When looking at the other global business programs at Mays, nothing piqued my interest until I saw the activities, cost, and scenery of Costa Rica. When I first arrived, I didn’t think much of it because it was in the middle of the night, and our hotel was right around the corner from the airport. However, as the next morning approached and the days went on, I was able to experience a country that has beautiful nature, a fantastic place to experience many beaches, and a motto that all citizens follow in “Pura Vida.” San Jose had nothing extraordinary except for Costa Rica’s deep history of how it came to be the place we know today. Despite that, many of the other provinces had tourist attractions that had to do with the beauty of Costa Rica. Furthermore, with all the beauty and unique places that I was able to visit, what I hope to gain more from this global experience is the way Costa Rica does business. For example, with a steadily growing economy, a low unemployment rate, and a country with no army, I hope to experience more of the different aspects of the business side of things that make up Costa Rica. Even more, upon living with a host family for a couple of days now, the culture and traditions that Costa Rica has here are more family-oriented than what I experienced in the United States. For instance, it’s common to see your grandparents, kids, and grandkids living in one area or the same household, which not many families do in the United States. In addition, when it comes to holidays and other celebrations, it’s common to see many individuals spend more time with their families than going out and about with other friends or peers in other recreation areas, which is different in the United States for holidays such as the night before the new year.
