My overall experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was extremely meaningful and eye opening, both personally and professionally. From the moment we arrived, I noticed how different the pace of life felt compared to the United States. People in Costa Rica value balance between work, family, passion, and environmental conservation. This mindset is best captured by the phrase “Pura Vida,” meaning pure life, which reflects a relaxed and positive approach to daily living. This perspective influenced not only everyday interactions but also how business is conducted across the country.
One of the most noticeable differences between doing business in the United States and Costa Rica is workplace culture. In Costa Rica, workplaces feel more relationship focused and people oriented. Business interactions often begin with personal conversations, which helps establish trust and mutual respect before discussing work matters. Communication is generally more indirect and thoughtful, with an emphasis on politeness and harmony. Time is also approached more flexibly, often referred to as tico time, where success is not defined strictly by speed or efficiency. In contrast, business culture in the United States tends to prioritize structure, punctuality, efficiency, and individual performance. Experiencing these differences firsthand helped me understand how important cultural awareness and adaptability are when working in global business environments.
The program activities played a major role in shaping my experience and adding value to my future goals. Staying with a host family allowed me to fully immerse myself in Costa Rican culture and better understand the importance of family, hospitality, and balance. This experience strengthened my adaptability and communication skills while pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Company visits were also extremely impactful. At Parque de Aventura, a zip lining company, I observed strong organization, teamwork, customer service, and safety standards. Employees focused on creating a meaningful guest experience rather than rushing operations, which highlighted the importance of people over profits. Cultural experiences such as visiting a community run waterfall in La Fortuna demonstrated how sustainability, community involvement, and economic opportunity can coexist. Lectures throughout the program helped connect these experiences to broader business concepts and provided valuable context for what we observed.
Overall, my perspective on business has shifted significantly due to my time in Costa Rica. I now view success as more than financial performance alone. I value relationship building, sustainability, ethical decision making, and long term impact much more than before. Going forward, I plan to apply these insights by practicing culturally aware communication, prioritizing strong relationships, and advocating for balanced and socially responsible business practices in my future career.
