Eligibility. 
The program is open to anthropology majors and non-majors with good academic standing, a specific interest in Maya archaeology and consent of instructor. 

Schedule  (Preliminary)
Start Date May8th  -Students arrive at Belize International Airport and are met by professor at airport. 
Transfer to town of Melchor de Mencos, Rio Mopan Lodge (a 3 hour trip).
 May9-13th. Field trips to Tikal, and other sites 
 May 14th  Transfer to Holmul camp site.
 May 15th Tour of Holmul sites
 May 16th Students are assigned to excavations and begin work
   End Date: June 5th Transfer to Belize International airport and departure for US
 

Accommodations and Transportation
Students will stay at the Holmul field campsite for a three-week period. Accommodations are in individual tents. The project’s camp is rustic and remote from the comforts of modern towns but it is furnished with kitchen, dining halls, laboratory, outhouses and showers for a large crew. It is located in the midst of one of the largest expanses of rainforest in Guatemala, the Maya Biosphere, rich in tropical birds, howler monkeys, and other fun species, including snakes.  Students will live and work with a group of about 15 US and Guatemalan professionals and 30 workmen. Meals and laundry service are provided by a team of local cooks and assistants. The diet is based on traditional Guatemalan foods, fresh maize and flour tortillas, black beans, chicken, eggs and fresh vegetables.
The program provides for transportation to and from the Belize City airport. Lodging and meals in hotels in the nearby town upon arrival and prior to departure, as well as during field-trips to archaeological sites are included.  Soft drinks and extras are not included.

Prerequisites
Students are expected to be in good physical health and fit for an extended stay in an outdoors environment.
A medical exam is required. Prior experience in camping and hiking is required.
Travel medical insurance, preventive anti-malarial medications and appropriate vaccinations are required.

Fees
(TBA). Fees include VU tuition for 3 credit hours, transportation to and from the Belize Airport, meals, and laundry in camp, excavation supplies, hired laborers, lab materials and transportation during field work.  Fees also include meals and lodging and entrance fees during field trips.  Fees do not include airfares to/from Belize, border fees ($30), personal camping gear or personal spending money.

Financial aid opportunities
 There are a number of VU and external sources for undergraduates that are applicable to this field school in Guatemala. 
Information on them can be found following these links:
VU/Office Honors Scholarships
VU/Emily Bennet Plant award
The Explorers Club

For more information:
Email Prof. Francisco Estrada-Belli f.Estrada-belli@vanderbilt.edu
Or contact the VU Study Abroad program coordinator  in Furman 008 (isabelle.s.christ@vanderbilt.edu) 
for more images of the Holmul Archaeological Project click here