Citizens of the world

Camilo Antonio Vasquez

Colombian. Works Director at Oaxaca II wind farm. In Mexico since August 2010.

He had been based in Chile and the decision to move to Mexico was a hard one. "Initially, I transferred alone to Mexico, with the aim of making first contacts in the country and making all the arrangements to bring my family over." He's come face-to-face with new construction regulations and processes which now form part of his international experience. "This allows you to be prepared to achieve new goals and have no fear of future professional challenges and projects." Although it takes time to adapt, he recognizes that "without doubt, in Mexico I have been made to feel really welcome and at home." And he points out: "From the little I have learned so far, the rich gastronomic tradition, cultural diversity, landscapes and unexploited beaches stand out."

"I agreed on the move with my family, evaluating the project's importance, the situation in Spain, the possibility of getting to know another culture and, above all, that we could stay together"

Esther Lorenzo Jaudenes

Spanish. Process Engineer at Beckton desal plant. In London since May 2008.

International experience turns you into a more versatile and 'chameleon-like' professional. I've always loved travelling and as a result have forged a curious personality. Travelling opens the mind, liberates you, and London is the perfect city for that." She joined ACCIONA specifically for this project; before that she worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh. "It was a radical change in the professional sense, a challenge and an honour. I enjoy my role in ACCIONA. The world population is exposed to the stress of not having access to enough water. Resolving the scarcity of the resource with our technology is very satisfying." As far as the way of working is concerned, she recognizes that British organization is a big advantage. "As for the English, they find the enthusiasm and strength of the Spanish to ring any project to completion, irresistible!" And with respect to the famous English climate, she assures us that it doesn't rain all the time and there's none of Sherlock Holmes's fog. "Perhaps I'm saying that because I come from Galicia…"

"I dream of drawing a map with ever more blue on it, as a result of the treatment and distribution of drinking water"

Lucas Juan Lladó

Spanish. Supply Technician at West Branch wind turbine plant. In United States since September 2007.

He'd already lived in the United States, so when it came to taking up a post at ACCIONA's wind turbine-generator manufacturing plant in Iowa there were no surprises. "The only thing unforeseen was choosing a place to rent. We found our first landlord to be dishonest and moved out after two months." But he says: "To spend a spell in a first-rate country like the US is very enriching. Although the dynamics of working are very similar to Spain, less importance is given to interpersonal relations and face-to-face communication. Another difference I've noticed is that the American worker is more organized and punctual." He points out the big advantages of family life: "It's a privilege to be able to support the whole family through my job. Living on one salary alone with three small children would be almost unthinkable in Spain."

"The public administration system functions very well and you are received wonderfully well wherever you go"

Diego Aritio

Spanish. Head of Production at Adelaide desal plant. In Australia since February 2009.

A fter over a year in Chile building and commissioning the Temuco wastewater treatment plant, he spent almost a year on the Torrevieja project, the biggest desal plant in Spain. His third stop with ACCIONA combines two ingredients from the previous ones: internationalization and desalination. "Knowing how to adapt to the situation, and apply improvements based upon other experiences, always means being able to contribute a lot." He is responsible for the design and construction of electromechanical equipment for the Adelaide desal. "We have been able to work in a country with high quality standards, developing new design and construction methods. I'm sure that this will prove an exemplary project from which we will draw a lot of experience to help ACCIONA Agua's international expansion." All's not work, however. "Australia is an ideal country for open-air sports due to its excellent climate, green spaces and beaches. It gives me the possibility of enjoying my hobbies: golf and surfing."

"Changing country is always an adventure and challenge. You feel sad you will not see people at home so often, but also excitement for 'the new'"

Vanesa Ayala

Spanish. Researcher & Developer at Adelaide desal plant. In Australia since 2009.

I recommend, to anyone with the opportunity, that they take advantage of working outside their own country." Vanesa is in charge of refining chemicals used in the desalination process at the Adelaide plant and of water quality controls. "Being abroad, and at the start of a project, you must take important decisions quickly." Her arrival was "chaotic and stressful, with much to do in very little time. I came to Adelaide to work on the pilot plant - which the client already had and it needed modifying to simulate the process of the full-scale facility
we were about to build. Thanks to the pilot operation, we were able to draw various conclusions which can improve commissioning and operation of the larger plant. Indeed, I'm going to present a paper on the results of the pilot plant at the next OzWater Congress here in Adelaide."

"I recommend, to anyone with the opportunity, that they take advantage of working outside their own country"

Ignacio Martín Poviña

Argentine with Spanish nationality. Operations Vice-President, ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada and Deputy Director of the A-30 Highway. In Canada since 2008.

A rgentina, Spain, Hong Kong, Portugal, Chile, back to Spain, and, now, Canada. "When I was a boy I dreamed of travelling out of my native Argentina and venturing around the world." And Ignacio has lived that dream. "My first projects in Hong Kong, from 1994-1998, were epic for all the people involved and that's where my belief in the need for a real internationalization of the Company took root." Arriving in Canada was fantastic. "It was autumn, there were dream-like views of trees of various colours and homes decorated for Halloween. All was happiness. But reality dawned in the winter, when the car was buried in snow and we wore enormous amounts of clothes… now we're used to it." As for professional life, "the Anglo-Saxon contract is very voluminous, with very detailed restrictive clauses in all aspects of the work. The client works with a director responsible for the contract and behind there are legal and economic support teams. It makes for a very rigid environment."

"In Anglo-Saxon culture, designers and constructors have very different and separate roles"