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 town 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 San Pedro town.  Here are some valuable tips that you’d do very well to follow once you are in Belize.

·      Dress: For female students: bathing suit tops, spaghetti strap shirts, and very short (stomach exposed) shirts or skirts are inappropriate for wearing in the town.  For male students: shirts should be worn at all times when traveling around town.  As anthropologists it is imperative we demonstrate cultural sensitivity - Belizeans tend to be quite modest, and although they are accustomed to seeing tourists dress in this manner, you're not a tourist.  You're a representative of your university and country, and unlike tourists who come and go within a matter of days, you'll be a resident member of the community for an entire month.  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 town – 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 San Pedro.  Be quiet and courteous while in your host town.

·      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 at UNCW and in Belize!