I traveled to Costa Rica to participate in a non-profit global consulting program through the Fisher College of Business. Over two weeks, our team immersed ourselves in the local culture, while providing consulting services to Chocolates Nan, a local chocolate company, to help them develop a business plan, enhance their social media presence, and create scaling guides.We also learned about the nature and tradition of Costa Rica that make it a unique biodiverse country.
Completing my STEP Signature Project profoundly changed my understanding of global business practices and cultural sensitivity. I realized the importance of adapting business strategies to fit local contexts, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the richness of different cultures and how they influence business operations and community interactions. It was an amazing opportunity to find a balanca of business and culture while getting to learn about the local community.
Costa Rica takes pride in their Pura Vida lifestyle. This literally means “pure life,” but it is the embodiment of the relaxed and enjoyable way of living they prioritize. The people in Costa Rica don’t get caught up in the small inconveniences of life. They appreciate life and make sure to act accordingly. This can seem difficult for us to understand as Americans because we are accustomed to quick service and immediate gratification, but the people in Costa Rica are all about taking their time and being happy doing it.
One key aspect that led to this transformation was living in Gandoca, a small village with 300-500 residents. This close-knit community welcomed us warmly, allowing me to see firsthand how interconnected business and daily life are in such settings. Working with Chocolates Nan, we faced unique challenges that required us to think creatively and collaboratively, deepening my understanding of flexible business planning.
Our daily interactions with the villagers, from playing soccer to making hammocks, provided a rich cultural immersion. These experiences highlighted the value of community and the importance of supporting local economies. Engaging in these activities fostered a sense of empathy and respect for the local way of life, reinforcing the idea that successful business strategies must be culturally informed.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of our consulting project played a significant role in my transformation. Working closely with my team for over five hours each day, we had to navigate different perspectives and ideas to create effective solutions for Chocolates Nan. This process taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in achieving common goals.
I made sure to let all the stressors of life take a backseat and just go with the flow because that is the priority of the people in Costa Rica. This allowed ideas and strategies to flow more easily as we were able to relax and take our time. There are many aspects of the culture in Costa Rica that I would love to bring back to the USA with me.
This transformation is significant for several reasons. Academically, it has broadened my understanding of international business and the importance of cultural competence, which will enhance my studies and future research. Personally, this experience has made me more open-minded and appreciative of cultural diversity, which will enrich my interactions and relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Professionally, the skills and insights gained from this project are invaluable. The ability to adapt business strategies to fit different cultural contexts is crucial in today’s globalized economy. This experience has also reinforced my commitment to supporting sustainable and community-focused business practices, which will guide my future career.
