Business Practices in Latin America : Reviews (San Jose)

My favorite part of this study abroad was the immediate immersion into a different culture. Just stepping out in the streets had a completely different feel from the United States. The people were different, the stores were different, the houses were different - everything about the lifestyles I witnessed screamed, "Not in Kansas, anymore!". It was an incredible experience.

The beach day at the end of the trip was extremely relaxing and a ton of fun.

The trip was extremely well-organized. I never felt rushed, but I also never felt bored. We had the perfect mix of academic, professional, cultural, and recreational activities.

My favorite part of the program was meeting the locals. Talking to the locals allowed me to better understand Costa Rica's culture and how their values are incorporated within their economic activities.

I enjoyed the walking tour of San Jose and the coffee farm. It's just so great to hear about the history of Costa Rica and then see the sustainable lifestyle some citizens live.

My favorite part of this program was spending the first three days in Monteverde, better known as the "Cloud Forest." It was remarkable from the minute we stepped off the bus to the time we had to depart. Being up in the mountains of Costa Rica was a dream. The people we met, the activities we took part in, and the food (emphasis on the food) exceeded my expectations. Our group took part in many excursions, including visiting a coffee plantation that has been around for generations. We had the opportunity to meet the women who started it all, cook one of her favorite meals alongside her son and other various kind workers, and take a tour around the land while even being put to work ourselves! It was an amazing feeling to fully immerse yourself into a culture you know little to nothing about only to come out of the experience with new friends, memories, and your newly discovered talents. While still in Monteverde, we got to zip-line, hike across hanging bridges, and even participate in a night walk where we sought out some interesting creatures. Overall, this was my favorite part of the program because I truly felt as if I was getting the absolute most out of the trip.

The best part of the program is absolutely the first few days in the clouded rain forest. I loved the hikes, zip lining, and hanging bridges.

My favorite part about this program was meeting with businesses and UCR to discover the cultural differences in business. Getting to meet in a room with executives and higher ups is helpful experience.

My favorite part of the program was being able to fully immerse in a new culture over such a short period of time. Our instructors created an environment in which everyone was able to appreciate and enjoy the opportunities given to us. I feel that over the duration of our trip every moment was maximized to its full potential.

My favorite part of my study abroad program was creating lifelong bonds with fellow students. Although we all are apart of the same program, we developed bonds through our study abroad program that far surpass anything we’ve built through other classes. I was so grateful for the opportunity to get to know my classmates better.

My favorite part of the program was getting to know a different culture while simultaneously building stronger connections with my future co-workers. Experiencing a new culture provided fresh perspectives and enriched my understanding, while the shared experiences with colleagues fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. This combination of personal growth and professional bonding made the program both enjoyable and memorable.

I felt like we were a bit more immersed in a foreign culture than other programs I've participated in. Learning from Costa Rican lecturers and visiting Costa Rican businesses while spending time with the Costa Ricans was a great experience and really added depth to this program beyond the classroom activities.

Learning about another culture is rewarding because it provides a bigger picture of the world than we tend to have in America. I loved seeing what kinds of things that other countries, namely Costa Rica, do better than we do as Americans. I enjoyed conceptualizing how we might improve certain aspects of our country's operations and culture.

Getting to know the Costa Ricans (both the students and instructors) was the most rewarding. They truly have a passion for this program and it shows. I have never experienced a more welcoming culture than the one in Costa Rica. I think we all bonded and became close friends which made it hard to say goodbye.

The most rewarding experience was talking to small business owners that were local to the area and how they created their success.

I loved learning about Costa Rica's dedication to sustainability. It inspired me to be more mindful of how I'm impacting the environment with waste, water usage, etc.

I found it most rewarding learning about each company's story and how they started and where they are now.

It was really amazing to see a new country and culture like Costa Rica. It is a very unique country and was amazing to see how major businesses run in Costa Rica. It was also an amazing experience to get closer with some of my peers from the MAcc program.

The most rewarding were getting to know classmates and professors on the trip, as well as being able to interact with foreign businesses face to face.

I enjoyed being able to connect with the students who attend the University of Costa Rica. I think that it was rewarding getting to share part of our culture with them and vice versa. I don't often find that I am able to connect with students from international backgrounds and enjoyed being able to learn about what their lives are like in Costa Rica.

I found the program most rewarding because it provided insights into the purposes and culture of family-owned businesses. It was fascinating to learn how these businesses prioritize legacy, long-term vision, and values that reflect the family’s identity. Understanding how they balance personal relationships with professional decision-making offered a unique perspective on their success and sustainability across generations.

I learned how important it is to have an open mind and be respectful. With this attitude, you can visit virtually any country in the world.

Be prepared to move around a lot, and the trip is very fast paced. Enjoy it while it last.

It's important to realize the role that smaller countries play in the operation of multinational companies, because it is likely a bigger role than you might think.

I learned that not many things are on time in Costa Rica. Their culture is a "go with the flow" atmosphere, whereas business in America is typically very time oriented.

The people of Costa Rica have so much knowledge and wisdom to offer from a different perspective than we are accustomed to in the United States.

Pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. For the most part, everything will be clean but at certain times you could be working/exploring outside in a muddy/dirty area.

I learned about how big countries outsource a lot of their manufacturing or service centers. Before this trip, I did not know that much about free trade zones or how large corporations can support smaller countries. This will help me understand business better when entering the workforce.

I wish to profess what an incredible experience I’ve had. Between the views I have witnessed and the people I have encountered, I could not have asked for a better way to begin my final semester as a student. This study abroad experience was everything I could have wished for. It opened my eyes to new perspectives, gave me a new outlook on prosperity/adaptability, and overall is a memory I will cherish for a lifetime. I am forever grateful I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to gain these highly valued skills.

I learned to go with the flow on this program. Sometimes, times aren't going to match up or something may happen with the schedule, and that's okay!

Something I learned that would be helpful to future students would be to experience everything with an open mind and gratitude for the experience as it is and not what you hoped it would be.

Make the most of every opportunity! Keep an open mind. The world is so much bigger than our communities at home. When you have an opportunity to engage with wonderful people from completely different backgrounds, engage with respectful curiosity. We can all learn so much from one another.

I learned that approaching the program with an open mindset for learning is crucial. Being open to new ideas, cultures, and experiences allows you to gain the most from the program. It helps you adapt, connect with others, and fully engage with opportunities that can broaden your perspective and enhance both personal and professional growth. Future students should embrace curiosity and be ready to step out of their comfort zones.