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Ataruz Jordan Dig

Dates: 24 June–17 July 2023 (approx.)
Application Deadline: 15 December 2022

Experience life in Jordan on an archaeological excavation at Ataruz. Gain valuable experience in the field as you are trained in archaeological methodologies and approaches with the opportunity to apply these skills within a controlled archaeological excavation. Students are an invaluable resource for our dig and will be given opportunities of leadership, growth, and new-skill development that will be invaluable to your future pursuits. Work side by side with local Jordanians and experience the rich cultural heritage and history of Jordan as we excavate this ancient Iron Age temple complex within the borders of ancient Moab. Throughout the experience, students work closely with locals and faculty in a multicultural and interfaith environment. One of the program's goals is to provide you with invaluable experience and training that will open more opportunities as you progress through your future studies and careers. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

Throughout the excavation, students and faculty visit relevant historical and religious sites and discuss important events that ensued there. Locations include Mount Nebo (with its numerous ties to the Exodus, Moses, and the content of books such as Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges), Machaerus (traditional site, according to the ancient historian Josephus, where Salome danced before Herod Antipas and John the Baptist was beheaded), Bethany (traditional site on the Jordan River where Jesus was said to have been baptized), Greek Orthodox and Franciscan churches (such as those dedicated to the memory of John the Baptist and the famous St. George Church, which contains a mosaic map of the Holy Land from the sixth century AD), and, of course, Petra and other archaeological sites. An overnight trip to the Wadi Rum may also be a possibility. These field trips become places of learning, inquiry, and discussion, and at times they become spiritual pilgrimages with many testimony-strengthening moments.

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

Aaron Schade
316J JSB
(801) 422-2820
aaron_schade@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Students will enroll in the following course while on this program:

ANES 353R—Archeological Field Work (2 credit hours)

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
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Cost

$2,900–3,400

Includes Latter-day Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and non–Latter-day Saint students), housing, group transportation and field trips, meals, and international health insurance.

Does not include airfare, prep course tuition, or personal expenses.
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Funding Sources

Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.

Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a Study Abroad scholarship.

Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.

Scholarships and other financial resources towards the cost of the trip and airfare are available. Contact Dr. Aaron Schade at aaron_schade@byu.edu.

Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
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Preparation

Students are required to take the following prerequisite course prior to departure:

ANES 390R—Directed Readings (1 credit hour)

Accepted students are required to participate in an international, cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 201R, 1 credit hour).

Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.
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Housing

Students will stay in the Miriam Hotel in Madaba, Jordan.
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Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airline reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
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Application Process

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.

Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program. The first payment is due upon acceptance; please refer to the Payment Information document.

Application Deadline: 15 December 2022
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Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
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Faculty

Aaron Schade is a professor of Ancient Scripture. He teaches courses on religion and ancient Near Eastern languages, history, and archaeology. He is the co-director of the Khirbat Ataruz Excavation.

316J JSB
(801) 422-2820
aaron_schade@byu.edu
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Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
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ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook, click here.
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Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.