My time in Costa Rica has been filled with experiences that have shown me a different perspective on both culture and business. From the moment we arrived, I quickly noticed how warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate the people are in all aspects of their lives. Before leaving for this trip, we learned that Costa Ricans take great pride in their work and have a very family-oriented culture. After experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say that this passion and love for family is deeply embedded in their business culture.
One company visit that stood out to me the most was our visit to Sibo Chocolate. The owner greeted us with enthusiasm and excitement right when we arrived. He was eager to share his story and explain how his passion project grew into a successful company. He spoke about the history of chocolate not only in Costa Rica, but across the world, and emphasized how important it was for him to honor local traditions and ingredients. What struck me most was how open he was about the challenges he faced along the way. Instead of focusing solely on profits, he highlighted the importance of perseverance, ethical sourcing, and creating opportunities for Costa Rican farmers and workers. His approach reflected a business mindset that values the local community and sustainability just as much as success and profit.
Beyond business visits, our cultural activities have also given me insight into the Costa Rican lifestyle. During our cooking class, one of the first things that our host shared with us was that she teaches with passion and expresses love through food. She explained that cooking is not just busywork, but a way to bring people together. This experience exemplified how important family is and allowed us to see how many families in Costa Rica show their love to one another. This experience reinforced how family-oriented Costa Rican culture is and how that mindset carries over into business. Relationships, trust, and personal connections are clearly prioritized.
One of the biggest differences I’ve observed between doing business in the U.S. and Costa Rica is the pace and emphasis on relationships. In “corporate America” business often feels fast-paced and profit-driven, while in Costa Rica, there is a focus on balance and people. Business etiquette here values respect, storytelling, and genuine connection, which has made this experience very eye-opening.
