The Isla Mujeres
Ethnographic Field School
APPLY FOR SUMMER 2027
Open Door
If you are unsure about how the Field School would best align with your future goals and interests, or if you are concerned about your personal logistics for participating, feel free to request an informal zoom or phone meeting with Dr. Pierce.
Tell Us About Yourself
There is no online application form. Instead, students apply by writing a letter introducing themselves and explaining why they want to participate. There is no required essay format or word count; we value clarity, purpose, and professional intent.
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Email to: admissions@anthrofieldschool.com
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Subject: Field School Application
What to Include in Your Letter
- Full name, age, and current location.
- University or most recent institution attended.
- Academic or professional status (e.g., Undergraduate, Graduate, Independent Researcher).
- Field of study, degree, major, and minor (if applicable).
- Expected graduation year.
- Relevant coursework, prior research, and relevant work, internships, volunteering, or community experience.
- Personal interests and why you have chosen the I.F.S.
- Professional goals and hoped-for academic or professional direction.
- Please state whether you are considering a role as a Principal Investigator, Research Associate, both, or if you are not sure. No developed research proposal is required at this stage.
- Attach your recent Resume or CV
How Do You Expect to Participate?
Please indicate your preferred participation model: Full Field (up to six weeks), Flexible Field (about three weeks), another specific length, fully remote, a combination, or if you are not sure. Include your likely travel dates and a simple description of your Spanish ability. Note that Spanish fluency is not required for every project.
Academic Transcript
An academic transcript is required except for current Ph.D. students and Ph.D. holders. An unofficial transcript is perfectly fine. Applications are not simply judged by GPA, and no prior ethnographic methods course is required.
Faculty Letter of Support
Current undergraduates and bachelor’s holders not currently enrolled in graduate study should provide a brief letter. Master’s students/holders are encouraged. Doctoral students and Ph.D. holders ordinarily do not need one unless specifically requested.
On-Island Applicants
A passport copy and health insurance proof are required before on-island participation (not necessarily with the initial application). Remote participants do not need to provide these.
Application Checklist
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Introductory Letter (Personal & Academic details)
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Transcript (Unofficial accepted)
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CV or Resume
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Faculty Letter of Support (if applicable)
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Email to: admissions@anthrofieldschool.com
Having Difficulty Getting a Document? If you are encountering challenges retrieving any academic records, please email Dr. Pierce to discuss your situation.
“Besides ethnographic research it is impossible not to get involved with the Isla culture and lifestyle. Every day I went out and completed portions of my research project, but also found time to take weekly salsa lessons, train to get my rescue diver certification, and attend more Spanish classes. Sunday afternoons were usually spent down at one of the beach palapas listening to live music and watching the sun set over the ocean.” - Jack
“Outside of the classroom, Isla Mujeres was a great place to live because it’s an complex blend of history and cultures on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The baseball tacos, sunset swims, ceviche, and swimming with whale sharks were just a few of the many reasons that I fell in love with Isla Mujeres. I am incredibly grateful to have this academic opportunity among such a unique community. I miss the little island everyday, but I left the program knowing that I had made lifelong friends and colleagues. This field school will challenge students in many unexpected ways, but they will undoubtedly leave having grown as an anthropologist and overall student.”
— Brooke