I chose to study abroad because I’ve always wanted to travel outside of the United States. I have always found it fascinating to see how different people live their everyday lives! This particular opportunity worked out perfectly for me because I was also able to incorporate dance (my second major) into the experience.
As a sophomore, I auditioned for Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, which travels to Edinburgh, Scotland, to perform at the iconic Fringe Festival. I also considered the financial aspect, and this program was more affordable than many other study abroad options, which made it even more appealing.
Preparing for Scotland, the biggest obstacle was figuring out how to fund the trip. I did tons of research and applied to every scholarship I could find. Thankfully, I received one, and on top of that, my amazing family helped me cover the rest. I also worked throughout the summer and took up babysitting to save extra money. One of the less fun parts was getting my passport. I had to retake my passport photo three times just to get the lighting right! Since I would be dancing for more than a week straight, I also started preparing physically by exercising regularly, whether through walking or dancing.
When it came to packing, I made sure to be ready for Edinburgh’s cold, windy, and rainy weather. I bought ponchos, a leather jacket, long sleeves, and plenty of pants to stay warm and dry.
Leading up to the trip, I felt pretty anxious. This was the longest I would ever be away from home, and I was nervous about feeling homesick. Airports also stress me out, not the flying part, but going through TSA! I’ve always found the workers to be a little rude and standoffish, which does not help my nerves. I kept thinking about the destination and how different it would be, and I was especially nervous about dancing in front of a brand new audience and not messing up. To manage those emotions, I leaned on my mom a lot. She knows exactly how to calm me down and reassure me when I’m overwhelmed.
While I’m abroad, I hope to take in everything around me and stay present in the moment. I don’t know when I will get another opportunity like this to travel and dance internationally. I’m excited to explore historic sights, try new foods, experience the nightlife, and of course, visit Edinburgh Castle!
