San Francisco State Archaeological Internships provide the unique possibility for a small number of individuals to participate directly in the research of the Via Consolare Project. Though not funded, these Internships are intended specifically to provide beginning-to-advanced students with valuable first-hand experience in the conduct of active, on-site research and training in cutting-edge archaeological techniques. In some ways, the internship program is similar to a traditional archaeological field school: Internships provide basic training in field methodology and practice including primary recording, excavation, finds recovery and interpretation. Interns with the VCP however, also benefit from a significantly reduced staff to student ratio (approximately two to one) and experience an unsually high degree of integration within the Project as full team members. Interns work closely in cooperation with Staff members, receiving personalised and thorough instruction in all aspects of the Project. Staff and Interns cooperate in completing daily activities and research tasks, bearing the same responsibilities and contributing directly to the research goals of the Project. For this reason, the number of positions available for Interns is small. This allows us to maintain the quality of the training we provide, resulting in the best and most rewarding experience for all of our participants, Interns and Staff alike.

Plans are currently underway to augment the Internship programme with academic credit earned through San Francisco State University's College of Extended Learning (CEL). Pending approval, all Interns will be enrolled in the CEL and will be awarded credit after the successful completion of the field season. It will be possible to confirm the credit bearing status of the Internship programme prior to the field season.

Applications for internships are welcome from anyone who demonstrates interest, enthusiasm, and aptitude for archaeological research. Interns gain experience through participation as full members of the Project and contribute actively to its goals, research, daily life, and community. The costs of carrying out the work of the Project are borne by all of its partipants, Staff and Interns alike, throughout the course of the field season. On the basis of figures from last year, we expect that room and board in Italy, equipment costs, and SFSU accreditation fees (subject to CEL approval, see above) will be approximately $4000 (USD). This estimate does not include travel to or from Pompeii and is subject to change dependent upon inflation or exchange rates. More information on applying for the 2010 field season will be available shortly.