B.A.L.A.M.
The Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and the Spanish Department at Phillips Academy have teamed up to offer students a unique experience of archaeological exploration and linguistic and cultural immersion in Mesoamerica. The highly successful summer trips 2006 - 2008 have established the B.A.L.A.M. Project as one of the most exciting expeditionary learning experiences on campus.
The B.A.L.A.M. acronym stands for "Bilingual Archaeological Learning Adventure in Mesoamerica." The word balam refers to a jaguar in the Mayan language. It is pronounced bah-lahm. The jaguar is arguably the most sacred animal to the Maya and many other ancient Mesoamerican people. The Maya believed that when the sun set every night, it turned into a jaguar thereby having the strength and courage to navigate through the perils of the underworld until it rose the next morning. Many 
great kings incorporated balam into their names, while ownership of a jaguar robe, rug, or blanket was a sign of great power and status. The balam is truly one of the most significant icons of Mesoamerica.
This program is open to all students who display an interest in archaeology and the Spanish language, regardless of their prior preparation in either of the subjects. With three years' experience mapping the trip's established itinerary, and other extensive travel throughout Latin America, the directors of the B.A.L.A.M. Project have developed trustworthy contacts with vendors in the area and have secured reliable lodging, transportation, dining, and entertainment options.
Some program highlights:
- Visits to stunning archaeological sites such as Palenque, Calakmul, Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
- Customized site tours and lectures by a Robert S. Peabody Museum expert.
- Language and culture lessons by a P.A. Spanish instructor.
- Secure and personable transportation and lodging with known local vendors.
- Comfortable and clean accommodations in hotels and rustic jungle cabañas.
- Home-style Mesoamerican cuisine with personalized service
- Immersion into modern Mesoamerican culture and language.
- Visits to modern, traditional, Maya villages, as well as major cities.
- Shopping for indigenous crafts at colorful markets.
- Spectacular journey into the Maya underworld through ancient ceremonial caves, many of which have never been explored by archaeologists until first recorded by Peabody Museum staff in 2009.
- Tours of museums and colonial Spanish cathedrals and homes.
- Opportunity to observe exotic wildlife in their natural jungle habitat.
Because B.A.L.A.M. 2009 was canceled, a number of 2009 selectees will embark on B.A.L.A.M. 2010. However, four to five additional spots are still open. Participants will be chosen based on the application, essay, house counselor and teacher recommendations, as well as personal interviews. B.A.L.A.M. 2010 will run during Spring Break from March 12-27, 2010.
Unfortunately, all but $1,500 of scholarship money for B.A.L.A.M. 2010 has been exhausted. The cost of the trip will be approximately $4,300.
If you are interested in B.A.L.A.M. please contact the project directors and/or attend our Info Session at the Peabody Museum on Thursday October 15 at 6pm. The Session will feature commentary from program Directors as well as past student participants. You may also view an informational slideshow by clicking here. After the Info Session the 2010 version will be posted.
Applications will be available at the Info Session, from Directors, and by clicking here. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2010.
The B.A.L.A.M. Project promises to be an amazing adventure and incredible learning experience that will be remembered for a lifetime!
Donald Slater - Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology
dslater@andover.edu
Mark Cutler - Phillips Academy Spanish Department
mcutler@andover.edu