July is the traditional time of summer practical training for first-year history students at the Institute of Media, Social Sciences and Humanities. Introductory internship is the first practical training in their course of study and is always the most exciting one. It is associated with work in the field conditions of an archaeological expedition. This is an opportunity to understand how archaeological objects of different eras look like, to touch ancient artefacts, to get the first skills in field and analytical scientific work. For many, four weeks on an expedition is the first experience of a long stay outside the city and an opportunity to test oneself. Students get a chance to learn how to overcome difficulties through joint efforts and mutual assistance.
This year the students worked at one of the most famous medieval burial grounds in the Trans-Urals called Uelgi. For many years, this monument, associated with the origin and early history of the ancestors of modern Hungarians, has been studied by a joint expedition of South Ural State University and the Institute of History and Archaeology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the guidance of the leading researcher of the Eurasian Studies Research and Education Centre of the Institute of Media, Social Sciences and Humanities, Doctor of Sciences (History) Sergei Botalov. Some of the collections from the excavations of previous years can already be seen today at the People and Technologies of the Urals University Museum of SUSU, others are still awaiting scientific processing and publication. The 2023 season has turned out to be rich in new discoveries and findings: dishes, jewellery, horse harness items and much more has been found. Ahead is painstaking work on the description and attribution of artefacts, writing reports. Some students have already joined this stage of research, describing artefacts from the collections of past excavations.
Ilia Loginov, student of СГ-106 group:
"The archaeological internship left an unforgettable impression on me! Aside from some minor points, every day was saturated with its unusual romance! I remember with warmth the excavations themselves and the experience that they gave us; and our team, because during this time we have become incredibly close! I think that the impressions given by this summer internship will remain with us for a very, very long time!"
Ekaterina Kashirina, student of СГ-106 group:
"I really liked the archaeological internship in terms of gaining experience of life in the field and new knowledge, which, first of all, were consolidated in practice. It was interesting to learn about some kind of an “algorithm” for exploring the burial ground, clearing areas, graphic fixation and clearing of findings, etc. I am glad that I learned a lot in practice and performed various “roles”. I especially liked to fix horizons and some findings graphically. In general, I received a lot of pleasant impressions and emotions and would gladly go on another archaeological expedition."
Anna Konovalova, student of СГ-106 group:
"This internship was just wonderful! We were able to learn a lot due to this training: pitch a tent, work with a level and a total station, keep records, draw ceramics, resolve conflicts, and even keep a good mood when hail rained. I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers of this expedition. Thank you for contributing knowledge in us, creating an atmosphere and joking with us. Without you, none of this would have been possible, of course, as without my favourite group. It were my groupmates who surrounded me every day, lived, worked with me. I am happy to have you in my life!"
Viktor Borodikhin, student of СГ-106 group:
"To begin with, it was the first time in my life I had been outside the city for such a period. This was a real challenge for me, which, fortunately, I overcame. And now let me get to the question of the expedition itself. It was incredible. It's the best word to describe it. Archaeology prompted me to enrol in the history faculty. In my opinion, the researchers are closest to material and real history here. Working directly with items belonging to various periods and eras is incredibly interesting! Exploring the burial complex near Uelgi Lake, we managed to touch items that are more than a thousand years old! And what a look they have! Despite all the costs of the profession of an archaeologist, I realized that this work is incredible. Thanks to everyone who organized and supervised the process of undergoing the archaeological internship for such an experience that is impossible to get anywhere except on the expedition itself!"
Archaeological internship is not only one of the brightest and most memorable events in student life, but an invaluable experience of familiarization with the profession.