What does the future hold for IFR - any exciting new programs to share?
Kerby: The IFR is active in recruiting and vetting accomplished scholars and their potential field school sites. For 2016, we plan on increasing our course offerings in the US to be able to showcase the excellent archaeology we have in our backyards. The IFR is also growing to include field schools from disciplines outside of archaeology.
We are committed to our mission of creating research communities of young scholars, regardless of university affiliation, major, or life goals. By increasing the scope of programs offered, we are expanding the number of students we can teach these valuable critical thinking and research skills.
Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Kerby: Misconceptions about Africa as a continent have led students to shy away from some amazing opportunities there. We have a new program in Southeastern Senegal focused on using methods from archaeology, anthropology, and history to carry out research in a village on the Bandafassi Plateau. It is no wonder that this site was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to the beauty of the rolling hills and the incredibly complex history of the Bassari, Bedik, Peul, and Mande people living there today.
Study Abroad data shows us that most students go to Western Europe when they decide to study abroad. I think that some students may not realize that going off the beaten path can be incredibly rewarding. We are strong supporters of adventure and the nontraditional destination.
For example, at our field school in Spain at the site of Cova Gran de Santa Linya students participate in research that seeks to improve our understanding of our Paleolithic ancestors and their interactions with Neanderthals. It is opportunities like these that really set our field schools apart from other study abroad opportunities. The mundane is overrated; adventure awaits.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
Kerby: The IFR is unique in the study abroad industry in its goals and its oversight. We are the only organization that conducts peer review on all of our programs every year. We have a large academic board whose members take great care in making sure our field schools are academically rigorous and rewarding.
We also take great pride in being able to offer the incredible amount of great archaeology projects that we do. We currently offer 33 field schools and we are constantly growing. All of the field school directors who work with us are active researchers in their fields, and our students have the unique opportunity of working with accomplished scholars on active research projects.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the IFR team.
Kerby: Reading student reviews after they come back from the field is an especially proud moment for me. There’s a good reason why we describe our programs as transformative experiences. I get to see students’ nervous excitement to leave for the field turn into an impressive confidence and newfound understanding. Student learning doesn’t stop at archaeology. These people become culturally sensitive, team players with critical thinking skills that you can’t get from a classroom.
It is humbling and satisfying to read their stories, and it reinforces for me how important it is to have these opportunities available for everyone – from recent high school grads to lifelong learners. Archaeology has a way of bringing people together and engaging people in a really powerful way. We are lucky to have great field school directors who are committed to teaching through research and sharing their wisdom in the field.