Spending time in Costa Rica has changed how I think about business and what it means to be successful. Before this program, most of what I knew about business came from a U.S. perspective, where deals are often competitive and focused on one side getting the best outcome. In Costa Rica, business feels much more balanced. One of the biggest things I noticed is that companies genuinely want both sides to win. Several companies we visited said they would not move forward with a deal if one side was clearly being taken advantage of. Instead of trying to outsmart the other party, they focus on creating long-term relationships that benefit everyone.
Workplace culture in Costa Rica also feels much more people-focused than in the United States. Employees are treated very well, with things like mandatory time off, maternity leave, access to doctors, and even cheap meals at work, at Cargill, a full meal cost only $0.50. In the U.S., many workplaces expect long hours and constant availability, but in Costa Rica, companies seem to prioritize taking care of their employees, which leads to better morale and loyalty.
Staying with a host family helped me understand this mindset even more. Family and relationships are extremely important in Costa Rican culture, and that same value shows up in business. Through our company visits, lectures, and cultural experiences, I saw how much emphasis is placed on trust, community, and working together rather than just making money.
This program has shifted my view of business. I now see that being successful is not just about profits, but about making sure everyone involved is treated fairly and benefits in some way. Going forward, I want to apply this by focusing on building strong relationships, being trustworthy, and making decisions that create long-term value instead of short-term wins.
