Over winter break I was blessed with the opportunity to spend two weeks in Costa Rica with 18 fellow students, and Theresa Phinney, one of the most inspiring professors I’ve had the privilege to learn from. Over the course of the program we became more than just classmates, we became family, bonding over our shared curiosity and passion for understanding a new culture and its approach to business and life.
Our days were full of activities that blended education, adventure, and cultural immersion. We attended multiple lectures at the University of Costa Rica, and dove into topics like macroeconomics, running a sustainable non- profit, and even the ins and outs of managing a coffee business. These lectures, although academic, offered real-world insights into how Costa Rica has cultivated a balance between economic growth and sustainability, something I found both fascinating and inspiring.
Outside of the classroom, the learning continues through hands-on experiences. Touring coffee and chocolate factories gave us a behind the scenes look at industries deeply rooted in Latin American tradition. Ziplining through the rainforest, sporadically hiking a volcano, and taking surf lessons on the beach was an incredible reminder of the natural beauty of Costa Rica, and sovereignty of our Lord. If we weren’t experiencing everything the country had to offer, we were at Mama Tica, our host mother’s house. Living at someone’s house we had never previously met was a new experience for everyone involved, however it added a deeply personal touch to the journey. She cared for us like we were her own, sharing her culture and cuisine in ways that made us feel at home even in a foreign country.
As someone who is used to traveling with family or close friends, this trip was my first real experience of culture shock. I found myself fully immersed in a way of life that felt slower, more intentional, and deeply connected to the present. Unlike the U.S., where there’s often a relentless chase for the “next big thing,” Costa Ricans embody the philosophy of “pura vida,” a gratitude filled approach to life that prioritizes happiness, relationships, and balance.
This experience taught me more than just how business is done in Latin America; it showed me a different way of thinking about success, sustainability, and what truly matters in life. I’m confident that these lessons will add immense value to my future personal and professional goals, whether in real estate, entrepreneurship, or simply building meaningful connections with others.
