Managing differences

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Managing differences

I chose to study Costa Rica this semester because I plan to visit in October 2024. A good friend has moved there, and I will stay with her. Visiting for one or two weeks will be easy, but only because of my friend who has been there for a year. Spending a week or two would be difficult if I planned to go alone without anyone to support me. If I spoke the language, it would be easier. However, I need to learn about the culture to avoid possible problems.

 Living in Costa Rica for a year or more without any support would require careful planning. I would make sure I could speak the language fluently. Having the ability to communicate in another country would be one of the most important things for me. Some challenges I could face include a time of culture shock when I first arrive, as I have not experienced this culture. Things like finding a place to live, where to shop for groceries, local places I would frequent, and finding a job would be easier if I spoke the language. Moving to Costa Rica with young children would be even more challenging. In a past blog I discussed the education system in Costa Rica. Families have made education one of the most important aspects of living in Costa Rica. Early childhood education is mandatory and free; this is amazing for the community. (Education at a glance, 2019) However, adapting to a new culture with young children would take a lot of work. More so for me than for children. Communication would be a barrier; the children would adapt to quickly, especially if they are under 5. This is when they learn the most, so learning another language and adapting to the cultural differences would be easier for them.

Adapting to the work culture would also be difficult. In my work, I coach childcare providers, I have owned two large childcare centers and spent time as a preschool teacher. If this were the path I would take as a career choice in Costa Rica, I would want to make sure that I could speak the language fluently and be very aware of the cultural differences before stepping into a classroom in another country.

Beginning today, I could learn as much about the culture as possible. I have a unique opportunity as I can learn from someone who is going through this adjustment to a new culture. I can connect with her and learn about what she is doing throughout the day and how different things are there.

I will be mindful and give all of my attention to the moment of interaction with those from the culture I will be visiting.  Treat others respectfully and look for commonalities between myself and the people I encounter as I travel. I have an advantage in this area. My friend that I will be visiting is amiable and has adapted well to the new culture. I can not wait to experience all that this culture has to offer. Writing this blog has also helped me learn a lot about Costa Rica. I have traveled quite a bit and have never looked into the culture of the country I visit. I will apply these things as I travel in the future. (Larry A. Samovar Richard E. Porter Edwin R. McDaniel Carolyn S. Roy, 2017)

Some strategies I have used in preparation for my trip to Costa Rica: Creating this blog has taught me a lot about the country, community, and culture of Costa Rica. Having someone in the country I will be visiting is also a huge benefit as she is learning everything before I arrive. This will add to the experience of visiting Costa Rica! Researching a country and its culture is an excellent way to prepare to visit any new culture.

Bibliography

Education at a glance. (2019, July 19). Retrieved from www.oecd.org: https://www.oecd.org/education/education-at-a-glance/EAG2019_CN_CRI.pdf

Larry A. Samovar Richard E. Porter Edwin R. McDaniel Carolyn S. Roy. (2017). Communication Between Cultures 9th edition. Boston Ma: Cengage Learning.

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