A fresh perspective on temperature-controlled transport
At Fresh Ways, we believe in the value of continuous learning – but also in the value of exchange.
When someone joins the company, even for a few weeks, they don’t just bring skills or enthusiasm. They bring a new perspective. An opportunity to pause, observe our work from the outside, and perhaps discover something new about ourselves.
That’s what happened with Helena, a Spanish student who came to Italy for an Erasmus internship with our team.
First impressions: language, environment, novelty
“On my first day, I was struck by the new environment and by the chance to communicate straight away in Italian. It was great to challenge myself with the language in a real professional context.”
For those of us working in logistics every day—among routes, schedules, calls and documents—it’s easy to take the system that makes everything work for granted.
Having someone observing with fresh eyes—and speaking a language different from their own—reminded us that every task and every process can be an opportunity for learning.
Learning through observation
During her placement, Helena worked across several departments: she took part in the daily activities of our operations team, supported customs and administration, helped with Spanish-speaking clients and collaborated with the marketing team on concrete tasks and projects.
“Even through simple tasks, I was able to observe internal dynamics and reflect on different ways of approaching day-to-day work. Sometimes you learn just by watching how others work.”
We share this idea deeply: real experience grows through attention, listening, patience, and mutual trust.
Similarities and differences across cultures
“In general, I found the way of working quite similar between Spain and Italy. Of course, every workplace has its own peculiarities, but it was interesting to see how—even with different approaches—you reach the same goals.”
Cultural exchange doesn’t always require contrasts. Sometimes it’s in the small things: how time is managed, how emails are written, how breaks are taken.
These details also helped us reflect on the way we communicate and collaborate as a team.
Being helpful, feeling part of the team
“I enjoyed helping colleagues with Spanish-speaking clients, and I really appreciated the weeks I spent in the marketing department, where I was involved in various tasks and had the chance to contribute with my ideas.”
Having someone on placement isn’t just about “training”: it means creating the conditions for that person to feel part of a shared journey, even for a short time.
It was great to see how Helena took part with simplicity and genuine presence.
An opportunity beyond the company
“I would recommend living this experience with openness and curiosity, even when things don’t go exactly as expected. Living and working in another country is a unique opportunity for personal growth.”
Programmes like Erasmus are valuable for companies too: they help build more open, collaborative and stimulating environments.
And they remind us that logistics – especially food logistics, where precision and relationships are key—depends on people, before systems.
When we asked Helena to describe Fresh Ways in three words, she answered:
Dynamic. Welcoming. Stimulating.
We see ourselves in those words. And we hope that when Helena returns to Spain, she takes with her not only new skills, but also a positive impression of our sector, our way of working, and the importance we give to shared experience.
One step at a time, together
We’re grateful for this experience and we remain committed to the value of international training, cross-generational exchange and human connection.
Because the future of temperature-controlled transport is not just made of systems and routes – it’s made of perspectives like Helena’s.
📩 If you represent a training institution or are a student looking for an internship, get in touch.
Fresh Ways believes that every career journey begins with trust and mutual understanding.
