The island of Cyprus, legendary birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and is a popular tourist destination that offers dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and world-famous archaeological sites. Archaeologists working on the island have uncovered abundant evidence for a rich and complex past that stretches back into deep prehistory. Students in the program will take part in archaeological excavations at the prehistoric site of Makounta-Voules, located in western Cyprus in the foothills of the Troodos mountains near the coastal town of Polis. Students will also embark on weekly trips to visit archaeological sites across the island, including the sprawling Classical city of Kourion, the sanctuary of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Khirokitia, Paphos, and the painted churches of the Troodos.