like nike says: just dooo it

an Argentine gaucho

Bit of advice number one: STUDY ABROAD. It does not matter how long you do it for or even where you go, just do it! Studying abroad is one of the most valuable, eye-opening experiences of a person’s life. The second most important piece of advice is to hold no expectations. You will be let down. Everyone’s imagination romanticizes places, situations, etc. Wherever you go, it won’t be the same as dreamland. Just go into the situation without looking back. And go into with two feet. Don’t leave part of you behind at home, otherwise you will have the hardest time adjusting and adapting to your new home. It will almost be impossible. Have no inhibitions. Try everything once because who knows when you will ever have that chance again. It is always good to go out of your shell once in a while. Everything is a learning experience; thus, have no regrets…

As for Argentina…

1. Try to make Argentine friends. I didn’t really make many. I wish I had.
2. Speak Spanish as much as you can. Don’t be embarrassed. Just dooo it.
3. Live in a homestay. Almost everybody does. You may get the crap end of the draw, but you can change families. Living with a foreign family makes you grateful for your own family, upbringing etc. It also gives you another home in another country…that’s awesome.
4. Bring a watch or an alarm clock. They have no clocks here.
5. See as much art as you can. Latin American art is amazing.
6. Walk around Palermo SOHO. I guess you could maybe say it has a West Village feel to it.
7. Go to the San Telmo street market on Sundays. It is a good experience.
8. Monday nights at the Konex there is a 20 man improve drum show. AWESOME.
9. Tuesday nights go to Jobs. That’s a good Tuesday night spot with pool tables, foosball, board games, and might I add, archery.
10. Eat at Bar 6, Bar Uriarte, and Don Julio.
11. Bring your own peanut-butter because they don’t have that here.
12. Learn to take naps because you will die without them here.
13. Have a good pair of walking shoes because the sidewalks are terrible.
14. The money situation here is awful.
    
    1. They have a shortage of change. Hoard it.
    2. It is difficult to break a 100. Try to keep a lot of small bills on you at all times. A lot of places take only cash, but they never have change to give back to you.
    3. Watch out for fake money.
15. There is dog poop everywhere. Watch out!
16. The cab situation is funky here. They say to always call one, but I managed safely until now. Use your best judgment. Some are fake cabs. Try to at least always take a Radio Taxi (the main brand).
17. Be patient. EVERYTHING is slow here and somewhat inefficient.
18. Try a steak. They are the best here.
19. Go to an estancia. They are beautiful.
20. Try to see a soccer game. It is such a cultural experience.
21. Eat bonbons (the candy).
22. Try matte (the tea)
23. And lastly, drink as much Malbec (red wine) as you can. It is so amazing and CHEAP. Take advantage while you can.
24. ENJOY

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