After a full semester in the country of Argentina, I have decided to make a list things that this experience has taught me. It hasn't been all fun and games. I'll be honest and say that although my Spanish is fairly good, this abroad experience has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I have grown to appreciate the States so much more. With my Polish background, in the past, I would never refer to myself as an American and I honestly strongly disliked the way America worked. It wasn't until I saw the lacking opportunities and overwhelming corruption here that I realized why there are always people flocking to the States.

It wasn't only this but also the fact that I feel like the biggest pieces of me are in the States. Those who I love the most are there and their life is continuing without me. It has been hard to realize that this is what life is. You are just another person and the world doesn't stop because you're on a different continent. I didn't struggle with this last year when I went to a California school while my family was in Chicago. Now I have major FOMO. I thought that since I was already far away last year, I wouldn't get homesick, but boy was I wrong.They weren't kidding when they said that distance makes the heart grow fonder.

So now, without further ado, here is what this abroad experience has taught me thus far:

1. Dodging the smeared, clumped, disgusting dog sh*t on the streets like a pro slalom skier.
2. Jaywalking the busy South American streets like a bada** (sorry, mom).
3. The nice woman eating dinner across from you is an angel at the table but an animal on the streets; no mercy for the jaywalkers.
4. The water you accidentally step in on the sidewalks is most likely not just water.
5. Don't question what drips on you from buildings and trees on your way to school; it's better you just don't know.
6. You will never be in and out of a grocery store in 10 minutes. Coto will take you at least an hour even if you're just buying almonds.
7. Girls: Put on a little bit of makeup on and a dress and you will get catcalled.
8. The black market for U.S. currency exchange is the only way you will be able to afford this country.
9. Tattoos, piercings, and haircuts are cheap.
10. People will stare if you're American and they will either love you or hate you for it.
11. De donde sos = de donde eres.
12. They don't speak Spanish in Argentina but castellano (pronounce with Argentinean accent on the double L).
13. Get used to kissing on the cheek as a greeting; men do it too.
14. People will stand outside the banks in the longest lines just to socialize.
15. Apple doesn't exist here, so hold on tight to that iPhone when you're walking the streets.
16. Girls: Guys in clubs will grab you and start dancing with you, and they don't give two sh*ts that you have a boyfriend in the States. "He's not here, though, so he won't know" is their favorite line so stay firm ladies.
17. Get used to walking ... a lot of walking.
18. This country is a gluten-free person's nightmare. Pan y medialunas fer daiz.
19. If you eat dinner early, you'll be starving until 10 p.m. because that's normal dinner time here.
20. Going out at 10 p.m. is also not a thing. Clubs are bumping at 2 a.m. and you will come back home when the birds are chirping outside.
21. Fernet and Coke will help you loosen up those hidden tango skills.
22. Wine is cheap and muy muy bueno.
23. Red wine = tinto; white wine = blanco.
24. Girls: Tampons with applicators aren't a thing here, so stack up.
25. This is truly a city unlike anywhere else in the world. Take in the culture, eat that alfajor, stroll around the many parks (but watch out for the dog poop), and talk to the locals (who don't give you death glares). Life is too short to refuse that extra copa of vino tinto! Disfrútate!