Frequently Asked Questions
Who is included in the group?
Groups are led by qualified scholars of folklore or related disciplines
Groups generally include 4 to 8 members (participants plus staff)
Participants come from many countries and all walks of life
What will we do on a typical day?
Walk or drive to meet informants
Interview informants about local customs, beliefs, and traditions
Be an appreciative audience for singers, musicians, and storytellers
Make photo, audio and video records of interviews, performances, artifacts and buildings
Select materials for the PREEEF archive, add basic notes, and transfer the files to the provided medium
Share in household chores such as meal preparation and cleanup
Where will we stay? What will it be like?
Accommodations during the expedition are arranged by our staff and included in the expedition fee
Field lodgings are usually in a local guesthouse.
Privacy is often limited
Lodgings have electricity (not always reliable)
Wi-fi or other internet access may be limited
Some locations require carrying in water from a well, or wood from a woodpile
Locations with no showers have alternate arrangements, such as a banya (steam bath)
What about meals?
Either guesthouse staff will prepare meals, or team members will share food preparation and cleanup
Village food relies heavily on what can be locally grown, gathered, or caught in season – garden vegetables, forest berries, fish from the river, milk and eggs produced next door
Village stores typically carry bottled water, bread, sweets, meat and canned goods
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, with prior arrangement
Meals during the expedition are included in the expedition fee
What’s the language situation?
Teams operate in two languages, English and the local language
Every team includes an English-speaking interpreter
Outside of the team, the local language prevails
What about travel arrangements?
On the first day of the expedition, staff meet volunteers at the designated airport or railroad station and conduct them to their lodgings
On the last day of the expedition, staff return volunteers to the designated airport or railroad station
Travel during the expedition (bus, train, ferry, private car) is arranged by our staff and included in the expedition fee