During the two weeks I spent studying in Costa Rica, I was able to see firsthand the differences in workplace culture, business relationships, and communication style between Costa Rica and the United States. In the U.S., businesses tend to be fast-paced and very professional. In Costa Rica, there is a much stronger emphasis on the connections formed between people rather than just transactional. Building trust often comes before closing deals, and there is a noticeable blending of personal and professional life that reflects the country’s broader family-oriented culture.
One of the most valuable aspects of my time in Costa Rica was staying with a host family. This experience was unique and extremely beneficial. I was unsure what to expect going into the trip, but it pushed me to navigate communication barriers daily. While the language difference initially created challenges, I learned how to adapt through active listening, nonverbal communication, and patience. These are not the skills that I planned on gaining, but they have proven to be the most transferable. Even though I may not work in the business world with someone who speaks another language, these skills can be used to more clearly communicate my ideas and perspective. Living with a host family strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, adjust my approach based on my audience, and remain empathetic in professional settings.
In addition to the social skills I learned, the company visits further deepened my understanding of international business. The Café Britt tour was especially insightful. It provided a real-world look into exporting operations and the barriers to entry that companies face in different countries. Hearing about challenges related to regulations, distribution, and market access helped me better understand how complex global expansion can be, especially for companies based outside the U.S. I was unaware of how strict or lenient certain countries are with international trade. The Bogarin Trail Rainforest experience was another company visit that I found very informative and inspiring on a personal level. The founder shared his entrepreneurial journey, outlining how he developed his idea and the steps he took to grow his business. While there were similarities to starting a business in the U.S., such as risk-taking and innovation, there were also key differences that stood out. He explained how difficult it is to secure loans in Costa Rica. This often requires entrepreneurs to rely on friends, family, or private investors in the early stages of development.
Across all these experiences, the importance of family culture stood out. In Costa Rica, family values are deeply rooted in business practices. Their personal values influence the leadership styles, employee relationships, and decision-making. This perspective has shifted how I view business success. Business owners should consider more than just profit, but should also focus on sustainability, loyalty, and community impact. Going forward, I hope to apply these insights by prioritizing relationship-building and incorporating a stronger sense of care and balance into a professional setting.
