By just having a baseline knowledge on the country, from our pre-departure meetings and some research, I noticed that they have consistently had a strict focus on environmentally responsible practices. As an outsider to Costa Rica, I find that these sustainable habits and environmental initiatives are very admirable and progressive. Because of their habits, I have become very excited to explore a country that is different from what I am used to.

Based on my surface-level research on Costa Rica sustainability, I discovered that they have implemented the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST) and encouraged biodiversity conservation with Payments for Environmental Services (PES). The Certificate of Sustainable Tourism allows visitors to be aware of their impact on the country’s resources. Through Payments for Environmental Services, Costa Rican government pays landowners to encourage the conservation and protection of land and forests.

I am excited to go to Costa Rica because I feel that I will be able to experience a large number of things that I haven’t done yet. I am looking forward to seeing the wildlife, beaches, and the nature as a whole. I have yet to travel outside of the United States, so I am excited for my first experience abroad. Also, I am very interested in seeing how their business practices differ from what I am used to.

I don’t have a picture with coffee, but I thought hot chocolate was close enough 🙂