Hi Evelyn, what motivated you to go to France?

Evelyn Jaramillo: When I joined Hellmann in Madrid in February 2021 — thanks to my colleague and friend Maribel Pazos — I was already curious about gaining professional experience abroad.

My motivation came from a desire to improve my English skills, maybe even learn a completely new language, and to grow personally by immersing myself in a different culture. With the incredible support of two colleagues, Javier Alonso and Alexandre Varillon, that dream became reality.

Now, I’m based in Lyon, France — and I couldn’t be more grateful. This opportunity has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve not only improved my language skills, but I’ve also had the chance to experience a new culture and work environment, which has really broadened my perspective.

 
Has it been easy for you to integrate into your new work environment and the new country?

Evelyn Jaramillo: The team in France, especially in Lyon, has been truly outstanding. There is a strong sense of mutual support and a shared commitment to continuous improvement and collective growth.

Even though I’m far from my home, family, and friends, the welcoming atmosphere has made this experience incredibly rewarding. Events like the Christmas dinner, the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration, and other office activities created a real sense of belonging and made integration much easier. These moments helped me build meaningful connections, both professionally and personally. I felt valued and included right from the start, which made it much easier to adapt to a new professional and cultural environment.

What do you miss most from home?

Evelyn Jaramillo: What I miss most is my family and friends. Even though we stay in touch regularly, I miss the little everyday moments we used to share. Some of them have already visited me in Lyon, and I’m hoping more will come soon so we can explore France together.

I also miss the weather. In Madrid, the sun is almost always shining, and the days are much longer compared to Lyon. I’ve come to realize how much of a mood booster it is to have sunshine nearly every day.
And of course, I miss the food — especially homemade meals and Spanish favorites like jamón serrano (cured ham)!

What do you love most about living in France?

Evelyn Jaramillo: There are so many things I truly appreciate about living in France. One of the biggest highlights is the incredible cuisine. France’s rich gastronomic tradition has been a joy to explore, and living here has given me the chance to try authentic dishes that are uniquely French. Discovering the traditional cuisine of Lyon, in particular, has been a remarkable experience.

But it’s not just about the food. I also really value the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, both through my work and in everyday life. These encounters have broadened my perspective and led to unexpected personal growth.
I admire many things about the French culture — their politeness, attention to detail, and strong respect for individual rights. I also appreciate their mindset when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, living in France has been a powerful experience of personal and professional development. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I hadn’t expected, from building new skills to gaining a greater sense of independence. 

How does a perfect day off look like for you in Lyon?

Evelyn Jaramillo: A perfect day off in France would begin with breakfast at my favorite coffee shop in the city center — ideally with a chai latte or a matcha, paired with a freshly made crêpe.
After that, I’d spend the day exploring Lyon. The city is full of charm, history, and culture, and there’s always something new to discover — whether it’s a hidden alley, a scenic viewpoint, or a local artisan shop.

As France is known for its outstanding cuisine, lunch would definitely be one of the highlights. I love traditional French dishes, especially the ones typical of Lyon. My current favorites include salade lyonnaise (a salad with poached egg and bacon) as a starter, followed by quenelle (a light dumpling made from fish or meat) or magret de canard rôti (roasted duck breast). For dessert, I’d treat myself to an éclair praliné/noisette (hazelnut-praline éclair) — it’s a true taste of the region.

For me, the combination of great food, cultural discovery, and a relaxed pace makes this the perfect way to enjoy a day off in France.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add before we say goodbye?

Evelyn Jaramillo: I want to sincerely thank the Hellmann team, especially my colleagues in Madrid and Lyon, for their incredible support and encouragement throughout this journey. Their trust and guidance made this experience possible and played a big part in my personal and professional development.

I also want to encourage others to consider similar opportunities. Hellmann provides a strong foundation for growth, and spending time in a different country can be an enriching and eye-opening experience. It’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, gain new skills, and see things from a different perspective.

I'm grateful for everything I've learned so far and look forward to the journey ahead.

Thanks a lot for sharing your story with us, Evelyn! 

 

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