When I think about my time in Costa Rica—the whole picture—the memory that comes to mind is the moment I stepped into my host family’s home. They welcomed me not as a guest, but as family. They gave me handwritten cards for my birthday, made me meals with love, and made it clear that my presence mattered (along with everything I had to say). Relationships here are long-term—not to get a specific thing from a person, but simply to be with each other and help one another along the way—not transactional, but deeply human. What stands out in this country isn’t just how intentional human connection is; it is how inseparable business, culture, and people are. My understanding of business here is not just limited to the strategy and structure of companies—it has expanded to include a concept that is much more foundational: belonging.
The value of connection was further reinforced in every activity I attended. Our company visits were warm, patient, and personal. They weren’t full of efficiency-driven conversations like U.S. business culture, but instead prioritized listening and emotional awareness—a type of fostering of loyalty that I have rarely seen in the U.S. It didn’t feel fake, unlike much of our customer service culture. And it didn’t feel rushed, like many of the business transactions I have been a part of. It felt like there was a shared togetherness.
I think the experience that really shifted my perspective was observing the employees at Cargill in the chicken processing factory. Witnessing the teamwork, strength, and humility embedded in this work gave me a new appreciation for labor that is often invisible or undervalued in American business culture. In Costa Rica, every role contributes meaningfully to the whole—and that belief deeply shows in how workers are treated.
The cultural activities, like the cooking and dancing classes, really emphasized this philosophy. Learning was never rushed. Mistakes were welcomed. And joy was central. These moments taught me that productivity does not have to come at the expense of humanity—a lesson I plan to carry into the medical field especially.
Because of Costa Rica, I now approach not only business but my day-to-day life with a broader lens—one that values people, patience, and belonging. Moving forward, I want to apply these insights by prioritizing relationships, ethical leadership, and respect for all forms of work. Costa Rica taught me that the strongest businesses are not just efficient—they are deeply human.
