By Madalin L. Group 2 I am ready to go. I’m all packed up and my boots are broken in. In a few short hours, I’ll be on my way. Yet, oddly it almost doesn’t feel like it. I previously completed a study abroad to Italy last summer and I still remember the mess of… Read More The Time Has Come

By Jillian R. Group 6 When I was younger I had a few ideas about what 25 would look like. I suppose I thought I’d have a degree or two, maybe a house with a yard. Instead I find myself about to embark on an ancient pilgrimage stretching across Europe. And so here I am.… Read More Embarking on an Ancient Pilgrimage

By Amarilys S. Group 5 Going on a medieval pilgrimage is a tremendous experience filled with tradition and modern innovations, questions of authenticity, and a sense of the ethereal, as the past and the present meet and create a cultural phenomenon. Considering the past and reflecting on the present, I am able to compare certain… Read More Modern Pilgrim Traditions

By Andre S. Group 3 Throughout my life I have traveled only within North America. While those adventures were incredibly unique in their own way, I’ve always wanted to go to Europe and experience something completely different. This desire to travel to Europe grew dramatically in high school when I saw several close friends of mine visit… Read More A Sense of Longing

By Ian T. Group 6 I have just finished packing and believe I have brought enough (I’ll find out in Spain). The most important item I have pack is probably my shoes. They will provide great comfort as we walk El Camino. I have packed my Cousineau book to read on the plane, so I should… Read More I am Ready to Go!

By William G. Group 6 Now that we have started to get into the class and talk about the trip, it is hitting me that we are actually about to leave. Since this is my first time traveling outside of the country, I’m both excited and nervous; excited about experiencing something different, and nervous about… Read More I’ve Never Had to Pack This Thoroughly Before

Kalee F. Group 3 Before this year, I had never heard of the Camino de Santiago, so I’m not quite sure that my longing was for this trip and this land, but the longing was there. More of a longing to explore the world, and experience things that are entirely new to me. There is… Read More I-95 is a Pilgrimage Road

By Anastasia C. Group 4 Upon signing up for this study abroad, I knew absolutely nothing about El Camino de Santiago. I had never heard of it. The only thing I did know was that I wanted to participate in a study abroad and going to Spain sounded amazing. After learning about the history of… Read More And That’s Exactly What I Did

By Ali S. Group 6 The Camino de Santiago is something that I had little knowledge of. After learning more about the spiritual aspect of the Camino, and the concept of connecting to your authentic self, that is what really appealed to me. My call to the Camino is about shaping the leader inside of… Read More Shaping the Leader Inside of Me

By Samantha A. Group 1 My cousin was a world traveler, as he traveled he blogged about it, and sadly when he traveled to Cambodia he caught some form of bug and passed away at the age of 30. He described the Camino de Santiago as “life changing, magical, truly amazing, and a necessary thing… Read More Life Changing, Magical, and Truly Amazing

By Graham P. Group 4 El Camino de Santiago is something that i have wanted to do ever since my cousin decided to walk it  in a couple years ago, so you could say I have had the longing to do this for quite some time now. My call happened earlier this spring when I… Read More My Mind is in Spain

By Cogan R. Group 2 This is a trip I will hopefully carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve been wanting to travel outside of the United States of America for so long I was willing to jump on any opportunity I saw. This was not only an opportunity, but an opportunity… Read More You’ll Never Really Know Until You Get There

By Lawrence L. Group 4 It is 10:05 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th, and unlike most other Americans I am not keeping my neighbors awake by blasting fireworks. I’m preparing for one last full day of class before we leave for Spain. Whose idea was it to have class literally all day? I’m feeling extremely… Read More What Do You Mean I Can’t Bring My Dog?

By Nicholas I. Group 1 I think the two most important things I am bringing on this trip are probably the moleskin for blister protection and my comfortable boots that will hopefully not give me the blisters I’m hoping to prevent. Even with the strong chance of getting horrible blisters, I am still extremely determined… Read More My Calling Was Simple

By Alison B. Group 2 This trip is giving me a chance to finally travel abroad. I chose this study abroad because it was faculty-led and for my major. I figured it would be a good first experience and give me structure before traveling alone, which is definitely helping my nerves. The preparation has been… Read More I Keep Packing and Unpacking

By Dillon D. Group 5 My gear is packed and I am prepared to leave for Spain. I am traveling with a small suitcase and a backpack I have about a week’s worth of clothes packed. In my backpack, I will be carrying a camera, my journal, and various small items worth keeping handy, as… Read More Pre-departure Preparations