Patricia Popovitch was 5 when she saw the Egyptian pyramids on television and asked her mother about them.

That started a nearly lifelong fascination with Egypt that will culminate with five months of study at American University in Cairo under Pennsylvania State University's International Education Programs and Studies.

The Sharon resident leaves Tuesday.

A frequent traveler and student of cultures, Ms. Popovitch is always looking for the roots of civilization.

"That's the cradle of civilization," she said of Egypt. "That's where it all started. I will be studying to get every ounce I can out of it."