After experiencing Costa Rica through their business, culture, and language I feel that my perspective has broadened and I have grown both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to experience all of Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant attractions while immersing myself in the rich cultural philosophy of pura vida. Specifically through witnessing their business practices, the sense of pura vida is very evident through the prioritization of sustainability over efficiency. In Costa Rica, there is a strong focus on the well-being of those around them and the pursuit of happiness outside of work—something that stands in sharp contrast to the work-centered culture I am accustomed to in the United States. These differences helped to educate me on the global market as a whole while getting a good sense of how to communicate properly given the differences of the countries doing business. One of the main philosophies I learned over the course of my trip was the importance of environmental sustainability and the future resulting from our everyday decisions. In addition to this, I had the ability and challenge of learning and practicing a language that was not well-versed in previous to my travels. Previously I had only traveled to places which are centered around tourism therefore allowing me to speak English while abroad, but being hosted in the suburbs of San Jose there were few residents who spoke English. This allowed me to fully immerse myself in the language due to its necessity in communicating with those around me daily. After self-reflecting on my time in Costa Rica, this experience has made me more aware of the cultural sensitivities of international business and I can take this knowledge forward in my career. I hope to be able to carry a bit of my time in Costa Rica with me in all of my personal and professional adventures going forward.