Anna Ozment, religion major

Samford Summer in Israel was the most rewarding month of my life. Not only did I learn a wealth of information in archeological studies, but I also gained insight on the history of Judaism, Islam and Christianity, and gained a whole new perspective of the Middle East. Touring holy sights of the land where my faith was founded was just an incredible bonus. The most worthwhile trip I have ever taken.

Abi Rodgers, classics Major

Going to Israel this summer is still the highlight of my college experience! As a Classics major I love ancient history and I wanted to experience it first hand so participating in a dig was my life long dream. Other than the friendships I made on the team, my favorite part was starting a new square. We found so many artifacts so quickly it became a joke around the site when we would turn them in throughout the day!

Abigail Rodgers and Jewel Trail combined interests in classics and chemistry for a Shikhin research project. Watch the video to learn more!

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Franklin Lowe, history major

Taking part in the Shikhin Excavation Project gave me the opportunity to study not only ancient cultures and the theories of archaeology, but also my own connection to the energies of the Holy Land. Each day, I dwelt with cultures, ancient and modern, that were full of emotion, wisdom, and faith, and I hope that I am a better scholar and thinker because of it. In just four weeks, I learned an entirely new skill, developed strong friendships and academic connections, and embraced the stark beauty of the Galilee and its so very tangible history.

Stetson Pevear, pharmacy major

Participating in the Shikhin Excavation Project is an experience of a lifetime. I learned from experts such as Dr. Strange and his colleagues, who have spent decades researching in Israel, not only about history and archaeology, but about life as well. I found fascination in every moment of the trip.

 

We will spend the bulk of our time excavating the ancient site of Shikhin near Nazareth, at the edge of the beautiful Beit Netofa Valley in Lower Galilee. We will be joined by students and non-student volunteers from the United States and other countries.

*There may be some adjustments

Dig Schedule

Course Information

Students register four two courses and receive eight (8) hours of undergraduate academic credit through Samford University.

Field Methods in Archaeology (BREL 344)

Coursework for Field Methods in Archaeology includes archaeological training in the field, readings, and lectures. Students keep a daily journal, are evaluated by their Area Supervisors, and take a final, written field exam.

Substitution Credits for BREL 344

• An undergraduate general education science
• An undergraduate general education social science
• An upper-level course in Classics, History, Geography, or Sociology
• ENVM 521 for MSEM students
• DVBF 521 for Beeson Divinity students

Archaeology of Early Judaism and Christianity (BREL 346)

Coursework for Archaeology of Ancient Judaism and Christianity includes readings, lectures, and weekend trips to other archaeological sites in Israel. Students take a written exam and write a paper.

Substitution Credits for BREL 346

• An undergraduate general education social science.
• An undergraduate general education humanities.
• An upper-level course in Classics, History, Geography, or Sociology

Apply to Study Abroad

Samford Scholarships

• The Department of Biblical and Religious Studies offers scholarships from the Carolyn Midkiff Strange Fund for Biblical Archaeology.
• ASPIRE Grant ($2,000): You will need to develop a research proposal, with which Dr. Strange will help you. You will do research on the dig and will work with Dr. Strange in his office in the second part of the summer.
• Your major department
• University Fellows: check with the directors about grants or scholarships for summer study abroad.
• Your national honor society
• Your Greek organization: check with the local and/or national office.

External Archaeological Research Grants

• American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR): Heritage Excavation Fellowships ($1,000). You will need to become a member of ASOR before you apply.
• Biblical Archaeology Society (BAS) Scholarships ($1,000)
• American Institute of Archaeology (AIA) Field School Scholarships ($1,000)

Additional Summer Study Abroad Sources

• Phi Kappa Phi ($1,000). Membership is not required, but you do have to attend an institution with an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter (i.e. Samford), have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75, and have applied and been accepted to a study abroad program.
• Dr. Caroll Mills-Young Scholarship from the College Language Association (competitive: go for it). You will need a letter of recommendation from Dr. Strange; send him your résumé in early December.
• Alpha Lambda Delta: National Honor Society for Freshman, James G. Stemler scholarship for study abroad ($1,000): Contact Bridget Rose for the local chapter deadline and further information.
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (up to $5,000) for undergraduate study abroad for students receiving U.S. Students Federal Pell Grant funding.
• Fund for Education Abroad (up to $10,000).

Friends and Family

• Your congregation
• Your parents: ask for a loan and present a plan for paying it off.