Future Sites

Easter Island: The Rapa Nui Fellowship & Heritage

(Summer 2027)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12) passionate about archaeology, anthropology, indigenous studies, and Polynesian culture.

Program Description

Step beyond textbook history and step directly into one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth. Sponsored by Research and Beyond in partnership with the Academia de la Lengua Rapa Nui and the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, this exclusive summer fellowship offers high school students rare, institutional access to Easter Island’s living history.

Rather than viewing heritage sites through a tour bus window, participants pair 1:1 with local Rapa Nui high school students. Together, you will explore ancient archaeological sites, study native linguistic structures with language masters, and engage directly with island museum curators and elders. If you are looking to build university-level fieldwork skills in anthropology while experiencing meaningful, reciprocal cultural exchange, this program offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime summer.

Program Highlights

1:1 Local Peer Partnership: Every participant is paired with a local Rapa Nui student to share daily field research, participate in traditional activities, practice language, and experience authentic island living.
Institutional Access & Research: Work alongside experts from the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum and linguists from the Academia de la Lengua Rapa Nui to learn non-invasive archaeological survey methods, oral history preservation, and native language fundamentals.
Exclusive Expeditions: Conduct field surveys across famous and protected zones—including the Rano Raraku quarry, Orongo ceremonial village, and coastal ahu stone platforms.
Living Culture & Traditions: Experience Umu Pae (traditional earth-oven cooking), master artisan workshops, navigation lore, and community-led heritage efforts.

Apply here

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Chile: Uncharted Pacific

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Guyana:

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