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In a world where history whispers from the earth, there's no greater thrill than unearthing it yourself. This last July, I embarked on a two-week volunteer expedition in Albania, trading my everyday routine for trowels, trenches, and timeless discoveries. As a retiree with a passion for history, I joined an archaeological team based in Pogradec, Albania, contributing to vital fieldwork on the Korçë Plateau and surrounding sites. If you're retired, an educator with summers free, or simply someone who loves the sciences of the past, opportunities like this are calling—and they're more important now than ever. By volunteering, we can fill the gaps left by funding shifts, ensuring these global expeditions continue to thrive.
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Our journey began on July 16th at Tirana International Airport, where Turkish Airlines delivered a smooth arrival. From there, it was off to Pogradec, a picturesque town on Lake Ohrid's shores, serving as our volunteer hub. As part of the team, our days revolved around excavating on the Korçë Plateau—a highland treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts. We sifted through layers of soil, documenting finds that could rewrite local history. It wasn't just labor; it was collaboration, with volunteers from diverse backgrounds sharing knowledge and enthusiasm. For those with flexible schedules, like summer-off teachers or history buffs, this is an ideal way to dive in— no prior experience required, just curiosity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, and given the current status of funding for projects like this worldwide, your financial contribution will be most welcome. Our combined expense for my wife and me was less than $5k. Of course, this will vary by project and location.
Our explorations extended to breathtaking locales like Lake Prespa, where we surveyed border-straddling sites amid serene waters and wildlife. Crossing into North Macedonia for Lake Ohrid's other side, we blended adventure with education. Highlights included the St. Naum ancient monastery and 9th-century church on Lake Ohrid, plus a nearby Bronze Age lakeside village mock-up that vividly illustrated early human ingenuity.
Cultural immersion was equally enriching. In Korçë, we toured the Icon Museum, marveling at Byzantine masterpieces, and the rebuilt Resurrection Cathedral, a beacon of resilience. The "Little Paris" bazaar buzzed with local flavors—think aromatic coffees and artisan crafts—offering perfect breaks from the field.
A day trip to Krujë Castle provided a change of pace, exploring its museum dedicated to national hero Skanderbeg and wandering the historic bazaar below. These outings weren't just excursions; they were lessons in Albania's layered past, from Ottoman influences to ancient roots.
What makes volunteering like this so crucial? Recent funding cutbacks under the Trump administration—particularly in the Department of Education, higher education initiatives, and programs like USAID—have tightened budgets for archaeological and scientific fieldwork worldwide. I fully support these measures for fiscal responsibility, but they underscore the need for alternative support. That's where volunteers step in. By contributing time, skills, and even donations, we become a grassroots funding source. Retirees bring life experience, educators offer pedagogical insights, and enthusiasts provide fresh energy—all sustaining expeditions that might otherwise stall. Our team, for instance, relies on such support to continue unearthing sites across Albania and beyond. During my trip, we donated to their GoFundMe Korce Team GoFundMe which helps cover tools, accommodations, and expert guidance. It's a simple way to amplify impact, ensuring more digs happen globally.
We would also recommend enrolling in a program that links nicely with an archaeological dig. Generally, all the social sciences are looked upon well, plus a lot of the sciences that involve remains analysis are most welcome. I am personally enrolled in an online PhD program in History with Liberty University, and I found that my area of study fits in quite well with many undergraduate students and their range of specialties. In the past, we have worked with High School teachers and their students, as well as when we participated in the continuing digs at Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall. Check here for Vindolanda information.
Lessons learned from this expedition. First, preparation pays off: Pack sturdy boots, sunscreen, and an open mind—fieldwork builds resilience and camaraderie. Second, the rewards are immense: Beyond the physical finds, you'll gain cultural fluency, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for sciences like anthropology and geology, as well as history and archaeology. Challenges, like variable weather or Lufthansa's frustrating return flight on July 29th (delays and discomfort galore), fade against the fulfillment. Although Lufthansa is one of the primary airlines flying into Tirana, we highly recommend that you do not use them, given the horrible experience they provided us. Most importantly, volunteering bridges gaps—it's empowering to know your efforts preserve history for future generations. If this sparks your interest, why not join?
Archaeological Institute of America
Organizations worldwide seek volunteers for sites from Albania's lakes to distant continents. Start by researching programs, donating to causes like ours, or signing up for a dig. It's not just about the past; it's about securing its study for tomorrow. Albania awaits—grab your trowel and make history!
