Dates: Two field seasons:

15 August – 15 September 2022

3rd October - 3rd November 2022

Cost: All valid local travel, accommodation, and foods expenses paid. There is no stipend above travel-related expenses. Travel must be within southern Africa.

Where: You will be based ~5 min drive from Boomplaas Cave at the Cango Valley Estate (~90 km from George and 30km from Oudtshoorn). Accommodations provide all amenities as well as access to a pool, local excursions during off-times, cell reception, and wifi.

Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students who are African nationals and (preferably) currently enrolled in archaeology, environmental science, geology, or related programs at southern African universities.

What is the Boomplaas project? The Boomplaas project aims to understand the role of rapid climate change in human adaptations to the southern Cape's montane environments. The project is re-excavating Boomplaas Cave, a site with a ~80,000 year human occupation sequence. We are also engaged in landscape surveys and ethnobotanical research.

How do I apply? Contact Dr. Justin Pargeter (justin.pargeter@nyu.edu) with the following information attached as email attachments (English required):

• A one-page statement (~500 words) detailing the following: 1) Why you want to participate in the project, and what you believe you will gain from it; 2) Where this experience fits into your personal and academic goals; 3) Where you see your career in three years’ time; and 4) What your expectations are for the field conditions you will experience, challenges you anticipate, and how you propose to deal with them.

• A short CV with your name and contact details that highlights your educational and related experiential background, with a statement of your current grades and academic standing.

• The names of two references (preferably academic)

How many students can participate? We expect to be able to select four student participants for each of the fieldwork sessions.

Brief code of conduct and community compact: The Boomplaas project is committed to providing a safe and fair working environment and will provide all technical personal protective equipment (NOT basic clothing) necessary for participation. The project is committed to offering a harassment free workplace and a professional but informal working and living environment. We do not discriminate participants based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic/racial background, or political identity.