Near-surface field-based geophysics provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to experience all steps of authentic research, from formulation of a hypothesis, collection and analysis of data, to interpretation and dissemination of results. In the past five years i have worked with undergraduate students on a range of problems (archaeological, environmental, geological) on many locations (Ontario,BC, Maine, New Mexico, Peru and Turkey). I will present highlights of the past and current projects, and discuss achievements and challenges of our work.