A lucky group of approximately 20 students will spend almost three months on the spectacular Greek island of Kefalonia this fall as participants in SFU’s Dig Greece! archaeology-based semester abroad program.

Students in all faculties can apply for the program—organized by Hellenic Studies and the Faculty of Environment with the archaeology department and the Greek Archaeological Service—provided they meet the May 31 application deadline.

Non-SFU post-secondary students can also apply but must first gain admission to SFU as visiting students.

Information sessions are being held in the Hellenic Studies meeting room—AQ 6204—until April 6, on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm and Wednesdays from 4-5:30 pm.

Successful applicants will spend from Sept. 6 – Nov. 27 on the historic Ionian isle excavating an ancient Greek cemetery dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., while earning 14 credits toward their degree.

"The findings have been quite remarkable thus far,” particularly since Kefalonia’s archaeology has always been relatively neglected,” says archaeology professor, Geoffrey Schmalz, the program's director since it began in 2008.

“After uncovering numerous burials, we've been able to determine that the cemetery belonged to the Archaic and Classical periods of ancient Greece."

Schmalz will teach students all aspects of an excavation, from preparing the dig site to documenting their finds, as they actively participate in each step of the dig. Since previous archaeological experience is not required, the program is open to students of all faculties and post-secondary institutions within B.C.

"It's truly a unique experience for students who are willing to get a bit dirty,” says Schmalz, and “an important living experience abroad, as our students live closely together with the local townspeople of Poros."

Students will also immerse themselves in Greek culture on field trips to Athens, ancient Olympia and the famous Mycenaean sites of Mycenae and Tiryns.

To apply or learn more, visit www.sfu.ca/hellenic-studies.