The Erasmus Programme is one of ALG's most prominent initiatives, designed to enhance the personal and professional growth of our employees while fostering a culture of global collaboration. This programme offers our professionals the opportunity to apply for a temporary transfer to any of our offices to experience a quarter of cultural exchange.

At ALG, we firmly believe in the importance of diversity and interculturality. Therefore, the ALG Erasmus Programme has become an invaluable tool for promoting collaboration among teams from different parts of the world, thus fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

The Erasmus Programme strengthens the bonds between our offices, creating a global network of talent and expertise that benefits both our employees and the company as a whole. This initiative not only promotes the individual development of our professionals but also contributes to greater cohesion and effectiveness in our international teams.

By participating in the ALG Erasmus Programme, our employees not only have the opportunity to expand their professional skills by working in international environments but also enrich their personal perspective by immersing themselves in new cultures and ways of working.

This was the experience of Manuel Hernández, Senior Consultant at ALG, Civil and Territorial Engineer, and Master's in Civil Engineering from UPM. With experience in banking, politics, and strategic consulting, he has been with us since 2021 and lived his exchange experience with the Sao Paulo office from February to april. We spoke with him to learn more details about this experience.

1- What motivated you to apply to ALG's Erasmus Programme?

The opportunity to experience other cultures, the professional development it entails, as well as getting to know the rest of ALG professionals. Participating in the Erasmus Programme gave me the chance to immerse myself in an international environment, interact with colleagues from various nationalities, and gain a global perspective that enriches my professional career.

2- From where to where did you request the exchange and why?

I requested the exchange from Madrid to Sao Paulo. I already knew the Dubai office from projects I've been involved in there, but the Erasmus Program allowed me to explore the Brazilian side of the company more thoroughly and even provided the opportunity to learn a new language. Choosing Sao Paulo as the exchange destination allowed me to explore a new culture and immerse myself in Brazil's vibrant business and cultural environment while expanding my professional experience in an international setting.

3- How was your Erasmus experience? What can you share with us about this experience?

I value it as a unique and excellent experience both professionally and personally. It's extremely rare to find companies in the market with international projects where you are immersed from day one. ALG offers that opportunity, and projects are rarely located where you are based. Moreover, the Erasmus Programme not only facilitates this but also gives you the chance to experience new countries and cultures firsthand and enjoy weekends either traveling or exploring the city hosting you, which in my case was Sao Paulo. During my Erasmus experience, I not only gained professional knowledge and intercultural skills but also established meaningful connections with professionals from around the world and grew both personally and professionally.

4- What did you like most about this experience? What has it taught you?

Experiencing the work dynamics of another office and its atmosphere, which, like in Madrid, is excellent. You feel welcomed from day one and involved in the daily operations of the new office. I was able to learn new working methodologies and gain a deeper understanding of the Brazilian infrastructure market. The Erasmus experience allowed me to develop adaptability, intercultural communication, and problem-solving skills in a diverse international environment. I learned to appreciate the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a global context, which has been invaluable for my professional development.

5- What contributions has spending a few months in another country, office, and culture brought you?

It's an opportunity to broaden your horizons, enjoy everyday life, meet new people, and savor the wonderful places and cuisine that being in another country offers. Living and working in another country gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, broaden my perspective, and develop greater intercultural sensitivity. I learned to appreciate cultural differences and adapt to new ways of working and living, which made me more flexible and open to new experiences and perspectives.

6- Share some anecdotes/experiences from your time at the Sao Paulo office.

Beyond the work environment, being able to enjoy weekends in another country provides the opportunity to travel around it. I've visited new places like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahía, Natal, Pipa, Iguazú, or Buenos Aires. Not only the places but also their regional festivals (I must highlight Carnival) and their excellent cuisine. During my time in Sao Paulo, I had the opportunity to explore Brazil's cultural diversity and historical richness, enjoying the hospitality of its people, the natural beauty of its landscapes, and the delicious local food. Each experience was unique and unforgettable, leaving me with memories for a lifetime.

7- In terms of projects, proposals, and clients, how was the integration with the team organized? Have you been able to work on projects with other teams and geographies? If so, has the exchange enriched you professionally?

My arrival was completely satisfactory. I quickly became involved in projects in the region with the office partner and managers. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend in-person events to enhance networking in the region. During my time in Sao Paulo, I closely collaborated with colleagues from different teams and geographies, which allowed me to enrich my professional experience and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Brazilian market. Collaboration with professionals from diverse cultures and backgrounds helped me develop teamwork skills.

8- On a personal level, has changing geographically enriched you? Why?

The enrichment is obvious and ongoing. An employment opportunity like this is not easy to find in the market, so I am very grateful for it. Changing geographically allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, face new challenges, and develop greater autonomy and resilience. It helped me grow as a person, broaden my horizons, and value cultural diversity. I am sure that this experience has left an indelible mark on my life and has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.