Field school is a very critical portion of any aspiring archaeologist’s academic path as it’s the place where a student can connect all the paper, lab, lecture, and power point dots they learn in the classroom. Archaeology Southwest and U of A have partnered to build a top notch field learning environment with plenty of hands on opportunities and exposure to the many diverse sub fields within archaeology. – Shiloh C., 2018, University of New Mexico, 2018
One of the many things I loved about participating in this amazing field school was learning about the incredible range of disciplines that an archaeologist can specialize in from experts in those fields. I learned more about the opportunities available to both career and research-oriented archaeologists through our discussions with the guest lecturers who came out to see us than I have in any class! – Deianira M., 2018 University of Arizona
The field school was one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve ever had. The variety of perspectives, experiences, and the amazing people I encountered were way beyond what I expected. I learned about topics I didn’t realize I was interested in, like fish bone, and I went to places I never thought I would go, like Chaco Canyon and Zuni. I’ve already used so much of what I learned and I know I will continue to do so throughout my career. -Ashley H., 2017, University of Cincinnati
My time spent with the Archaeology Southwest (ASW) field school in the Upper Gila was priceless. I acquired new skills and techniques, and had experiences that went far beyond excavation and survey. The field school not only provided me with the skill set necessary to be able to enter the field professionally but I also learned how to work with faculty and students from different backgrounds to effectively get the job done. I learned the value of hard work and working well with others during my time with ASW. -Susannah J., 2017, Utah Valley University
The 2017 field season taught me the necessary skills to apply archaeology techniques correctly and ethically. My experience was one of the best of my life. Stephen U., 2017, Cochise College
I really like public land management and see myself managing public lands that have cultural resources in my upcoming professional career, so I loved when the field school offered me insights for different land management federal agencies through lectures with staff from the BLM, NPS and Forest Service and field trips to these parks. –Daniel A., 2016, University of Michigan
I will gladly carry this experience forward for the rest of my archaeological career. The staff created a relaxed, yet professional learning environment. Our interactions with the local community and guest lectures from academic and CRM archaeologists captured the essence of preservation archaeology. I highly recommend this field school for those wanting to work in the Southwest, who want to understand what it means to be a preservation archaeologist, and who want to work in a collaborative way. -Adam S., 2016, US Naval Academy/University of Arizona
The ASW field school taught me more in six weeks than I think I could have learnt in a lifetime in a classroom. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had, and will cherish it for years to come. -Dushyant N., 2015, Vassar College
Not only did I receive my first practical application of the things I was learning in my undergrad program, I gained a whole new insight into how the field of archaeology can be implemented. On top of that, I made lifelong friends who I still stay in contact with. –Alec B., 2015, Northern Arizona University
The 2014 Mule Creek Field School proved to be a great transition between my undergrad and graduate studies, and gave me invaluable contacts in Southwest archaeology. The field school was some of the best weeks of my life and not only did I gain valuable field experience and knowledge, but I got to do it with fellow students who shared the same passions as mine, and under the tutelage of fantastic instructors. — Max F., 2014, Michigan State University
During my time at Mule Creek, I gained a wealth of information and knowledge about preservation archaeology in the Southwest. The staff was encouraging and beyond helpful. The field trips to other archaeological sites helped me form connections to the site we were excavating. My time at Mule Creek not only helped further my knowledge of archaeology, but also provided me with lifelong friendships and a real connection to the Southwest. — Alexandra C., 2014, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
The Archaeology Southwest Preservation Archaeology Field School is the high point of my education thus far, as well as one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Not only does this program offer excellent technical training, but also a robust immersion into Southwest culture–past and present. The staff are experienced archaeologists and committed teachers, and I know that many of the other students will be life-long colleagues. — Aaron T., 2014, University of Hawaii Maui College
Going to Archaeology Southwest and University of Arizona’s Field School at Mule Creek was one of the best decisions I’ve made and a great experience. And if you’re nervous about living in a tent, trust me, it’s really not that bad. When you go back home, you’ll actually miss it. — Kelly S., 2012, Rutgers.
I attended the Mule Creek field school after my sophomore year of college. The six weeks I spent in Mule Creek were some of the most exciting weeks of my life! The staff and ranch owners were amazing, and their passion and enthusiasm for archaeology were very apparent. The skills I gained allowed me the opportunity to be part of a bioarchaeological excavation team in Peru the summer after. Not only did I learn proper excavation skills, but I also learned the intricate processes at play when running an archaeological excavation in terms of community, landowner, and project member interactions. — Zoe M., 2011, UVM
One of my best experiences at field school was the chance to experience some experimental archaeology. Working with instructors, we learned how to quickly identify and classify points, flakes, and techniques. In addition to seeing the artifacts, we also had the opportunities to perfect our own point-making skills by knapping the abundant obsidian in the area while having the aid of experienced instructors nearby. — Nathan T., 2012, U. of Arkansas
The field trips we went on were wonderful. Acoma Pueblo and Chaco Canyon are both memorable and awe inspiring, to say the least! — Jordan T., 2012, Eastern New Mexico U.
I had a great time at the Mule Creek Field School. The staff members created a positive atmosphere and were always willing to answer questions. I learned a great deal about field methods, the lives of ancient Puebloan peoples, and the ins and outs of archaeology in the Southwest. The staff kept things interesting with activities like flintknapping, outreach to local schoolchildren, and field trips to nearby archaeological sites. The trips to Chaco Canyon and Acoma Pueblo were particularly spectacular. I feel my experiences at Mule Creek will be valuable throughout the rest of my archaeological career. — Tom S., 2012, Arizona State U.
I attended the field school after earning my BA in Anthropology. It was my first foray into the world of archaeological fieldwork. After five weeks, I had acquired the skills I needed to be hired on with several cultural resource management firms. I cannot recommend the Preservation Archaeology Field School enough. — Jake M., 2011, Hendrix College
I have nothing but good things to say about my field school experience with Archaeology Southwest. My six weeks there were informative and truly prepared me for my future education and career. In the classes I’m taking now, I have less stress and understand concepts much faster because of my field experience. — Madeline W., 2012, Grand Valley State
The field school offers an accurate field experience alongside academia. There were multiple field trips, including sleeping under the stars at Chaco Canyon! It was a very comprehensive experience that has aided me in my career. — Elizabeth N., 2012, U. of Colorado, Boulder
I can honestly say that the Preservation Archaeology Field School was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life thus far. Mule Creek is a beautiful location. With the rolling hills in the distance and the roaming wildlife all around, you forget that there is a much crazier world out there. I learned more than I ever thought I could and had fun doing it. It can be hard work at times, but I loved every second of it. — Dan W., 2011, SUNY Binghamton
