Highlights
- Contribute to an excavation project that was first begun in the 1950s.
- Learn from an informative series of lectures on field archaeology and interpreting finds.
- Gain experience in all types of archaeological fieldwork.
- Take advantage of opportunities for local tours and sightseeing.
- Earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience.
Tel Hazor is the largest Biblical-era site in Israel. It is mentioned several times in the Bible and in ancient Near East sources, indicating its important position in both the Israelite (Iron Age) and the Canaanite (Bronze Age) periods. Due to its strategic location, the site was inhabited for more than two millennia.
In past and ongoing excavations, archaeologists have discovered a palace, temples, and other architectural remains on this site, as well as pottery, figurines, jewelry, weapons, and cuneiform tablets. As a participant in this field school, you will experience all aspects of archaeological fieldwork: excavating, sifting, surveying, washing and reading pottery, and digital registration of finds.
Structure
The season takes place over two three-week sessions. You may choose to participate in one or both sessions. Daily work at the site starts at 5:00 a.m. and lasts until 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional work assignments in the afternoon and evening.
Course Components
- Field trips
- Lectures
- Field assignments
- Research paper
Check the dig website for more details.
This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required. See the dig website for more details.
Apply
You can choose to participate in the excavation for the field experience only, or you can decide to also earn credit from Hebrew University during your participation (and transfer the credits to your home institution). The application process differs according to your choice.
Participation Only
You’ll apply directly to the Tel Hazor Field School. Please see the Tel Hazor excavation website for details on how to apply (listed under the “season information” for the upcoming year).
Participation & Academic Credit
In order to apply to earn academic credit for your participation in the archaeological field school, you’ll complete a three-step process:
- Apply directly to the Tel Hazor Field School. Please see the Tel Hazor excavation website for details on how to apply (listed under the “season information” for the upcoming year).
- Attend the excavation and fulfill the academic requirements as determined by the director of your archaeological field school.
- Once you have finished the field school and submitted a research paper, submit an application to HebrewU’s Rothberg International School (RIS) and pay the US$ 120 application fee and the US$ 120 per credit tuition fee.
Contact
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
Questions about Tel Hazor
For questions about applying directly to the field school – or any questions about the program – please contact Deby Sandhaus.
Questions about Academic Credit
For questions about applying for academic credit through HebrewU’s RIS, please contact the Office of Summer Courses and Special Programs.
Find More Summer Courses
Please note that HebrewU reserves the right to cancel courses for which there is insufficient registration.
Fast Facts
Course:
Biblical Tel Hazor
Teaching Faculty:
Field School Directors: Prof. Amnon Ben-Tor & Dr. Igor Kreimerman
Language of Instruction:
English
Credits:
1 credit per week of participation
Program Dates:
July 13 – August 22, 2025
Eligibility:
Undergraduate and graduate students; mature learners with an academic background
Costs:
Academic Credit (Optional): US$ 120 per credit
Participation & Housing Fee: See dig website
Relevant Academic Fields:
Archaeology, ancient history, antiquities
