Work-Life in Costa Rica vs. United States

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Rising up in the USA, there are specific expectations, guidelines, and customs one should comply with to be thought of performing as a “skilled,” however one factor I’ve discovered being a movie intern in San José, Costa Rica is that “performing skilled” is a relative idea.

Whereas I miss the “pure” tempo of the workflow that I grew up with, Costa Rica has provided a singular and thrilling expertise to how I take into consideration organizational tradition. Along with that, it has made me assume extra in depth as to the sort of firm I’d wish to work for sooner or later.

As a current faculty graduate with a Bachelor’s diploma in Communications and a minor in Spanish, I’ve been in a position to be taught the ins and outs of interpersonal and group interactions. My love for studying about new backgrounds, interpersonal dynamics, Latin American tradition, and the Spanish language are simply a number of the the explanation why I made a decision to return to Costa Rica for an internship.

Touring to Costa Rica and dealing full time as a Movie intern has opened my eyes to new methods during which the world works and lives on a day-to-day foundation.

Office Interplay

When trying on the work tradition in the USA, it appears to be extra conservative in the way in which that issues function and in the way in which coworkers work together with one another. After all there are all the time slight variations at every office, however for essentially the most half, it appears to be the identical once I requested my roommates about their experiences. In Costa Rica, the relationships they appear to have with one another are extra of a household dynamic than simply normal coworkers. Oftentimes once I’m observing them, they playfully tease one another, virtually in a method that siblings would. Additionally they appear to know and are extra concerned in every others’ private lives.

Informal Vibes

My coworkers usually snigger about one thing that occurred on their trip or lunch outings they went on previously. Relating to my earlier work experiences in the USA, the individuals have been much more distanced and saved to their personal lives. Additionally it is frequent for them to get little presents for his or her birthdays, play soccer within the yard, and even video video games throughout their lunch break.

Additionally, with regards to how they discuss with one another, their phrase alternative and language could be very casual. They are going to name one another “man,” “dude,” or as they are saying it, “mae.” To not point out that language is far more unfastened right here, even in skilled work areas, so they could even throw a swear phrase in right here and there to emphasise the eagerness behind their phrases. Nevertheless, it’s by no means in a damaging mild.

Apparel at Work

Lastly, the very last thing that has stood out essentially the most to me to this point with regards to cultural variations is the way in which that they gown. Significantly with my internship, lots of my coworkers put on streetwear and even shorts to work. The best way my coworkers interacted and wearing earlier roles had been far more conservative and fewer private.

Seeking to the Future

After being uncovered to the various completely different work environments, it has inspired me to look for the same work setting after returning to the USA. I really feel that by having a looser work setting, I’m in a position to be myself and do my finest work, permitting for extra creativity and effectivity amongst myself and my coworkers. 

Coming to Costa Rica, I’ve been in a position to expertise a distinct degree of interplay and a singular perspective of what work life is like. I additionally discovered that professionalism wears many various hats and that’s one thing that I’ll take with me wherever I find yourself. I consider that this expertise has additionally made me grow to be extra adaptable to new cultures, which I really feel will assist me in the long term in each a private {and professional} setting.

If you’re contemplating learning overseas or doing an internship in a foreign country, I strongly encourage you to take action — not only for the beautiful seashores and good meals, however for a possibility that would change your perspective and life for the higher!