Archaeology Field School Etiquette
Do’s and Don’ts

Being sensitive to different cultural values is important, particularly for archaeologists and anthropologists.  We’ll be living in a small village where neighbors live very close by and will naturally be somewhat curious about you.  You’ll want to demonstrate cordial, polite behavior while you are a guest in Indian Church Village.  Here are some valuable tips that you’d do very well to follow once you are in Belize.

·      Dress: Bathing suit tops, spaghetti strap shirts, and low cut or very short (stomach exposed) shirts are inappropriate for wearing in the village.  Typically this kind of clothing is socially unacceptable in rural areas of the country, where Belizeans tend to be quite modest.  Shoes are required at all times in the field.  No flip flops, sandals or open-toed footwear are allowed at any time during fieldwork.

·      Noise: noise levels have to be kept low while in the village – this is obviously a courtesy for your neighbors.  Very loud talking, laughing and shouting are not only ill-mannered but often tend to set off a chain reaction of noisy and incessant barking from the numerous dogs that reside in the village.  Be quiet and courteous while in your host village.

·      Drug and alcohol policy: Students are responsible for following these conduct regulations during the time abroad: (1) Alcohol and other drug related misbehavior is prohibited at all times. (2) No student shall furnish or cause to be furnished any alcoholic beverage to any person under the legal drinking age. (3) No student shall furnish or cause to be furnished any alcoholic beverage to any person in a state of noticeable intoxication. (4) No student under the legal drinking age shall possess any alcoholic beverage. (5) The unlawful possession or the use of any illicit drugs by students is prohibited. Non-compliance with any of these conduct regulations shall result in the dismissal of the student from the program.

·      Attendance and General Attitude: punctual attendance at all field and lab meetings as well as other group activities is required.  You’ll get along well with others if you exhibit a positive attitude throughout the field school, and you’ll no doubt enjoy experiencing that attitude from others as well.

·      Other tips will be given when we meet!