Preparing to study abroad in Scotland was a lot less glamorous than people imagine. Before I could even think about castles or festivals, I had to deal with the basics, mostly money. I applied to every scholarship I could, worked all summer, babysat, and leaned on help from my family. Getting my passport felt like a mini obstacle course since I had to retake the photo three times.
Physically, I knew I would be dancing for over a week, so I kept moving, walking, and dancing, anything to avoid showing up out of shape. Packing was all about preparing for cold, wet Edinburgh weather: ponchos, long sleeves, a leather jacket, and enough layers to avoid freezing.
Emotionally, I was anxious. This was the longest I would ever be away from home, and the thought of TSA alone stressed me out more than the actual flight. I worried about homesickness and about dancing in front of a completely new audience. My mom helped keep me grounded when everything felt overwhelming.
The Fringe, Food, and Everything in Between
Some of the most surprising moments came from things I did not expect. A Chinese restaurant called Noodles Home became one of my favorite food spots, even though I did not love the QR-code ordering trend. And I saw shows that ranged from impressive to bizarre.
My favorite shows were Club Nvrland, Kevin Quantum’s magic act, and the a cappella group Out of the Blue were genuinely enjoyable. They were fun, energetic, and pulled the audience into the performance in ways that did not feel forced.
I also learned that venue matters. Some of my favorite performances were in spaces where the audience had to move with the show, literally. If you did not watch where you were standing, you might get hit by a prop. That level of interaction made everything feel more alive.
Exploring Scotland Beyond the Stage
Outside of the Fringe, the experiences that stuck with me were the ones that showed Scotland’s history up close. Holyrood Palace was a highlight; walking through rooms where major historical events happened was surreal in a very real, physical way. No photos were allowed, which honestly made me pay more attention.
Other side trips added a mix of fun and challenge:
- hiking Arthur’s Seat,
- getting lost in the National Museum of Scotland,
- taking a purse-making class,
- seeing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo,
- walking through the underground streets of Mary King’s Close.
Challenges That Caught Me Off Guard
Jet lag hit harder than I expected, and I had trouble falling asleep most nights. Even when I was exhausted, my mind would not calm down. I also did not pack good walking shoes, and my shins definitely paid the price. And even though I worried about performing the same show every day, it surprisingly did not get repetitive. Each performance felt slightly different because the audience was different.
Culturally, Scotland had noticeable differences. People smoked a lot more, and the cigarette packaging was honestly disturbing. Tipping was not a thing. QR-code menus were everywhere. Humor was dry. People were not as loud or chatty as Americans. The overall lifestyle felt slower, and people seemed to work to live, not live to work.
Takeaways I Didn’t Expect
Seeing so many shows made me think more about the behind-the-scenes side of performing—lighting, stage management, marketing, the small tasks that keep a show running. A lot of performances I attended only caught my attention because someone recommended them or because their posters stood out. It made me realize how important good promotion really is.
Coming Home
I did not come back with some dramatic transformation, but I came back different in small, noticeable ways. I am more confident traveling, more aware of how I handle stress, and more open to trying things that make me uncomfortable.
