 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 of 2006 and 2007 trips 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 Tikal, 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.
- Colorful artisans’ markets.
- Spectacular journey into the Maya underworld through two ancient ceremonial caves.
- Tour of museums and colonial Spanish cathedrals and homes.
- Archaeological excavation at an ancient Maya ruin.
- Opportunity to observe exotic wildlife in their natural jungle habitat.
- Debriefing, relaxation and snorkeling at the Belizean barrier reef, the second longest reef on the planet.
This program is open to ten students. They will be chosen based on their application, essay,  house counselor and teacher recommendations, as well as personal interviews. Dates have not yet been determined for the B.A.L.A.M. Project 2008, but it will likely run during a two to three week span in July or August. The cost of the trip will be approximately $3,900. It is anticipated that scholarships will be available to students with demonstrated needs. The Museum will host an information session late in the fall trimester. The event will feature a slide show of photos taken during this July’s B.A.L.A.M. Project with commentary from program Directors as well as student participants. The B.A.L.A.M. Project promises to be an amazing adventure and incredible learning experience that will be remembered for a lifetime!
To apply, please click the appropriate link up top. Applications are due on Friday January 18, 2008. They must be received by a B.A.L.A.M. Director before 5pm that day. For more information or to submit and application, please contact:
Donald Slater - Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology dslater@andover.edu
Mark Cutler - Phillips Academy Spanish Department
mcutler@andover.edu |
