--- title: working culture --- Table of Contents: [How to use this guide](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com?hsLang=en) Before You Go [Health & Wellness Check ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health-check?hsLang=en#jump) [Culture Shock](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/cultural-shock?hsLang=en#jump) [Packing](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/packing?hsLang=en#jump) [Money](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/money?hsLang=en#jump) [Cell Phones](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/communications?hsLang=en#jump) Destination Information [About Costa Rica](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/introduction?hsLang=en#jump) [Arrival Instructions](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/arrival?hsLang=en#jump) [Cultural Differences](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/cultural-differences?hsLang=en#jump) [Working Culture](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/working-culture?hsLang=en#jump) [Diversity Abroad](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/diversity-abroad?hsLang=en#jump) [How to Move Around](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/moving-around?hsLang=en#jump) [Things to Do on Your Own](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/explore?hsLang=en#jump) [Sustainability Tips](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/sustainability?hsLang=en#jump) [Shopping](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/shopping?hsLang=en#jump) Emergencies, Health & Safety [CIS Abroad On-site Program Coordinator](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/opc?hsLang=en#jump) [ In Case of Emergency](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/emergency?hsLang=en#jump) [Health Insurance](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health-insurance?hsLang=en#jump) [What to Do if I Get Sick](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/sick-leave?hsLang=en#jump) [Health On-site](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health?hsLang=en#jump) [Safety On-site](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/safety?hsLang=en#jump) [Code of Conduct](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/code-of-conduct?hsLang=en#jump) Student Hub Links: [ Micro Credentials ](https://www.cisabroad.com/academics/micro-credentials/?hsLang=en) # Welcome to Costa Rica [ How to use this guide ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com?hsLang=en#jump) Before You Go [ Health & Wellness Check ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health-check?hsLang=en#jump) [ Culture Shock ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/cultural-shock?hsLang=en#jump) [ Packing ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/packing?hsLang=en#jump) [ Money ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/money?hsLang=en#jump) [ Cell Phones ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/communications?hsLang=en#jump) Destination Information [ About Costa Rica ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/introduction?hsLang=en#jump) [ Arrival Instructions ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/arrival?hsLang=en#jump) [ Cultural Differences ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/cultural-differences?hsLang=en#jump) [ Working Culture ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/working-culture?hsLang=en#jump) [ Diversity Abroad ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/diversity-abroad?hsLang=en#jump) [ How to Move Around ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/moving-around?hsLang=en#jump) [ Things to Do on Your Own ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/explore?hsLang=en#jump) [ Sustainability Tips ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/sustainability?hsLang=en#jump) [ Shopping ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/shopping?hsLang=en#jump) Emergencies, Health & Safety [ CIS Abroad On-site Program Coordinator ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/opc?hsLang=en#jump) [ In Case of Emergency ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/emergency?hsLang=en#jump) [ Health Insurance ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health-insurance?hsLang=en#jump) [ What to Do if I Get Sick ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/sick-leave?hsLang=en#jump) [ Health On-site ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/health?hsLang=en#jump) [ Safety On-site ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/safety?hsLang=en#jump) [ Code of Conduct ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/code-of-conduct?hsLang=en#jump) # Working Culture ### Internships Experience 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 José 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.   [Previous Chapter Cultural Differences ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/cultural-differences?hsLang=en#jump) [Next Chapter Diversity Abroad ](https://guide.costarica.cisabroad.com/diversity-abroad?hsLang=en#jump) We’re Here to help: +1-877-617-9090 Copyright © 2023 Center for International Studies | Legal