Student Life
International Research
The American Foreign Academic Research (AFAR) Program at Davidson Day is pioneering full-scale international archaeological field research and cultural site preservation for pre-collegiate students. The AFAR program goes beyond the boundaries of important academic research, creating a bridge to international cultures and communities.
Students in the AFAR program work alongside esteemed archaeologists, enjoying firsthand the thrill of discovery while researching at a historically relevant site. Integrated into the average AFAR day are lectures and excursions to broaden the students understanding of the history and cultural treasures of the host country.
The AFAR Program at Davidson Day is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind, enriching experience that pairs students with professionals and scholars from top universities and with government departments of archaeology and culture for an immersive, in-depth academic and research experience at real-world archaeological sites of great importance.
Beyond the Classroom. Around the World.
Spain
Zorita de los Canes Archaeological Testing Project
The Zorita de los Canes Archaeological Testing Project will conduct its 10th field season of research during the summer of 2025. Our team will continue to explore the architecture of the awe-inspiring Zorita Castle, specifically focusing on two very important rooms of the castle and pursuing an underground chamber located during this past summer's work. The Zorita de los Canes Archaeological Testing Project is ideal for first-time students and seasoned veterans alike. Students' hard work is rewarded with incredible excursions and activities in the evenings and weekends.
The Zorita de los Canes Archaeological Testing Project will conduct its 10th field season of research during the summer of 2025. Our team will continue to explore the architecture of the awe-inspiring Zorita Castle, specifically focusing on two very important rooms of the castle and pursuing an underground chamber located during this past summer's work. The Zorita de los Canes Archaeological Testing Project is ideal for first-time students and seasoned veterans alike. Students' hard work is rewarded with incredible excursions and activities in the evenings and weekends.
Supplemental Excursions: City visits to Toledo, Pastrana, and Guadalajara. Site visits to the Roman City of Segobriga, the Visigothic City of Recopolis, and Roman Mines. Cuenca Canyoning Adventure, Paintball, and High Ropes Canyon Course.
Portugal
Ancient Tróia Archaeological Testing Project
Since 2018, AFAR has carried out research at the ancient Roman city of Tróia, situated on the coast of Portugal, roughly 45 minutes south of Lisbon. This idyllic landscape creates an amazing environment to do archaeology. Often referred to as the Pompei of Portugal, the city of Tróia has been perfectly preserved under tons of sand. Students will stay in very well-appointed rental houses located roughly ten minutes from the site.
Supplemental Excursions: City visits to Sesimbra, Alcacer do Sal, Nazare, Comporta, Setubal, and Lisbon. Site visits to Cabo Espichel, Crypta de Alcacer, Roman Theatre of Lisbon, and Forte de Sao Filipe. Sea Cave Kayaking in Sesimbra and Surfing in Nazare.
Since 2018, AFAR has carried out research at the ancient Roman city of Tróia, situated on the coast of Portugal, roughly 45 minutes south of Lisbon. This idyllic landscape creates an amazing environment to do archaeology. Often referred to as the Pompei of Portugal, the city of Tróia has been perfectly preserved under tons of sand. Students will stay in very well-appointed rental houses located roughly ten minutes from the site.
Supplemental Excursions: City visits to Sesimbra, Alcacer do Sal, Nazare, Comporta, Setubal, and Lisbon. Site visits to Cabo Espichel, Crypta de Alcacer, Roman Theatre of Lisbon, and Forte de Sao Filipe. Sea Cave Kayaking in Sesimbra and Surfing in Nazare.
Belize
Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project
The Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project is the longest-running and most physically demanding project in our lineup. 2025 will mark our 19th year of work at the incredible site of Cahal Pech in western Belize. There will be supplemental tours and excursions in the evenings and during the weekends. Students will stay within walking distance at the Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio, Belize.
Supplemental Excursions: Site visits to Maya Sites of Caracol, Xunantunich, and Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Cave Tubing, Macal River Jungle Cruise, Iguana Preserve, and Maya Chocolate Workshop.
The Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project is the longest-running and most physically demanding project in our lineup. 2025 will mark our 19th year of work at the incredible site of Cahal Pech in western Belize. There will be supplemental tours and excursions in the evenings and during the weekends. Students will stay within walking distance at the Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio, Belize.
Supplemental Excursions: Site visits to Maya Sites of Caracol, Xunantunich, and Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Cave Tubing, Macal River Jungle Cruise, Iguana Preserve, and Maya Chocolate Workshop.
Davidson Day School
Davidson Day School is an independent private school for students 2 years old through 12th grade in the Lake Norman region of Charlotte.
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