CIS Abroad participants who have the opportunity to intern abroad will be gaining valuable skills that will help them in their professional career. Not only do interns have the ability to work in a professional environment - gaining hands-on skills from participating in projects and working with teams, but they also gain invaluable cross cultural experience.
Working Culture in San Jose
To successfully navigate the work culture in Costa Rica, it is essential to understand the country’s cultural etiquette, work values, and business practices.
Costa Rica is known for its friendly and relaxed culture, where modesty and humility are highly valued. Building relationships and establishing trust is essential before closing a deal.
Punctuality may not be a strong suit, so being flexible and patient is key. It is also important to dress smartly for business meetings and to use simple language when conducting meetings in English. Finally, face-to-face meetings are preferred, and it is important to show respect to those in positions of authority.
It is important to keep in mind that individual experiences of the working culture in Costa Rica can vary widely depending on the industry, the type of job, company size, and culture.