Archaeological Conservation Summer Internships in the Ancient Athenian Agora

Location: Athens, Greece

Season: June 1, 2025 to August 17, 2025

Session Dates: Internships may vary in length from 6 to 8 weeks and are undertaken from early June to early August - exact dates my vary.

Application Deadline: December 16, 2024

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/programs/summer-excavation-programs/agora-archaeological-conservation-summer-internships

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Project Director:
Maria Tziotziou, Head of Conservation

Project Description:

The Agora Excavations Conservation Laboratory of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens is offering two Archaeological Conservation Internships for the 2025 summer excavation season. The Conservation Laboratory functions as an integral part of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens’ Agora Excavations. Its aim is to support the excavations by providing services that contribute to the study and understanding of the site.

Interns will have an opportunity to treat freshly excavated archaeological finds and to participate in an active on-site conservation laboratory. Under the supervision and guidance of the Agora Conservation staff, interns will carry out general conservation duties including: examination and analysis of artifacts; documentation; cleaning; reconstruction; restoration; and photography of artifacts from the current excavation and from storage. In this way, interns will be able to work with a variety of materials including ceramics, stone, glass, copper alloys, iron, lead, bone and occasionally ivory and wood. An introduction to the re-treatment, preventive and long-term care of archaeological collections will also be provided.

Applicants must currently be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent conservation program, or they must have recently completed their studies in conservation. Successful candidates are required to obtain their own medical insurance for the duration of their internship. Successful candidates are also responsible for their travel arrangements to and from Athens, Greece and for arranging their own accommodation. A modest expense allowance, consisting of approximately 120 euros per week, and a housing allowance of 125 euros per week (up to 1000 euros for 8 weeks and upon submission of receipts) will be provided for each intern during their internship. Those persons who are already resident in their own accommodations in Athens are welcome to apply for the program and will receive the same expense allowance, although no refund for their housing is possible.

Internships may vary in length from 6 to 8 weeks and are undertaken from early June to early August. Applicants should indicate in their application their approximate preferred dates within this time frame.

Period(s) of Occupation: Located in the heart of modern Athens and attracting more than half a million international visitors annually, the Agora was in ancient times the business, political, and legal center of Athens, bringing together citizens and foreigners, litigants and jurors, and merchants and philosophers. The School has been excavating at the Agora since 1931, and has brought to light a rich and splendid history of continuous habitation that extends over more than 5,000 years. The major public buildings of ancient Athens are now displayed in a thoughtfully landscaped archaeological park with all of the excavated artifacts and excavation records housed in the restored Stoa of Attalos. These finds have significantly expanded our knowledge of ancient Athenian life and culture, notably the origins and practice of democracy. Each summer, the Agora trains more than 60 students from American colleges and universities in modern archaeological techniques.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6-8 weeks, from early June to early August

Room and Board Arrangements:
A modest expense allowance, consisting of approximately 120 euros per week, and a housing allowance of 125 euros per week (up to 1000 euros for 8 weeks and upon submission of receipts) will be provided for each intern during their internship. Those persons who are already resident in their own accommodations in Athens are welcome to apply for the program and will receive the same expense allowance, although no refund for their housing is possible.