TBI - Origins Field School Summer

About the Program

Do you want to learn about the methods used to understand ancient humans and the environments in which they lived, discover fossils and artifacts, and visit field sites where some of the most important prehistoric discoveries were made? 

TBI’s Origins Summer Field School addresses the place that humans occupy in the natural world and how we came to occupy that position. This program focuses on hands-on experience in field survey and excavation methods, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, taphonomy and more, and includes field trips to important paleontological and archaeological sites, diverse ecological settings, and remarkable geological features throughout the Turkana Basin. Participants will work directly with leading scientists and do fieldwork at active hominin fossil localities and archaeological excavations, such as at Lomekwi 3- the oldest stone tool site in the world! 

 

Location	The Turkana Basin Institute, Kenya
Program Type	Faculty-Led Program
Program Term	Summer
Program Dates	Summer 2024 Dates: to be announced (late May to early July)
Language of Instruction	English
Budget	View Budget
Living Arrangements	The Origins Summer Field School program is based at TBI’s Turkwel campus, which overlooks the Turkwel River and some spectacular fossil deposits. Students live in comfortable, safe, dormitory-style quarters. Clean water, showers, flushing toilets and electricity are provided, as are mosquito nets, towels and bedding. Internet and cell phone service is available. Meals served are fresh and varied, and very healthy. Vegetarian options are made available. The Turkwel campus is located southwest of the lake, which is a relatively short drive away from important fossil and archaeological sites such as Lothagam, South Turkwel, and Nariokotome, where the famous Turkana Boy skeleton was discovered. This is the land of the Turkana people, after whom the lake was named. They are seen regularly herding their camels nearby, and are indispensable around camp as skilled specialists and support staff.
Additional Information	Faculty-Led study abroad programs may require group travel. Please reach out to your IAP Coordinator prior to making any travel arrangements.

Program Housing Statement: Stony Brook University is required to comply with the housing policies of the host country, partner institution and/or hotel/hostel. These policies may include requirements such as sex-based housing placement.

 Requirements

GPA	2.0
Other Requirements	N/A
Application Deadline	March 1

Candidates may be interviewed to determine their qualifications for participating and representing Stony Brook University abroad

Student Feedback

- “Take advantage of every opportunity you can through this program, the professors are amazing, the landscape and surrounding deposits are some of the best in the world” -  Participant, Spring 2011 Semester

-“Enjoy the delicious food, the lectures, movie nights, fossil hunting sessions and camping nights. The field school ends so soon.” -  Participant, Fall 2016 Semester

- “Even if it's going to be really hot and intense, it will be one of the best and enlightening experiences in your life.” -  Participant, Spring 2017 Semester