Going into this study abroad program, I had no idea what to expect. I’ve been pleasantly surprised throughout the whole process. The global business program has been clear and supportive, letting me know what to expect once I arrived abroad. I am studying in Costa Rica, and I had visited twice before, so I felt like I knew pretty well what to expect. My first impressions of the country were warm weather and crazy drivers and kind people. My host city of Heredia is full of things to do, and from what I’ve gathered, is a good representation of the rest of the country.
A couple of the cultural differences I’ve noticed here are the emphasis on family and the importance of conservation. Family is highly valued in Costa Rica, and this was most obvious to me on New Year’s Eve. In America, this is celebrated as a holiday with friends and a time to get out of the house. But in Costa Rica, the streets were nearly empty; everyone was celebrating with family. My host family had their children and grandchildren visit and they sang karaoke together way past midnight.
Conservation and ecological awareness are another cultural difference. The United States absolutely cares about the environment and has made steps toward sustainable living, but the practices are not as ingrained in our culture as they are in Costa Rica. The landscape in the country is gorgeous and contains many plants and animals that are good to eat and necessary for survival. It is more obvious here than in the States that preserving and restoring natural resources is the key to maintaining a beautiful place to live and keeping the tourism industry alive.
From this international experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of people who are different from me, and confidence to try new things (food, experiences, etc.).
