Frequently asked questions
Eligibility
The Chiriquí Archaeological Project is open to any individual, regardless of nationality, major, or university. You do not need to be an active student to apply. However, you must be at least 18 years old by the day the project begins and able to obtain a passport. Students majoring in anthropology, history, or any of the ecological sciences are particularly encouraged to apply. Knowledge of conversational Spanish is helpful but not required.
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Historically, about 40% of the students on the project are already enrolled at the College of Lake County in Illinois. The remainder is drawn from various universities in America, Canada, and Latin America.
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Food
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by the project on weekdays and weekends (unlike other field schools). Some of these will be chef-prepared meals served at the ecolodge. Generally speaking, breakfasts tend to be fresh fruit, lunches are bagged and eaten in the field, and dinners are either salads or seafood. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated.
Lodging
To keep costs reasonable, rooms are typically shared by two or three students of the same sex (each with their own individual bed). Each room contains its own bathroom. Accommodations on Isla Palenque are secure (it is a private island) and those in Boca Chica are gated with 24-hour security.
Free time
Students are encouraged to explore Panama with their free time, typically in the evenings and on Sundays. The area is quiet and lacks nightlife, but offers beautiful beaches on the island and a number of small but friendly restaurants on the mainland. Weekend excursions (reef snorkeling, whale watching) will be arranged.
Safety
This part of Panama is rural and safe to students. The nearest town, Boca Chica, is a sleepy two-lane fishing town that shuts down around 8pm. It is unnecessary to get any vaccinations or pack any tropical medications. One can drink the tapwater. The area lacks bars or clubs that might invite trouble. The principal dangers come from the natural environment (falls, heat, rip currents, etc.).
Students and faculty are required to carry travel insurance and wear lifejackets on boats. The project and ecolodge carry basic first aid supplies, and the nearest hospital is in the city of David (about an hour away) and is staffed by many American-trained doctors.
