Archaeology Study Abroad in Denmark
My name is Abigail, and earlier this year I was accepted into a summer study abroad program in Denmark through Harvard. For as long as I can remember I have had one dream: to be an Archaeologist. I have long been captivated by Norse history and mythology, and it has inspired my pursuit of a degree in archaeology. That dream has never faded.
However, for the past decade I have systematically placed my education on hold to care for two young children and to support my husband's military career. While he was frequently deployed, I would complete a semester if time allowed before being uprooted by post changes and a seemingly endless series of moves. Because of the infrequency of my time in class, I have yet to finish my degree. We have settled (for now) in the Pacific Northwest, and with my husband's military service behind us, I decided that this would be the year I would apply to the Harvard Viking Studies Program in Scandinavia, which I have been desperately wanting to apply to for years. Every year, I would watch the deadline for application come and go, and something would come up that would stand in the way. But this year I moved forward in faith.
This year, I applied.
This year, I was accepted.
The joy I felt when I found out I was accepted is indescribable, as if my dreams, after years of placing them on hold, were finally going to start moving forward, and in such a profound way. Shortly thereafter, I discovered that as a non-degree seeking student, I was not eligible for the financial aid I had been expecting to cover the costs. For the past month I have sought out ways to fund this unique and extraordinary opportunity, and have come up short. By working overtime hours and selling what I could I have managed to save a small amount needed to purchase the majority of a round trip flight, but the remaining tuition, living expenses, and textbook costs are due on May 21st, and I am out of time. There is no guarantee that Harvard can accommodate me postponing my involvement until next year, and the deposits I have already paid would need to be paid again in the future if I withdrew from the course and reapplied another year.
I have had mixed feelings about starting a Go Fund Me. So hesitant in fact that I shut one down my extremely supportive husband started a few weeks ago. However, so many of my friends and family, coworkers, and even strangers have supported this as a potential way to see my dreams come to fruition and to be aided by those who know and love me and don't want to see me miss out on this unique opportunity. For their encouragement and enthusiasm I am exceedingly grateful.
About the Program: The Viking Studies Program in Scandinavia is an 8 week summer course in Aarhus, Denmark, in partnership with the Moesgaard Museum and the University of Aarhus, which will include participation in the archaeological excavation of a Viking age site on the island of Samso. Aarhus is one of Denmark's oldest cities, with its roots in the Viking age, and Samso is world renowned for environmental sustainability. I have the incredible opportunity to live, study, and experience Northern European culture in Aarhus and while on Samso. This is an enriching opportunity no doubt, but is made even more so by the travel which will take us to museums, archaeological sites, and other culturally significant locations. While in Denmark, I will be taking two full credit semester long courses, one in Viking History and Archaeology, and a second in Scandinavian Mythology, Lore, and Literature. This program and fieldwork will not only add to my academic transcript and my resume, but it will be an invaluable life experience and educational, anthropological, and cultural adventure like no other. Further information about the program can be found on the course website at https://www.summer.harvard.edu/study-abroad/scandinavia
Costs: Tuition payment is required in full by May 21st, 2018. I am hoping to raise $10,000 to cover remaining tuition, flight, living, and course expenses. I have already saved the majority of the amount needed for my round trip flight, which I have postponed due to the situation. The longer I wait the more the cost increases as well. The remaining tuition is $8,000, which will include all course related transportation, accommodation, entry fees to museums and sites, and meals while on Samso. I will be responsible for my own groceries for the rest of the time in Denmark, and transportation in and around town if I wish to venture out. Fortunately, I already maintain a very simple diet and even with a high sales tax in Denmark, I should be able to keep my grocery costs low. A health insurance policy through Harvard for the duration of the program is an additional $200. Textbooks, which can be purchased at a more affordable rate on Kindle will be an estimated $200.
I have dreamed my whole life of excavating Norse artifacts and the opportunity to participate in a real excavation in Scandinavia is within my grasp. This go fund me is a last hope to fund this adventure. Through much prayer and consideration I decided that if this is meant to happen, I trust God to make a way in the wilderness. I humbly thank you for sharing this campaign and for taking the time to read about my situation.
