Deepening Camino Knowledge & Connection at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Deepening Camino Knowledge & Connection at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
by Lauren Kerr, La Concha Features Contributor | Spring, TX
“Don’t miss it. The program brings so much depth to one’s Camino experience.”
– Denis Hernit | Beavercreek, OH
American Pilgrims on the Camino and the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela embarked on an exciting partnership in 2025, when the university launched a new course on the Way of St. James and invited American Pilgrims members to participate. From late September to early October, participants gathered for an immersive academic and cultural experience that deepened their understanding of the Camino while building new bonds.
Presented by university distinguished faculty, the program offered a rich exploration of the Camino from multiple perspectives. Syllabus topics included Routes and Legends on the Way of Saint James, Art and Literature of the Camino, Women and Pilgrimages, Survival Spanish, and more.
“The program introduced so many facets of the Camino that were new to me,” said Mary Ellen “Mel” Lavenberg of Weston, MA. “Lecturers presented information that contributed to the larger story, whether it was biographical, historical, geographical, sociological, cultural, or economical.”
Participants enjoyed guided tours, practiced Spanish in real-world settings, and built meaningful connections. The program’s blend of academic discussion and lived experience resonated deeply and created a space for classmates to build lasting friendships.
“The course enriches the Camino experience and highlights the sacred magic of being connected by centuries to this very special pilgrimage,” said Gail Ringelberg of Grand Haven, MI. “Our class of 30 has remained in contact. The bond goes beyond the classroom.”
For those eager to put classroom reflections into motion, several participants spent a second week walking some of the most iconic sections of the French Way with an expert guide.
“I felt like quite the pampered pilgrim, and I enjoyed the experience and the camaraderie of a supported walk,” said Bridget Highfill of Los Angeles, CA.
Based on the enthusiastic response of this inaugural program, the university and American Pilgrims are planning to offer a second session in 2026. American Pilgrims members should watch for an email in the coming months with details and an invitation to register for an unforgettable Camino experience that educates, connects, and inspires.
More Participant Perspectives
“Since joining American Pilgrims on the Camino in 2008, I had heard of various seminars on pilgrimage. My dream was to one day attend a course at the university, studying pilgrimage, its art, and history. And sometimes dreams really do come true.” – Bridget Highfill | Los Angeles, CA
“I am a lifelong learner, but what really tipped me over the edge to go were the talks on women and the Camino. This is a strong area of interest for me, and I saw it as a valuable opportunity to learn a different perspective. I am grateful to those early women who made pilgrimages, paving the way for us today. – Alder Allensworth | Tampa, FL
“What really drew me was the privilege of studying with expert professors sharing their knowledge of the Camino. I especially appreciated the class on the Portico de Gloria followed by a visit, where the professor pointed out things our untrained eyes might not have seen.” – Ava Kabouchy | Lewiston, ME
“There’s no substitute for in-person classroom presentations to convey the instructors’ passion. With the afternoon tours, we could go out and physically experience what was presented in the classroom. These excursions were long enough to get more than just a cursory introduction to the venue, and short enough to allow us to explore Santiago on our own before sitting down for dinner.” – Dennis Hernit | Beavercreek, OH
“I have walked Camino routes on four occasions and volunteered as an hospitalera. Each Camino experience has brought new personal growth and reflection. Although there is a lot of legendary and touristic information about the Camino, I was ready for more factual and concrete information. The University of Santiago program introduced us to the foremost scholars of the Camino. Their insightful lectures gave me a connection to the Camino that goes far beyond ‘it’s a trendy thing to do.’” – Mel Lavenberg | Weston, MA
“My partner, Noel, and I planned to make a Camino during the 2020 Holy Year, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Then Noel’s 2021 surgery made the trip impossible. Noel died in 2024, and an overwhelming sadness took hold of me. I learned I could walk the Camino in his name, and decided to go solo as no friends or family could join me. My son worried about me going to Spain alone, so I registered for this program’s first tract, hoping to learn what I needed to venture out on my own. Then in July, my only brother, Sidney, died, and I weakened. I extended my registration to include the second tract for a week of walking on the Camino where our guide Jose Angel, took care of every detail. At the closing ceremony, Jose Angel presented me with my Compostela, which listed not only my name in Latin but also Vicarie Pro: Noel Jose Gonzalez y Sidney Roberto Ashman. I started this program with a very sad heart, grieving for what I had lost. I returned home from Camino with a grateful, joyful heart for all the years I had shared with Noel and my brother.” – Margarita Ashman | Hialeah, FL
