So how do you know if field school is right for you? Field schools are programs that are set up to give what is probably your first taste of life and work in the field—all while providing the necessary guidance and instruction. If you are new to the field of the anthropology or feel that you have a modest background in your discipline, the resources that field schools exclusively offer can be invaluable. Some students find while attending field school that the subject area or field conditions are not for them. It is much better to discover this while attending a field school than, say, while working as a field assistant, where the pressure can be much greater. That being said, there are some distinct advantages to jumping straight into a position as a field worker or assistant without first attending field school. First, this opens up a wider variety of projects suited to your specific interests. A position as a field worker also allows you to work more closely with researchers of your choice. Perhaps you have a professor or supervisor with whom you would like to work. These sorts of positions can foster collaborative relationships that lead to future projects. Finally, while a position as a field worker is almost certainly more grueling than as a field school student, it is also more rewarding for those same reasons. The bottom line? Unless you are certain that you possess the necessary will and skills to work as a field worker now, look to attend a field school. Who knows, after field school, you may decide that you want to become a field worker! Note: The fieldwork section of this guide mainly indexes information on field schools. There are simply too many fieldwork opportunities to find and verify. If you are looking to work as a field assistant, you may want to do some extra research, search for listings, and begin contacting the people involved. You may also want to check out some of the links in the
Additional Resources section of the guide. Good luck!