Britt coffee plant with fly catcher Visit to Britt Coffee (http://www.cafebritt.cr/) Did you know that the Costa Rican government gave land and coffee plants to citizens for free to open up exportation? The history of Costa Rican trade dates back to 1750 when local coffee merchants began exporting their fine coffee to Europeans. Coffee exportation … Continue reading Costa Rica – “Pura Vida” Part Dos by Sam Frontera
La Paz Waterfall Garden On Tuesday, we headed up the mountain to explore the Poas Volcano and the La Paz Waterfall Garden. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the volcano due zero visibility. Evidentially, it is very rare for the weather to allow for a glimpse of the volcano. I did read that if … Continue reading The Rainforest! by Tait Sorenson
Even though we had the day off yesterday, Sunday, August 5, 2012 we refused to take the day off from fun or learning! We went into San Jose to shop. It was an interesting experience because many of the small vendors only speak their native tongue of Spanish and most our group only speaks … Continue reading Our Day Off in Costa Rica by Sandra Ordesi-dakers
On Monday, we ventured out to the Britt Coffee Farm to learn the history and business of coffee in Costa Rica. As in the case of the butterfly farm I wasn’t too sure of what we would learn but I was eager to find out. There were two presenters that were absolutely hilarious, as they … Continue reading Growing and Exporting Coffee by Tait Sorenson
Today we were able to sleep in…yaaayyy!!! No early classes and no early sightseeing. I think everyone enjoyed their morning off. Our tour guide Jason took us to the Vatican Museum and we saw many historical sculptures. We then walked to the Sistine Chapel. It was amazing! Everyone just stands around in awe of … Continue reading Italy Hum. – Another day in Rome by Veronica Diaz
Butterfly Farm Today we visited the largest exporter of butterflies in Costa Rica, which has been in business for 20 years. At first thought, I had no idea how or why butterflies could make a successful business but after our visit it became clear. It is truly amazing how complex a butterflies life cycle is … Continue reading Costa Rica – The Business of the Butterfly by Tait Sorenson
On August 2, 2012, it was El dia de la Virgin or in English “Virgin of the Angels”, a national holiday in Costa Rica. During the first half of the day, we met in the conference room of the hotel and Professor Fernandez lectured to the group about Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions. According to Hofstede, … Continue reading Costa Rica – Cultural Dimensions and International Business by Adrian Mack
Tech Data On Friday, we visited the Fortune 200 company, Tech Data. Tech Data is a wholesale distributor of technology products and enjoyed over $24 billion in net sales for 2011. Coincidentally, Tech Data is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. At the Tech Data facility in San Jose, Costa Rica, we learned about the Costa Rican … Continue reading Visiting a Fortune 200 Company by Tait Sorenson
My experience in Costa Rica has been amazing! I’m learning so much about the cultures of Latin American countries. Although many things are different than the States I’m enjoying the culture. Today we visited Tech Data, I had an amazing experience learning about business in Costa Rica. I’m so happy that I’m able to enjoy … Continue reading Costa Rica – An amazing experience! by Nina Smith