Three Countries, Diverse Experiences: Till’s International Assignment

During his dual study program at the FRICKE Group, Till gained EDI experience at three international sites in Spain, Italy, and France.

As part of his dual study program at the FRICKE Group, our student Till had a unique opportunity: instead of visiting just one international subsidiary, as is usually the case, he was able to experience three different international sites. His assignments took him to Spain, Italy, and France, providing him with valuable professional and personal experiences.

Building Bridges in EDI: Collaboration, Strategy, and Implementation
Before and after his international assignments, Till worked in the EDI department. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) refers to the automated connection between IT systems (e.g., ERP systems) of different companies, enabling the electronic exchange of standardized business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices, or delivery notes, without manual intervention.

The goal of his assignments was to make EDI more tangible and understandable within the respective local subsidiaries. His work focused on collaborating with colleagues on-site, jointly developing strategies, and conducting training sessions on EDI processes. In addition, Till ,just as he did in Germany, was involved in traditional EDI tasks, ranging from communication with customers and suppliers to the development and maintenance of system interfaces.

Spain – Work, Culture, and Sunshine
The first stop was a five-week assignment in Spain. After arriving in Madrid, Till traveled to our site in Valladolid, where he was warmly welcomed by the Spanish Managing Director Álvaro and the Head of Internal Sales Emilia, who invited him to a shared lunch, a perfect start to building connections.

His centrally located apartment made commuting easier, as colleagues gave him a lift each day. The sunny Spanish weather, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C, added a true summer vibe to his workdays. Outside of work, Till spent a lot of time with the team, exploring parts of the city such as Parque Campo Grande with its free-roaming peacocks, as well as attending cultural events like concerts. Personal highlights included a short Bachata course, morning churros at the office, group bowling and padel evenings, and a weekend excursion.

On weekends, Till aimed to explore a new region each time. His travels took him from snow-capped mountains to hot valleys with temperatures up to 37°C. He was particularly impressed by the historic city of Ávila, with its fully preserved and largely walkable city walls.

Want to get a closer look at our Valladolid office? Check out Off to the south - three weeks in Valladolid, by our trainee Annabell.

Italy – EDI and Field Work Up Close
Next, Till spent a week in Italy, where he was again warmly welcomed, including a shared meal. In addition to professional discussions on EDI topics, he had the unique opportunity to accompany the field service team on a tour, gaining insight into another core business area. While he enjoyed the stunning landscapes, his personal highlight was undoubtedly the Italian cuisine.

France – Strategy, Collaboration, and Unique Experiences
Before returning to Germany, Till completed a two-week assignment in France. In Reims, he worked closely with the local EDI expert to raise awareness of EDI topics and develop strategic approaches.

Outside of work, he gathered many memorable experiences. Highlights included an impressive light show at Reims Cathedral, sports activities such as a group run through the city and a squash match with colleague Fred, as well as a guided tour of the Vranken-Pommery Champagne cellars.

Back in Germany, Till continues to be involved in projects with the sites in Spain, Italy, and France, contributing to their ongoing development.

An International Experience to Remember
Till’s international assignment clearly demonstrates the opportunities offered by a dual study program at the FRICKE Group: international collaboration, professional development, cultural exchange, and numerous personal experiences. Three countries, different teams, and countless new impressions—an experience that will stay with Till for a long time.