So, I’m getting ready to go abroad!!! I can’t believe it’s actually happening. This will be my first long trip out of the country, and to say I’m a mix of nerves and excitement would be an understatement. From brushing up on travel logistics to mentally getting ready for the change in pace, I’m doing everything I can to take intentional Steps toward Scotland. This blog is part of that journey, sharing what I’m doing, what I’m learning, and what I’m looking forward to as I cross off the days until departure.
Pre-departure orientation
Before setting foot on the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, my study abroad journey began in a much more familiar setting, a pre-departure orientation back home. While it didn’t involve bagpipes or castles, it was just as important. The session was packed with practical advice and essential reminders that helped lay the foundation for a smooth and meaningful trip. We covered everything from the dos and don’ts of international travel. For example, we discussed avoiding culture shock, keeping copies of important documents, and knowing what not to pack. We also discussed navigating airports, money exchanges, and local customs. It was a crash course in becoming a responsible and respectful traveler, and it left me feeling both prepared and excited for what was ahead.
What’s in my bag?
And let me tell you, it’s not just about throwing stuff in a suitcase and grabbing a passport. This feels like prepping for the biggest performance of my life, but instead of a stage, I’ve got an entire country waiting. Even wilder? I get to do it alongside my best friends and perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Like… how many people get to say that? Anyway, my excitement for the beautiful city if Edinburgh took over and my bag suddenly weighed 60 pounds! Every item I packed feels like it carries weight (literally and emotionally). However after some evaluation, I’ve narrowed it down to the basics:
- Layers for Scotland’s unpredictable weather
- A sturdy pair of waterproof walking shoes
- Travel-sized toiletries
- And all the chargers I can get my hands on!
Mental Prep
Mentally, I’ve been doing a lot of prep too, because performing for eight nights in a row is no small thing. I’ve been thinking about how to keep my stamina up, how to protect my body, and honestly, how to stay present through all of it. I know there will be moments when I’m tired, sore, maybe even a little overwhelmed, but I also know that this kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often. So I’ve been reminding myself why I dance in the first place and leaning into the joy of performing. I’m also preparing to give myself grace: every show might not feel perfect, but each one will be real, raw, and shared with an international audience, which is kind of the point, right? I want to experience what it feels like to tell a story again and again, and still find something new in it each night.
Excitement
I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited for anything. The thought of going to Scotland still feels a little unreal, but the countdown is getting shorter, and it’s finally starting to sink in. I get to go to Edinburgh. I get to perform with my friends. I get to explore a city filled with so much history, art, and beauty. I’ve heard so much about the charm of the streets, the buzz of the Fringe Festival, the way the whole city comes alive in August and I get to be part of it. I’m excited to find cozy coffee shops and hidden alleyways, to talk to locals and other artists, and to learn about the culture not just from a textbook, but by living in it. More than anything, I can’t wait to make memories with the people I care about, both onstage and off. We’re going to laugh, get lost, dance hard, probably eat too much shortbread, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This trip is more than just a performance opportunity, it’s the start of something bigger. And if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Best,
Mya