I participated in an archaeological dig in Israel. I was only there for one week (of a 4-week dig), but it was awesome and I learned so much. Our group excavated a supposed Byzantine-era monastery—just one part of a giant complex of ancient structures on a tel halfway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. After one week of digging in the dirt for pottery shards and old bones, I spent the rest of my vacation traveling around the country. This experience truly enriched my perspective of history and also the politics of Israel (past and present). Worth doing!!