Before we departed to Costa Rica I was not entirely sure what to expect, especially since I had never been out of the country prior to this trip. While we had explored different areas of the country through class presentations, experiencing a new culture felt exciting and intimidating. I did not know how different daily life or business practices would be compared to the United States. My first impression was how intentional each person is with their work and relationships. Through each company visit there is a noticeable difference in sustainability, relationships and overall well being. Compared to the fast paced and results oriented culture I am used to in the United States, Costa Rica feels more people and community oriented.
This became more clear as we explored different companies throughout Heredia. One company that stood out to me was Sibu. The company was professional and well structured, while also being intentional and relational. The owner placed a large emphasis on working because he loves what he does. Each and every step of his process is well thought out and intentional. Throughout every business visit I noticed the art of storytelling. The stories that the individuals tell help the audience to build trust and understanding of the meaning behind their work or culture. I found this to be interesting as a marketing major. Many of the businesses advertise to others by attaching a storyline to provoke emotions.
Throughout the cultural activities I noticed a significant difference between Costa Rica and the United States. One experience that stood out was exploring the fruit markets in Heredia. Unlike the United States, bargaining is very common and often expected. This created an engaging environment where negotiation was part of the shopping experience. Through this activity I saw that commerce is rooted in personal connections rather than fixed pricing.
My idea of business has grown substantially over the course of this trip. I have learned specifically through my major that marketing is more than trying to get a sale but to connect and interact with your customers. This experience showed me how different and unique every country can be when it comes to running a business.
