Archaeological field schools, notably in North America but also across the world, are seminal student experiences. They are also important vehicles by which research students and academic staff carry out fieldwork research, often away from the environs of their home institution. Field schools are teaching and research projects, but they also take place within a contemporary local context. This is the first ever collection of studies examining the tensions between teaching, research and local socio-cultural conditions, and explores the range of experiences associated with field schools. It will be of interest to all those wishing to attend a field school, whether as student or junior staff member, and for novice and experienced field school directors who can gain fresh insights from others’ experiences.