Why Train as an Hospitalero?

Like the Camino, where so often the serendipity and the unexpected are the most powerful moments in the day, an hospitalero training course can be one of surprise, thoughtfulness and powerful emotion.  We hope that our participants come to the course with open minds and open hearts.  We endeavor to facilitate an experience of specific learning, community, personal growth, and perhaps even spiritual opening.  
 
American Pilgrims on the Camino offers the only training course in the United States, using the curriculum of the Spanish Federation system. By taking this training, you will be eligible for placement by the Federation in one of its donativo albergues.

What Does an Hospitalero Do?

• Provide a warm welcome to all pilgrims, as hospitaleros have done for a thousand years.
• Listen to the pilgrims.
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of the albergue’s kitchen,  bathrooms and sleeping areas.
• Interact with the local community.
• Advise pilgrims on such things as:
  • What lies ahead along the Camino
  • Where to find local cafes, restaurants, markets;
  • When and where church services are held;
  • Where to find pharmacies, clinics, other resources;
  • Where to find local sites of special interest; and
• Sometimes prepare a group meal at albergues that offer meals. 
• Check out our La Concha Hospitalero Corner for some on-the-ground stories. 

How Long is the Hospitalero Assignment?

Postings are for two weeks, a quinceña, from the 1st to the 15th of the month or the 16th to the end of the month.

When Are Assignments Made?

Federation albergue assignments are generally made within 2 weeks of submitting the application. 

Is Financial Assistance Available?

Yes!

We charge a modest registration fee to cover the cost of providing hospitalero training to American Pilgrims members. One fee waiver per training is granted to those who, without financial assistance, would not be able to serve-- and who also have a specific plan to volunteer in the next calendar year.  Submit an application to hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.org at least 60 days before an American Pilgrims training session. Trainees are responsible for all other fees related to the training. Here’s the Fee Waiver Application.

Michael Wyatt $500 Hospitalero Service Grant

This grant is awarded to American Pilgrims members who have completed our hospitalero training, who desire to volunteer as an hospitalero in Spain, and are in financial need. The grant will reimburse a portion of your travel costs and requires a minimum of two weeks service. To learn more about eligibility, go to our Grants Program.