As my study abroad experience in Costa Rica comes to an end, I can confidently say that this program reshaped both my understanding of international business and my perspective on cultural engagement. Before arriving, I expected Costa Rica to be relaxed, community oriented, and environmentally focused, shaped by its global reputation for sustainability and the phrase pura vida. While those assumptions were accurate in many ways, living and learning in the country showed me that Costa Rican business culture is far more intentional, strategic, and values driven than I initially imagined.
One of the most impactful lessons I learned was how deeply relationships and trust matter in Costa Rican business settings. Through company visits such as Bici Chocolate, Coffee Brit, and Sibu Chocolate as well as academic discussions, it became clear that success is not driven solely by efficiency or profit maximization, as is often emphasized in the United States. Instead, Costa Rican organizations place strong importance on long term relationships, social responsibility, and ethical decisionmaking. Businesses frequently align their strategies with environmental stewardship and community wellbeing, proving that profitability and purpose do not have to be mutually exclusive. This challenged my previous assumption that sustainability initiatives are often secondary or purely marketing driven but in Costa Rica, they are embedded into the business model itself and I really like this and wish we would implement this strategy more.
Engaging with local students and professionals also shifted my perspective on communication and leadership. I learned that effective engagement requires patience, active listening, and cultural humility. Each conversation was unique and I learned a lot from each worker. Conversations were more collaborative and less transactional, emphasizing mutual understanding over quick outcomes. Outside the classroom, experiences like playing soccer with local kids, participating in a traditional cooking class, and navigating daily life reinforced how immersion builds genuine connection. These moments taught me that cultural competence is developed through presence and openness, not just observation. I tried my best to engage with local citizens and this helped me understand them better. My Spanish greatly improved and I was better able to communicate with everyone.
Looking back, my initial impressions of Costa Rica as welcoming and values centered were accurate, but incomplete. What I did not fully anticipate was how these cultural values directly influence business practices and professional interactions. This experience has changed how I view my future career in business. I now see the importance of balancing results with relationships, and strategy with social impact. Studying abroad in Costa Rica has not only expanded my global awareness but has also reshaped the way I define successful and responsible business in an increasingly interconnected world. This experience has made me want to explore the world and see how different countries operate and see the many ways to succeed.
