School of Professional and Continuing Studies

The Balkan Heritage Field School (BHFS) started in 2008 as an educational program of the Balkan Heritage Foundation. It consists of practice-oriented courses in the fields of archaeology and heritage preservation taught in English. Currently, the courses take place in Bulgaria, Greece, Republic of North Macedonia, and Israel. They are oriented towards both academic and non-academic audiences (mostly volunteers and individuals with a need for specialized pre- and early career training). All courses are affiliated with ongoing research and conservation projects conducted by BHFS partner heritage institutions. Since 2008, the Balkan Heritage Foundation has conducted 116 field schools (ranging from 2 to 8 weeks in duration) attended by approximately 2000 students, ages 16 to 79, from nearly 70 countries.

The concept for the BHFS is based on a symbiosis between educational projects (i.e. field schools or courses) and ongoing heritage projects (archaeological or art historical research and conservation). Each field school project combines elements of academic and non-formal education: lectures and instructions, field and lab work (excavations, field surveys, workshops) and field trips that enable students to gain valuable hands-on experience.

The field school projects are accredited by prominent universities worldwide among which New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria.