“The Vikings conquer all in their path and nothing resists them.” So wrote a Frankish chronicler about the northern pirates whose collective name has come to represent the European ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries. This Viking studies program in Scandinavia offers the opportunity for you to explore the rich archaeological, cultural, and literary heritage of northern Europe in the early Middle Ages.
Itself founded during the Viking Age, the lovely Danish city of Århus and its modern university are our principal hosts. From this charming seaside location, we visit significant sites and collections throughout northern Europe, and participate in an archaeological dig connected with the Viking Age site on Samsø. Specialists in many different aspects of Viking culture lecture and guide classes.
The Viking studies program is ideal if you:
- Are interested in heroic literature, Norse mythology, medieval history, and archaeology
- Are eager to explore the relationship between history and national myths
- Want to engage in archaeological field work
- Want to experience cultural life in Northern Europe
Watch a video featuring Andres Dobat discussing the fieldwork he and his students conduct in Scandinavia.
Professor Mitchell manages a website for the Scandinavia program where you can learn more about this study abroad experience.
USA Today listed the Scandinavia program as one of the seven most unique study abroad programs students can attend.
Faculty
For extended biographies of the faculty, see the Viking Studies in Scandinavia website.
Application
Before applying, review the Admission and Policies and FAQs pages.
You must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due January 28, 2016:
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A statement of interest in the program, including information on relevant coursework and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Transcripts (student record accepted for Harvard students)
Program directors may ask for interviews.
You will be notified of admissions decisions by mid-February.
Cost
There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. The program cost includes the following:
- Tuition
- Room
- Opening banquet and final banquet
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
In addition to the program fee, you are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee (waived if you have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Denmark
- Most meals
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
How to pay and funding options
See Payment and Funding for payment deadlines and more information, including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
You stay in student housing in Åarhus and in youth hostels andHOTELS
on excursions.
Physical activity
Archaeological fieldwork is physically intense and often rigorous. You work in the field, excavating under the sun and climbing among excavation units. Since some of the most interesting, little explored, and pristine sites are remote, traveling there requires hiking. No special training is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is advisable. However, a lighter schedule can be arranged for those with physical challenges.
Additional information
Contact Stephen Mitchell, samitch@fas.harvard.edu.
Watch this video where Andres Dobat discusses the fieldwork they conduct in Scandinavia.
0 Comments