations and sanitary requirements effective in Poland at the time of the field school.
Please take all the above COVID-19 information into consideration while applying. We are looking forward to working with you in the summer of 2024!