2018 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Olduvai Gorge Paleoanthropology Field School

This program will provide young scholars with an exceptional study abroad experience at one of the world’s premier paleoanthropological sites: Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. The site was made famous by the excavations of Mary and Louis Leakey and is home to dozens of the most well-preserved early archaeological sites in the world. Students will have the unique opportunity to support, and participate in, an international project that is tracking the bio-behavioral evolution of our remote ancestors between 2 and 1 million years ago. While students receive training in basic paleoanthropological field and laboratory techniques they will also experience the rich cultures and diverse wildlife of one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. The specific responsibilities of students will depend on the field season’s research foci but, regardless of year, each student will gain experience in all aspects of field and lab research. Students will also attend weekly lectures describing the region’s prehistory, culture, and ecology. Four excursions are also planned: two paleoanthropological sites (Engaresero and Lake Ndutu), a visit to the local Maasai market, and a safari day within the Ngorongoro Crater.

Students will receive six credits through UNCG. UNCG and non-UNCG students with an overall GPA of 3.0 and at least one course in anthropology or archaeology are welcome to apply. Students should be in good health and sufficient physical condition to hike daily for 30 minutes with a day pack.