When we landed in Costa Rica, I automatically felt a sense of calm that was missing in the US. It was evident that the pace of life and business are fundamentally different from what I am used to. It feels slower— not in a way that is inefficient, but instead in a way where the country is intentionally people-centered. There is a strong sense of community in every business and cultural visit we have attended. The emphasis is not primarily on efficiency; it is on relationships. Employee welfare here is not an afterthought, it is a necessity woven into the identity of Costa Rica.
One company visit that really stood out to me was the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Unlike NPOs in America, they receive no government assistance and operate solely from donations (which need to cover over $45,000 of monthly expenses). This organization operates entirely out of deep passion for the environment and their cause instead of operating for profit. For a company like this to be so supported by its community is almost unbelievable, and it continues to show Costa Rican business models as a collective— from people, for people. Protecting Costa Rica’s nature is not just a part of their branding, they believe it to be their mission in life.
Alternatively, a cultural visit that really impacted me was our cooking class. There was no rush to our steps, no harsh correction when we messed up the ingredients, and plenty of time in between to simply rest in the process. Our “head chef” prioritized teaching and connection over efficiency— continuing to demonstrate the intentionality of the culture. Thus far, the differences I have observed between the US and Costa Rica are vast. In the US, we are focused on profit, speed, and quantity. We want things done yesterday, and normally relationships with our employees and customers are not the priority. In Costa Rica, business is about the people. It has been evident through this entire trip that they work to live— “pura vida”— instead of living to work like many Americans.
