Before coming to Costa Rica, I didn’t really have many expectations other than knowing it’s in Central America and close to the equator. When someone says “Costa Rica,” business is not the first thing that comes to mind. Being here has definitely changed that. Costa Rica is a busy country with noticeable improvements in infrastructure and technology, and it feels much more developed than I expected.
One cultural activity our group did was visiting a local market to buy fruit. On the surface, that sounds pretty simple, but for me it was actually a challenge. I don’t speak Spanish very well, so I had to figure out how to ask the vendors what fruit they had, how much it cost, and how much I needed. Even though it was uncomfortable at times, it was cool to see how these local markets work. Local farmers bring their products directly to the market and sell to customers face-to-face. It reminded me of a farmers market in the United States, but it was way more fast-paced and felt like a regular part of everyday life rather than something people do just on weekends.
We also visited a chocolate company called Bici Chocolate, which stood out to me the most from a business perspective. The owner explained how, when he first started, he didn’t have much capital and built his chocolate-making machines using recycled materials. He used things like an old bike and a washing machine to roast cacao beans. Over time, the business has grown from just him working alone to having multiple employees and real chocolate-making equipment. What really stuck with me was how focused he is on the local community. He sells his chocolate locally, hires local workers, and partners with other nearby businesses. He made it clear that his goal isn’t to become the next Hershey’s, but to run a good business that produces high-quality chocolate and supports the people around him.
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between business in Costa Rica and the United States is the mindset. In the U.S., most companies are very focused on maximizing profits and growth. In Costa Rica, businesses seem much more family-oriented and community-driven, and money doesn’t appear to be the main priority. That difference has been one of my biggest initial takeaways from being here.
