Natasha Montesdeoca, Plus3 Costa Rica Summer 2024
Hi everyone! My name is Natasha Montesdeoca, and this summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica through the Plus3 Program! During those two weeks, I learned so much, and am incredibly appreciative of the people I have met and the memories we have made together on this trip. I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from Pitt Business and the Swanson School of Engineering to explore the depth of Costa Rican culture and gain new knowledge in Supply Chain Management.
Together, we visited several coffee plantations, including Hacienda Doka, Café Britt, and Café Monteverde, where we learned about the coffee production process firsthand and experienced the rich quality of Costa Rican coffee. We also attended educational tours at Sibö Chocolate, the Organic Paradise Pineapple Tour, and a Sarapiquí strawberry farm to learn about the value of these products in the global market and their impact on the Costa Rican economy. These experiences have been incredibly beneficial to me both academically and professionally. They allowed me to gain valuable insight into the intricate process of transforming a product from concept to consumer and observe the significant sustainability efforts each company incorporated into their production processes.
I am incredibly appreciative of this program for allowing me to work closely with my peers to gain knowledge on how traditions, sustainability efforts, agriculture, environmental factors, eco-tourism, and Costa Rican communities all contribute to the country’s overall success, as well as how Costa Rican food production impacts international business and the global market. I am excited to take these skills on with me as I move through my studies and into my career as a business major!
I am also incredibly appreciative of the culture and community we were so kindly welcomed into during our time in Costa Rica! Our course has a unique trait that sets it apart from the other Plus 3 locations – unlike staying in hotels for the duration of the trip, we lived in homestays! At first, I was a bit nervous about staying in someone else’s home, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Experiencing the Costa Rican lifestyle firsthand, meeting my host family, and immersing myself in their culture and community contributed to my personal growth and gifted me new insight into the richness of their traditions and daily life. This opportunity allowed me to form meaningful connections, enhance my language skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the values and customs that define Costa Rican society. I am so grateful for this program and everything it has given me. It was truly the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so happy to have taken it on.
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