I arrived in Costa Rica five days ago, and I have already experienced so many aspects of Costa Rican culture. From the very first day, it became clear that the global business program offers far more than just business lectures—it’s an immersive experience that provides insight into the daily lives and vibrant culture of the Costa Rican people. The night we landed in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, even though it was dark outside, it was easy to see the colorful and vibrant nature of the country. Being in a new country late at night was intimidating, but everyone that helped us get through the airport and to our hotel for the night embodied the kind and joyful spirit of the people of Costa Rica that we had learned about prior to our departure. We arrived in Heredia, the city of our homestays, on the second day of our trip. My initial impression of the city was that it was much more quaint than the country’s capital city. The houses in Heredia are arranged in a way that I had never seen before, they are consolidated and positioned very close to the streets. Seeing my home for the next couple of weeks and meeting my Mama Tica was nerve racking, but it has been the most amazing experience. It is evident that there is a lot of love in this house and my Mama Tica truly cherishes the time she gets to spend with the students she hosts. I hope that I continue to gain insights into the culture of Costa Rica and continue to learn the traditions and customs of this country so that I can share them with my friends and family back home. One of the biggest differences I have noticed between Costa Rica and America is the relaxed and laid-back way of life of the Costa Rican people, whereas the United States relies heavily on strict schedules and punctuality. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience abroad thus far and I am excited to see what experiences next week holds!
