Romania: Apulum Roman Villa Project - AMNE 395/AMNE 595 (3 credits)

This seminar focuses on the excavation of a Roman villa (luxury estate and work spaces) in the hinterland of Apulum (modern Alba Iulia, Romania), in the Roman province of Dacia. Students will practice field archaeology: excavation, recording, and interpretation of everything from architecture to pottery to animal bone.

Accommodation will be provided at the local university, with lunch and dinner catered by a local restaurant. Excursions will include Roman sites, medieval castles, and modern towns within Transylvania.

Alba Iulia is a picturesque town centered around an eighteenth-century Austrian fort, with the amenities of a small European city and several cultural festivals in summer, including outdoor concerts, fashion shows, and weekly Roman versus Dacian battle re-enactments on Friday night.

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating

Program-specific requirements

• No strict prerequisites are required.
• Priority goes to AMNE or Anthropology archaeology majors in need of archaeological field experience, followed by other AMNE students.
• Preference for students with strong academic records.
• Applicants from related disciplines such as Art History and History are welcome.

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Pre-departure

Recommended equipment training on campus in spring (date to be determined by Doodle of all participants). Required Zoom orientation to archaeological methods and theory before departure (recorded; date to be determined by Doodle of all participants).

In-country dates

The in-country portion of the program will run from June 22 to July 15, 2026.

Overall commitment

Overall program dates are June 15 to July 15, 2026.

Field activities

Students will practice field archaeology, including excavation, recording, and interpretation of materials ranging from architecture to pottery to animal bone.

Housing and meals

Accommodation will be provided at the local university. Lunch and dinner will be catered by a local restaurant.

Excursions

Excursions will include Roman sites, medieval castles, and modern towns within Transylvania.

Local context

Alba Iulia is centered around an eighteenth-century Austrian fort and hosts summer cultural events, including weekly Roman versus Dacian battle re-enactments on Friday night.

Approximate program fees: $2750-3250*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award.
Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

The lead faculty member for this program is Dr. Matthew McCarty (Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies).

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented. 

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g. respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.