If you want to stretch your sense of what is possible physically, mentally, and spiritually, then join InterVarsity Study Abroad for a week in Spain where you will join history by walking the Way of St. James, one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Europe.
Imagine this...
As the sun rises higher in the sky, you discover that the rhythm of feet walking ancient roads was a sound your soul was craving to hear. You’ve made the exchange of pavement for dirt paths, phones pinging for birds chirping, and luxuries for bare necessities, which has given your typical racing thoughts ample space for reflection.
The physical and mental challenge of these 100 kilometers is so much more than an analogy for life—it’s propelling you onward to Santiago de Compostela and the next step on your journey of faith...
What is possible by the end of Journey Spain?
- You realize you are capable of going far beyond your comfort zone when the perseverance required is rooted in God and community, and not just your own willpower.
- You’ve not only trod the same steps as pilgrims who sought to honor St. James after his death, you’ve learned from disciples’ stories of life spent with Jesus in the Holy Land.
- You see how shedding the “extras” you carry through life allows you to enter more deeply into community and to listen more attentively to what needs to happen in you in order for you to have an impact on your world.
- You’ve met all kinds of people on the Camino—rich and poor, strong and weak, important or not—and acknowledge all are fellow pilgrims on the way.
Why Spain?
- You’ll enter into the mystery of why people have been drawn to the Camino for hundreds of years, no matter their faith background.
- You’ll walk 6-8 hours per day on a path that’s always changing—rustic villages, hills and fields, stretches of tree covering—with a God who never changes.
- You’ll likely begin seeking one thing, only to find that the Camino has a way of revealing what really needs to happen inside you.
- You’ll rely on the hospitality and encouragement of others when your feet are sore and your stomach is grumbling.
FAQ
When is Journey Spain?
April 10-17, 2023
Where is it?
The primitive route of the Camino de Santiago, from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
When should I arrive?
Before dinner on the first day. Please take transportation (~2 hours) from the airport to Lugo into account for your travel plans.
How much does it cost to attend?
$950 for ministry partners (price includes overhead and scholarship money for study abroad students attending Journeys). InterVarsity staff can contact studyabroad@intervarsity.org for a staff only discount code.
What is included?
Journey Spain includes housing and meals for each day of the program.
What if I need to cancel?
The deposit ($250) is non-refundable. It's non-transferable if the cancellation happens within a week of the trip.
What is housing like?
There are special hostels only for Camino pilgrims called albergues de peregrinos, which means “shelters for pilgrims.” The albergues are similar to hostels, but very simple. Travelers stay in dormitory style rooms and share bathroom facilities; however, the albergues may not have bed linens, towels, or soap. Some albergues have common areas and internet connections; most have laundry sinks to wash your clothes.
What should I pack?
Pack light and in a backpack with a waist strap. You’ll be carrying everything as you walk, so keep that in mind. Here is a basic list of items to pack:
- Lightweight sleeping bag, or sheets & a blanket
- Hiking shoes, worn in
- Hiking poles (recommended)
- 2 pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks, not cotton athletic socks
- Hiking pants or leggings or athletic pants
- 1 long-sleeve non-cotton wicking shirt
- 1 short-sleeve non-cotton wicking shirt
- 1 fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Poncho (highly recommended) & rain cover
- 3-6 pairs of underwear
- 2 sports bras (women)
- 1 hat
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Shower shoes
- Pen - A Camino journal is provided
- Card game, if desired
- Ibuprofen
- Earplugs, if you are a sensitive sleeper
- Headphones, if you want to listen to music
- Sunscreen
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Small container of laundry detergent or bar of soap for handwashing clothes.
Which airport should I fly into?
You can fly into any of these airports and then plan your bus or train accordingly.
The closest airports to Lugo:
- A Coruna (also called La Coruna): This is a 1.5 hr bus ride to Lugo (closest entry point to Lugo).
- Santiago de Compostela: This is a two hour bus ride to Lugo.
Airport further away:
- Madrid: You’ll then need to take a bus and/or train for 5-6 hours to Lugo, or a flight to a closer airport and then a bus.
Departure flight:
- Santiago de Compostela is where we will end our program. Alternative airports include those above.
How can I get from the airport to the hostel/starting point?
Tentative details: Getting to Lugo depends on where you fly into, but you will likely need to take a bus to Lugo from any city. You can look at Rome2Rio for possible routes, and/or let us know which airport you plan to fly into and we'll be happy to help you figure out the rest of your transportation to Lugo. Please note that many local buses take coins/cash only, so have Euros on-hand.
Can I stay in Spain longer?
You are welcome to stay longer in Spain, either before or after Journey! You will need to book your own accommodation for any additional nights.
How do I register?
Register here.
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