IAFS guarantees a safe environment for students, staff and our community, in line with government regulations in all work undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our company is IHS:  Irish Heritage School  T/A Irish Archaeology Field School.

Note: IFR: Institute of Field Research is a separate third party company we work with.

Covid-19 Cancellations

Students attending us directly will receive a full refund, minus any bank fees, in the event we are forced to cancel a program. Students attending through the IFR should consult their Terms & Conditions directly. For students who cancel attending themselves our full Terms and Conditions and Refund Policy still apply and are listed below.

 

Students applying to attend the Irish Archaeology Field School (hereafter IAFS) must agree to the following terms and conditions:

Students must be aged 18 years or older on their first day of their participation in any Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS) program.

  • Students will take responsibility for their own learning and personally contribute towards creating and maintaining an atmosphere and environment which is conducive to learning for all.
  • Students will attend and take an active part in lectures, seminars, laboratories and classes, as required by your program.
  • Students will use the IAFS facilities and equipment with respect and consideration for others.
  • Students will be courteous and behave in a professional manner at all times.
  • Students will be sensible to the culture and customs of the local place and people.
  • Students will provide an active email address and/or other forms of contact which the IAFS can contact them on.

 

Payment T&C’s:

  • If a program requires a non-refundable deposit to secure your place in the field school, this deposit will be deducted from the final program fee.
  • Tuition fees must be paid by the stated payment deadline, unless advised otherwise.
  • Payment can be made through the iafs.ie website (unless paying through a partner organisation).

*full payment in Euro required. Any charges applied by your bank must be added to the full Euro amount.

 

Cancellation Policy Terms & Conditions

Individual Students Please Note:

If you are attending as part of an Institute for Field Research program, please consult their cancellation policies. Alternatively, if you are coming to us as part of a ‘Faculty Led’ program with your home institution please inquire directly with them regarding your program payment and cancellation policies.

For all other students and interns please note:

  • Students applying to us must pay a €500 non-refundable deposit to be officially accepted and secure a space on our programs.
  • Full payment for the program is due April 30th for Summer Programs (by 5pm GMT).
  • In the event of a cancellation more than six weeks (30 business days) before the first day of attendance (by 5pm GMT) the deposit will be retained, but other course fees refunded (minus any transfer costs).
  • In the event of a cancellation more than four weeks but less than six weeks (21 to 29 business days) before the first day of attendance (by 5pm GMT) 50% of the program fee will be retained.
  • In the event of a cancellation less than four weeks (19 business days) before the first day of attendance (by 5pm GMT) the full program fee will be retained.
  • Refunds will be minus any transfer costs.
  • In the event of cancellation non-refundable deposit remains non-refundable and will not be refunded.

Failure to comply

Students in violation of the code of conduct may be expelled from the program, at the Director’s discretion. In the event a student is expelled, the student is not eligible to receive a refund of any of the fees paid to the IAFS.

Expelled students will not be permitted to participate in any program activity or be entitled to any program benefits. Furthermore, the student will be responsible for any additional costs incurred for lodging and transportation once expelled.

Responsibility

The Irish Archaeology Field School, its employees and agents, act only as agents in operating this program and are not liable for any loss, delay, injury, or damage to person or property resulting from any cause beyond the control of the operating agents. The operating agents reserve the right to alter this program at their discretion without prior notice to students. The program directors reserve the right to refuse to retain any person as a member of this program, in which case no refund is made. No refunds are possible for service not used by students after the program is in operation. Any additional expense resulting from illness, accident, natural disasters, wars, strikes, riots, acts of governments, improper passports, visas or necessary travelling documents, or from any conditions whatsoever beyond the control of the operating company are to be borne by the individual student.

Code of Conduct

Your participation in the Irish Archaeology Field School makes you a representative of the IAFS. Therefore, you must adhere to our code of conduct. Students are subject to IAFS terms and conditions, and disciplinary action will be applied for misconduct or attempted misconduct, including but not limited to:

  • Disruption of teaching, research, administration, or other IAFS activities.
  • Physical abuse, threats of violence, forms of sexual assault, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person on IAFS property or in connection with official IAFS functions, including those activities taking place in the field.
  • Disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, or failure to comply with the directions of an IAFS employee or field school staff member acting in his/her official capacity.
  • Unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, identified in state law or regulations.
  • In Ireland, archaeological heritage is the property of the State. Sites, artifacts and ecofacts are notprivate property. Trading, selling, or otherwise removing material culture from sites without authorisation from project director, is violation of the law. As in many parts of the world, trading in antiquities is a criminal offence, subject to prosecution and jail time. Do not engage in any trading, exchanging, selling or buying of archaeological artifacts at any time.
  • Uncontrolled excavation is considered looting and may be subject to prosecution. Archaeology is a destructive science. Archaeological excavations are carried out under license to the Site Director, as per state legislation. The Site Director is legally responsible for all archaeological investigation at the sites. You are required to follow direction from the Site Director and staff in relation to archaeological investigation and excavation carefully. You are not permitted to initiate excavations or any other type of removal of archaeological artifacts, features or ecofacts on your own.
  • Forgery, alteration, or misuse of IAFS documents, data, or identification.
  • Theft of, damage to, or destruction of any property of the IAFS or property of others while on IAFS premises.
  • Unauthorized entry to IAFS properties, or use of IAFS equipment, resources or imagery anywhere in the world.
  • Alcohol – Drinking alcohol while socialising is common in Ireland. Drinking may be part of the social experience, but not the focus of it. Excessive drinking or drunken behavior is not acceptable. No alcohol will be allowed during working hours, and never on site. No one will be allowed to work under the influence or suffering from the effects of alcohol (hangover).  If your consumption of alcohol becomes disruptive to your program, it is cause for immediate expulsion. If you choose to drink, please be responsible.
  • Smoking including e-cigarettes (vapes) is prohibited by law in workplaces in Ireland. If you wish to smoke, just ask where is appropriate to do so. Smoking cigarettes is strictly prohibited within the Irish National Heritage Park, other than in the allocated smoking areas outside reception.

Compliance

Students will be advised on the legal conditions under which archaeological excavation may be undertaken and the roles and responsibilities of the licence holder on site (see www.archaeology.ie). Students must follow the direction of the licence holder in respect to the investigation and excavation of the archaeological site.

Bullying & harassment

The IAFS will not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination by students while participating in the field school. Students found to be engaging in such behaviour may be asked to leave the program, following disciplinary procedures. Full details are available in our Bullying and Harassment Policy.

 

The IAFS expects that:

  • Students will take responsibility for their own learning and personally contribute towards creating and maintaining an atmosphere and environment which is conductive to learning for all.
  • Students will attend and take an active part in lectures, seminars, laboratories and classes, as required by your program.
  • Students will use the IAFS facilities and equipment with respect and consideration for others.
  • Students will be courteous and behave in a professional manner at all times.
  • Students will be sensible to the culture and customs of the local place and people.

IAFS Students can expect:

  • to be supported, both academically and personally, to help you complete your IAFS participation within the designated timeframe.
  • to be offered a comprehensive orientation program to help you settle into the field school.
  • to benefit from a research-informed teaching experience.
  • to be given timely and appropriate feedback on your academic performance.
  • to be given the opportunity to provide formal feedback following your time with IAFS.
  • that staff will be courteous and professional at all times.

Physical Requirements and the Working Environment

Students should be aware that:

  • Archaeological field work involves real, strenuous physical work; on your feet or on your knees with your trowel and/or heavier tools.
  • Conditions in the field will not be the typical university learning environment and are different than those you experience in your home or university.
  • IAFS archaeological excavations are carried out in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions – including rain, sun, heat or cold (often in a single day).
  • This is hands-on, experiential learning and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research.
  • You must be willing to work hard and to engage with the local community in a professional and respectful manner – in an official capacity whilst on site, and unofficially when off-duty.
  • You must ensure you are physically fit to walk. Course activities includes walking for sustained periods on uneven terrain. You may walk for several hours a day, and cover several miles, on hills and steep terrain.
  • If you have medical concerns, please discuss them with your medical practitioner. Any other concerns should be addressed to field school staff before your participation/arrival to the field school.

 

Student Health Terms & Conditions:

On registering for your program, you will be required to verify that you are physically fit to participate in the excavation. Fitness includes physical fitness to carry out the work, as described above, and the capacity to work in a team, with local and international staff, students and volunteers, and to follow direction from the project staff.

In stating that you are physically fit to participate, you will also be asked to declare any medical, learning or physical needs that you may have. The IAFS will endeavour to accommodate all needs and abilities, within the extent of resources available on the project.

The IAFS reserves the right to withdraw you from the program for NON-DECLARATION of any issue.

Medication:

Students taking prescribed medication must ensure that they bring an adequate supply for the duration of their stay.

Insurance:

Students attending any Irish Archaeology Field School program must have adequate medical insurance for the duration of the program either personally, through one of our partner organisations or through your home institution.

Dress code:

Students must wear sturdy footwear. Open-toe shoes or lightweight footwear are not permitted due to excavation practices and on-site conditions.

The IAFS requires that students dress appropriately for the site conditions and weather. This includes clothing to protect the skin from stings, scratches etc and the adverse effects of sun exposure, and hat for same. Students must also bring and wear adequate warm clothing and rainwear (waterproof jacket & pants), for all weather conditions.

The IAFS advises that students wear long trousers / pants. There are insects and vegetation on several field locations that may cause stings, scratches and discomfort (see above). Shorts and skirts are not advisable.

 

Homestay Accommodation Terms & Conditions:

  • Homestay accommodation is only available for the length of the program. We do not offer extended homestay due to insurance issues.  If you wish to extend your stay in Ireland outside of the program dates, you will be required to make your own accommodation arrangements.
  • Homestay hosts provide accommodation and board only.
  • As you are a student of over 18 years of age, please be independent, it is up to you to make your own arrangements for extra-curricular activities. It is not the responsibility of your homestay host.
  • Students are subject to the host’s house rules and should respect them at all times.
  • Homestay hosts are not responsible for your transport outside of program hours (after 5pm). If you require transport out of hours, please use a taxicab or local bus transport. In Wexford homestay hosts will provide transport daily to and from the project only when it is active (9am/5pm). In Birr, most of the homestays are within walking distance of the town centre.
  • The student agrees to integrate themselves with their host family and fully accepts they will not receive a similar “service” to that provided by hotels and B&B establishments.
  • Students are expected to be respectful to all Homestay family members, their homes and their culture, and not to cause any nuisance, disruption, harassment or persistent disturbance to others. Students will follow all reasonable house guidelines set up by your Homestay provider such as for mealtimes, noise levels, respecting guests and others.
  • Reasonable behaviour is expected at all times during your stay with the host in their accommodation.  IAFS reserves the right to remove any student whose conduct is unsatisfactory. In the case of the host family requesting that a student be relocated as a result of the student’s behaviour being deemed “unacceptable” or due to the incompatibility of the student and the host family, IAFS will relocate the student to suitable similar accommodation, subject to availability. Should similar accommodation not be available, IAFS will relocate the student to alternative accommodation. IAFS will not be held responsible, financially or otherwise, for any inconvenience caused to the student as a result of relocation for reasons of “unacceptable behaviour” by the student or incompatibility with the host family, nor will IAFS be liable to pay for any expenses (such as transportation costs etc.) incurred as a result of such a move being required.
  • To inform your Homestay host of any late nights out or weekends away, or if you will not be requiring an evening meal.
  • Students are expected to look after any house key, if one is provided, for Homestay accommodation and use it with care for the security of all homestay family members. Students will be expected to pay for the cost of replacing any lost keys.
  • Students given permission by their host for use of the kitchen are expected to keep the kitchen clean after use and not to leave cooking unattended.
  • Students are required to keep their bedroom tidy, clean and accessible to your Homestay provider, by prior arrangement for cleaning purposes and health and safety reasons. Not to store food in your bedroom, decorate, move or bring furniture into your bedroom.  Also, you are to keep the bathroom and other shared areas of the house clean and tidy.
  • Students should not invite other people into the host’s accommodation.  Overnight guests are strictly prohibited unless otherwise agreed by your host family.
  • Students should not bring alcohol into the host’s accommodation without first receiving their permission.
  • Students should not smoke or use an electronic cigarette (e-cigs), personal vaporiser (PV) or similar devices in the Homestay accommodation without first receiving permission from the host.
  • Students are not to use candles, incense sticks or similar burning or smouldering materials in Homestay accommodation, without first receiving permission from the host.
  • To prevent fire students are only to use approved chargers or electric power adaptors.
  • If a student breaks or damages the property or contents of the homestay home, including by accident, the student will have to pay the costs for the damage or any replacement to the host.
  • Students cannot use the hosts’ telephone or excessive internet without the hosts’ permission. Students must not carry out any illegal activity using the internet connection provided.
  • Students should also take out their own insurance policies on their personal property, i.e. laptops, jewellery and other expensive items, as these are not covered under the host family’s insurance policies or under IAFS insurance.
  • Please be aware that Homestay does not guarantee you your own room unless specifically requested with good reason, and confirmed by the Homestay coordinator at the time.

 

Flora and Fauna Terms & Conditions:

Working in an outdoor environment may expose you to plants and animal species that can cause injury or illness including (and not limited to):

  • plants – stinging nettles, thistles, thorn bushes.
  • biting/stinging insects -midges, ticks, bees, wasps.
  • pollens – grasses, trees, flowers, moss.
  • bacteria or viruses from soils, insect bites, poor hygiene – leptospirosis, Lymes disease, tetanus.

Students are advised to consult with their medical practitioner with regard to any health or safety concerns. Minimum preventative measures should include awareness, wearing appropriate clothing for working in an outdoor environment, bringing own first aid treatment for e.g. severe allergic sensitivity to insect bites etc, as we as potentially vaccination in advance of travel.

 

Physical Requirements and the Working Environment Terms & Conditions:

Students should be aware that:

  • Archaeological field work involves real, strenuous physical work; on your feet or on your knees with your trowel and/or heavier tools.
  • Conditions in the field will not be the typical university learning environment and are different than those you experience in your home or university.
  • IAFS archaeological excavations are carried out in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions – including rain, sun, heat or cold (often in a single day).
  • This is hands-on, experiential learning and students will study on-site how to conduct archaeological research.
  • You must be willing to work hard and to engage with the local community in a professional and respectful manner – in an official capacity whilst on site, and unofficially when off-duty.
  • You must ensure you are physically fit to walk. Course activities includes walking for sustained periods on uneven terrain. You may walk for several hours a day, and cover several miles, on hills and steep terrain.
  • If you have medical concerns, please discuss them with your medical practitioner. Any other concerns should be addressed to field school staff before your participation/arrival to the field school.

 

Privacy policy

  • As part of IAFS’s commitment to strict data privacy and security, and compliance with the GDPR, we do not share your personal data with any third parties, unless required for administrative, safety or emergency purposes.
  • Students should be aware that the IAFS may use photography, including your image, voice or likeness, and quotes from social media in publications / marketing.
  • The IAFS will, at your request, at any time, remove your contact information from our lists. Please understand we do use this information to stay in touch, update you on our research project and let you know about scholarship opportunities etc.
  • For optimum security the IAFS does not save your credit card data.

Safety Terms & Conditions:

  • All students will be required to undergo (and abide by the terms of) a program safety orientation.
  • All safety direction given on site by IAFS personnel must be complied with.
  • Students are required to behave in a safe manner at all times, bearing in mind their own personal safety, and that of their fellow students and colleagues in Ireland.
  • IAFS are only responsible for your safety during working hours only (typically 9am to 5pm).