I am more of a classicist even though I have been working in North American Archaeology. I am currently pursuing my Masters at the University of Leicester. I am lucky because I have dual citizenship of Greek and American so I can work anywhere in the E.U.

I suppose the first question I must ask you is were either of your parents born in a European Union country?

If not, your best bet to work in Classical Archaeology is through academic circles. I am not certain how it is in Italy but I know in Greece it is virtually impossible to break into archaeology, even if you are Greek.

If so, I would apply for dual citizenship.

I would suggest finding a Masters program that best fits your primary interest in Classical Archaeology.

Alas, neither of my parents or even grand parents are from Europe. I know this will be difficult. And I know Greece is nearly impossible to get into. They wouldn't even let me in to teach English. I was hoping more for Italy. I think I'd have more luck there.

What program were you going through to teach English in Greece? That is a little surprising because I knew someone who went to Greece to teach English who was American which I would think would be harder than for a Canadian. But you are correct with it possibly being easier in Italy.

Well, im archaeologist and im from Europe. All i can say is the same as Classarch, the best way is through academic circles. If you're going to study in Italy or Greece talk to university teachers, they usually have very interesting projects where you can work. Is the best way to start work here in classic archaeology.

I hope this information helps you

Helena,

What branch of archaeology is your degree in and how long have you been doing archaeology?

My branch is in Iberian archaeology (Iron age in Spain) but i'm also interesting in Bronze age in Mediterranean.

I'm working as archaeologist since 2003, but not only in this branch, also in prehistoric (Paleolithic), Roman, medieval, modern and contemporary sites.

I'm in the same boat as you only I've opted to not pursue a PhD at this time.  I'm finishing up my MA in bioarchaeology with an emphasis on roman archaeology.  Like you, I love all things Europe but especially Italian/roman.  It is my dream to work in Italy as an archaeologist but I am having trouble meeting the right people and making the right connections. 

Its impossible to work in EU in CRM with only an MA or BA, unless you have citizenship already...absolutely impossible, don't even think about it.  You MUST obtain a PhD and gain affiliation with an academic institution, network and obtain grants.  Then you can work as a professor on your own research program.  In the mean time, you may be able to work there by paying for field schools, or if you have an MA already, network with professors who have ongoing projects in the classical world, and try to get on as a analyst/unit supervisor.  You probably wont get paid, but may get free housing and plane ticket and experience.  You could also do your best to get into a PhD program in the country you are interested in, which would allow you to work on professors projects and your own dissertation (without pay) while a student, but you will already need to be fluent in the local language (i.e. modern Greek or Italian).  I know of people you have done the latter, and when they finished the PhD were forced to return to the US because their student visa was complete.  The final option would be to, once you have the PhD, try to gain tenureship at a university in the classical world.  That would be the best option, I think, but more difficult for a foreigner studying Greek or Italian archaeology, than for a Greek or Italian national with the same degree....you would have to be a rising star in the field, and not just another PhD looking for tenure track work.  Hope this helps!

archaeofreak, thanks for the info.  It seems...daunting.  I'm not doing a PhD mainly b/c getting my MA has been so hellish and chaotic.  I am semi-fluent in Italian but I have found it difficult to network in this field area primarily because there is not one soul at school with this interest, in either archaeology or history and there is not a classical department.  Thanks again.