Natascha Lenk is studying for a dual bachelor's degree in logistics at HWG LU, but her training company Primafrio S.L. is located in Murcia, Spain. Natascha Lenk tells us in an interview how she manages to reconcile cross-border studies and training.
Why did you decide to participate in the dual study program in logistics?
Natascha Lenk: Before I started my dual study program, I did a two-year apprenticeship as a businesswoman for transport and logistics services at FEDA Madrid, a German vocational school abroad. The dual study program at HWG LU gives me the opportunity to continue my practical training at Primafrio S.L. in Murcia and at the same time to deepen the knowledge I have already acquired.
What does a typical practical phase look like for you?
Primafrio is a family-owned company with a fleet of 2,200 trucks, which makes it the largest refrigerated transport company in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. Germany is one of the most important markets for Primafrio. The focus in the practical blocks is on comercial. This allows me to use and constantly improve my language skills on a daily basis by communicating with both foreign customers and Spanish colleagues.
What are your tasks?
In addition to administrative tasks, I have my own customer base that I take care of. Furthermore, I am responsible for the preparation of the ENS (Entry summary declaration) for cross-border shipments from England and I support the commercial management in the evaluation and preparation of tenders.
At Primafrio, you are fully integrated as part of the team from day one. You are enormously appreciated as a team member and you realize that the company has a lot of trust in its students. I especially like the fact that everyone really takes care of me when I have questions or problems. I feel very well looked after and supported.
How does studying remotely work?
Normally, I would fly to Ludwigshafen for the theory classes and attend the on-site events there. However, since Covid-19 broke out, currently all lectures take place via Zoom, so I can join from Spain. I am always happy when I fly to Germany and see my family and friends again, but in Murcia I feel like my second home. In Murcia, I live in a shared flat with the other trainees from Primafrio. On the weekends, we do a lot and discover the many beautiful places around Murcia.
Time flies by. Now the second semester is about to begin and it feels as if the first day of practice was only a few weeks ago.
Thank you very much for the interview.
Interview: Britta Käufer
HWG LU signed an international cooperation agreement with FEDA Madrid, the German vocational school abroad where Natascha Lenk did her training, at the beginning of May. Read more...
