Become a partner: run an international field school on your own research project
Since 2004 the Sanisera Archaeology Institute has trained more than 4,000 university students from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and many other countries. Our courses now run beyond Menorca: we excavate in the crypt of San Mateo in Jerez (053), in Belchite (064) and, from 2027, at Khairt in eastern Mongolia (065). Each course is directed by the team that leads the research on the site.
We are looking for archaeologists, bioarchaeologists, anthropologists, conservators and restorers anywhere in the world who direct a research project, or a conservation and restoration project on buildings, monuments or movable heritage, and would like to open it to international students.
Who does what
Sanisera is responsible for everything related to the students: the course page, recruitment, applications and admissions, payments and refunds, pre-departure information, travel and insurance requirements, the code of conduct, and support before, during and after the course.
Your scientific team runs the project independently. You lead the research, the fieldwork and the teaching, following the same standards as all our courses and the educational approach that Sanisera has built over more than twenty years: small groups, hands-on training from the first day, and a syllabus that universities can assess for academic credit.
What it costs you
Nothing. Sanisera covers the preparation and planning of the course: we write the course page, the syllabus and the student travel guide, and we prepare the maps and photographs. You send us the essential documentation (a description of the project, the daily schedule, CVs of the teaching staff, accommodation, logistics, safety arrangements and photographs), so that we can promote the course and check that it is feasible, safe for students and attractive as a training activity.
How to start
- Fill in the form on this page.
- We email you the terms of the partnership. If they work for you, we arrange a video call.
- You send us the essential documentation using our course form.
- We prepare the course page, the syllabus and the travel guide, and you review them.
- We publish the course and start recruiting students.
What we ask of partners
- An active research, or conservation and restoration, project with the permits required in your country.
- Instructors with an MA or PhD.
- Staff able to teach in English.
- Accommodation with the best possible standards of comfort and hygiene. It does not need to be a four- or five-star hotel, but students must have their basic needs well covered and be able to rest properly.
- Meals are not compulsory: we are flexible. Tell us what works best in your setting (meals included, a kitchen for the students, or places to eat nearby).
- Transport suited to the group, and a safety plan.
- Groups of 6 to 14 students per session.
- Acceptance of the Sanisera Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct Policy).
Language and respect for the host culture
English is the working language of every course, because it is the easiest way for students and staff to communicate. Wherever possible, the local language is used as well. Teaching in English does not mean bringing the rules, values or habits of the students' home countries. Students live and learn as guests: they respect the culture, religion and traditions of the place, and they are the ones who adapt.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to become a partner?
No. Sanisera covers the preparation and planning of the course. You provide the essential documentation we need to promote it and to make sure it is feasible, attractive and safe for students.
Who looks after the students?
Sanisera, from start to finish: information, admissions, payments, refunds, travel and insurance requirements, the code of conduct and support during the course.
Who runs the research and the teaching?
Your team, independently, following the common standards and the educational approach of Sanisera.
What happens if too few students enrol, or if there is a management problem?
The session is cancelled and every student receives a full refund of what they paid. Flights and other travel costs booked by the students are not refunded.
In which language are the courses taught?
In English and, secondarily, in the language of the host country, out of respect for its culture. Students adapt to local customs.
Can students earn academic credit?
Credit is assessed on the basis of each course syllabus. We help every student as much as we can to obtain it at their home university: we send the syllabus, a letter for their department and, at the end of the course, a Student Evaluation Report.
How long does it take to launch a course?
A few weeks from the moment we receive the complete documentation.
Do you only work with projects in Europe?
No. We work with projects in any country, period or field (archaeology, bioarchaeology, anthropology, and the conservation and restoration of buildings, monuments and movable heritage such as wall paintings, mosaics, ceramics, metal and stone), as long as the location is safe for students.
Do you accept conservation and restoration projects?
Yes, both on immovable heritage (buildings, monuments, archaeological sites) and on movable heritage (objects, museum collections, mosaics, wall paintings). The course works in the same way: your team leads the work and the teaching, and Sanisera looks after the students.
What are the financial terms?
We send them by email after your first contact, before any meeting.