<p>Basically: I'm a homeschooled sophomore with clearcut but non-EC-conducive interests. I figured parents would be the most knowledgeable bunch on how to find and use resources, so here I am! I'll bring you all a virgin if necessary to garner the collective wisdom.</p>
<p>I'm interested in Egyptology, the Near East, and anthropology. Not exactly FBLA, you know? I've emailed professors asking about assisting with research and received no responses (this was a month ago). There isn't a relevant museum within 30 minutes of my city, no financially feasible programs, no internships/jobs/volunteer work. No one in my homeschooling group has any interest in forming a club. I am perplexed.</p>
<p>I have other enjoyable ECs, but I do wish there was something more... productive? experiential? I could do with my ancient world interest besides reading. Any ideas? Learning Greek/Arabic/Latin seems like the obvious choice, but I'm already tackling French and German. I'm willing to bend on my interests a bit; the main objective is to find anthro activities. Egyptology/Near Eastern stuff would just be icing on the cake.</p>
<p>Expanding on this post, how do you encourage your child(ren) to go after his/her/their "passions?" Thanks in advance for any input.</p>
<p>GM63, one of my kids had to make a prehistoric-type tool once for a class. She made an atlatl, it was a very interesting project.</p>
<p>Are there any summer programs for kids in your area where you could volunteer to put together a program (either anthro related or Egypt-related)? Or maybe do something at the local library?</p>
<p>Not sure that you are looking for a program to attend, and you may not have SAT/ACT scores from a talent search program to draw on for admission, but I know that Davidson Institute Summer THINK Program is offering college credit in an anthro course this summer, and they still have openings (but you need test scores, and it is not free – in Reno). My daughter is attending this summer, and taking the anthro class:</p>
<p>You might try studying Latin or Greek online, and also look into joining the Junior Classical League, either through a local chapter (your local public school might allow you to participate if they have a club) or as a member at large.</p>
<p>Other than that, I would suggest developing a reading list, joining a local historical society if available, and taking trips to museums when you get a chance. You might also want to explore a hands-on hobby such as ceramics or textiles (spinning, weaving on primitive looms, dyes) or to join a group such as the Society for Creative Anachronism. If you live near a National Park, you might want to look into volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service.</p>
<p>Next summer (probably too late for this year), you might want to apply to a summer university program offered to high school students such as that offered by the University of Chicago. (I believe they offer Egyptology.) Many of these programs do seem to offer need-based aid. If this does not work out for you, continue to learn on your own, and choose a college with a strong anthro department. </p>
<p>When you check out colleges, be sure to ask about opportunities for undergrad research, in the field and in university labs. Many students with your interests first become involved in research after taking a course or two.</p>
<p>Maybe this sounds nuts, but can you teach yourself (from books or the Internet), hieroglyphics? Google ‘learning hieroglyphics’ and there are tons of resources. It would probably be very interesting to do and be a stand out EC :).</p>
<p>If you happen to live in MN, IL, IA, ND, SD, MI, WI or MO, Concordia Language Villages recently received a grant (from the Qatar Foundation) to fund middle school and high school students who want to attend a 2 or 4 week Arabic Language program in Minnesota this summer. The amount of the scholarship pretty much covers the cost of the program. The deadline is soon (May 10) but the application process appears to be very easy.</p>
<p>The current dean of the Arabic village happens to be Egyptian, and hieroglyphics and other Egyptology lessons are a highlighted part of the Arabic immersion activities.</p>