Walhain-St-Paul Project

Location: Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Season: July 4, 2020 to August 1, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://castlewalhain.wordpress.com

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Eastern Illinois University

Project Director:
Dr. Bailey K. Young

Project Description:

The Walhain-St-Paul Project is a medieval archaeology field school and research project located in the heart of Belgium. In operation since 1997, we offer a unique opportunity for students across the United States to take part in a multi-disciplinary medieval archaeology excavation at the twelfth-century Castle Walhain. Run jointly by the Universitie catholique de Louvain and Eastern Illinois University, the Walhain-Saint-Paul Project teaches students the basics of archaeological excavation and artifact handling in a truly internationally collaborative environment. We offer an immersion experience in the rich culture and history of Belgium through daily on-site exchange with Belgian students and staff, evenings off to explore the pedestrian-friendly host city of Louvain-la-Neuve, and guided weekend field trips to regional site of historical significance. This summer marks the first year of a significant grant to the town of Walhain to develop the castle for tourism, and we’re excited to work with them in that effort and offer our students the chance to learn about this aspect of the cultural heritage industry.

Period(s) of Occupation: Medieval through Early Modern

Notes:
All required work is done in English. Some knowledge of French would be beneficial, but it is certainly not necessary.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
The total cost for the program, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is about $3,200. This does not include airfare to and from Brussels International Airport.

Academic Credit:
4 credit hours in either History or Earth Sciences. Honors credit available. Please contact Prof. Young for information about additional credit allocation options.