Participation in the 2026 Season
What does a typical day look like in the field?
Excavation days are intensive and follow an early schedule to avoid the midday heat:
• 04:45 AM: Arrive at Tel Shaddud and begin digging.
• 09:00 AM: Breakfast break.
• 09:30 AM: Return to excavation areas.
• 11:30 AM: Short break.
• 13:00 PM: Lunch time
• 14:00 PM: Pottery washing.
• 15:00 PM: Afternoon rest and relaxation.
• 18:00 PM: Pottery sorting.
• 19:00 PM: Dinner at Nahalal.
How long is the excavation?
Team members are welcome to choose when they would like to join us. Due to the nature of the excavation, the minimum period of stay 1 week, and volunteers can participate for all four weeks of the season, or may select individual weeks in which to participate.
How much does participation cost?
Excavating at Tel Shaddud has a participation cost of 900EUR* per week which includes:
- Accommodation during the excavation and on weekends (rooms are shared between 3-4 people and are have en-suite bathrooms)
- Amenities include: lounge area for leisure time, bed linens, towels and WiFi
- Meals (excluding weekends)
- Transportation to and from the site
- Guest lectures from leading scholars
This fee does not cover flights to Israel. We also highly recommend that you personally acquire travel insurance to ensure you are covered for all possible costs, as well as check your passport’s requirement for entering Israel before booking your trip. Invoices will be sent out in May and will include all the details on how to pay. Currently, we accept credit card, bank transfer and cheque. *Fees are subject to change.
Who can excavate?
We welcome anyone with a passion for archaeology! No prior archaeological experience is required. We invite participants between the ages of 18 and 81 to join our team. We also host “family day” where parents are welcome to bring younger children; please note that children must remain under their parents’ direct supervision and responsibility at all times. The exact date for “family day” will be announced prior to the beginning of the excavation.
Where will I be staying?
The expedition team’s accommodations are located in Nahalal, roughly a 10-minute drive from the site. Facilities include:
• Air-conditioned rooms with provided towels and bed linens.
• Wifi and communal kitchenettes (fridge, microwave, coffee/tea corner).
• Washing machines (please bring your own detergent).
• Proximity to small local shops for snacks and fresh produce.
What equipment and clothing should I pack?
Excavating is dirty, sweaty work, so bring clothes you don’t mind damaging. Essential items include:
• Field Gear: Closed-toed hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle with at least a 2L capacity.
• Clothing: Long pants and light long-sleeved shirts are highly recommended for protection.
• Extras: A small bag for the field, mosquito repellent, a swimsuit, and a cardigan for cooler evenings.
• Note: All specialized digging equipment (trowels, pickaxes, etc.) is provided by the expedition.
Are meals provided?
For members of the expedition, including foreign students, all meals from Sunday dinner through Friday lunch are provided (including breakfast at the site). Please note that if you choose to stay at the accommodation over the weekend, you will be responsible for your own meals during those days. For Israeli daily volunteers, breakfast at the site is not provided, though we will be glad to make accommodations upon request ahead of time.
Cancellation policy:
We completely understand that life can change suddenly and force people to cancel their excavation reservation. As a result, there are a few different times in the year that volunteers can cancel.
Cancellation before invoices are sent: Free
Cancellation before June 1st: A full refund, minus a 50EUR registration and banking fee.
Cancellation after June 12st: A full refund, minus a 200EUR cancellation fee for each week, and a 50EUR registration and banking fee.
Cancellation during the season, or without announcement, will receive no refund.
Tel Shaddud 