From the moment I arrived in Costa Rica, I could feel how different the overall pace and atmosphere were compared to home. People were incredibly welcoming, and there was an immediate sense of warmth that stood out to me. The phrase “pura vida” is something I heard and saw often, and as I spent more time here, I began to understand how much it reflects the common lifestyle focused on balance, appreciation, and enjoying the present moment. I saw how this lifestyle affected both the daily life of Costa Ricans and the way business is conducted in Costa Rica.
One of my favorite cultural experiences so far was our visit to a local market. Walking through the market, I was surrounded by fresh produce and the energy of local vendors interacting with customers. I had the opportunity to try several local fruits that I had never tasted before, which made the experience very exciting and memorable. What stood out to me most was how friendly and patient the vendors were. They took the time to help me find the fruits I needed and to understand my basic Spanish. This visit helped me understand how important local markets are to Costa Rican culture and how personal connections play a role in everyday business interactions.
Our visit to Sibü Chocolate was especially impactful for me. Before this experience, I had little knowledge of Costa Rica’s history with cocoa production. Learning about how cocoa has been used for centuries, starting with Indigenous communities, gave me a deeper appreciation for chocolate beyond just a product. Sibü Chocolate does an excellent job of honoring this history while also operating as a sustainable and ethical business. I was impressed by how much the company values environmental responsibility and cultural preservation, and it made me realize how closely Costa Rican businesses are tied to their history and values.
One of the biggest differences I have noticed between doing business in Costa Rica and the United States is the pace and approach. In Costa Rica, interactions feel more relationship-focused and less rushed. There is an emphasis on conversation and connection before getting down to business. There is also an emphasis on fairness within business, where both sides of a business interaction should benefit. In the U.S., business often feels more direct and efficiency driven. It is also more common for business interactions to be unfair for one party. Experiencing this difference firsthand has helped me appreciate the importance of cultural awareness in global business settings. This helps me understand how understanding the culture of different countries can help improve business interactions in the future.
Overall, my initial experience in Costa Rica has been very meaningful. Through both the market visit and the Sibü Chocolate business visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture, values, and business etiquette. This experience has already challenged my perspective and made me more aware of how culture shapes the way people live and work. My experiences in Costa Rica have given me plenty of ways I can improve my own life and future interactions with individuals in personal and business settings.
