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?

Hospitaleros serve a full quinceña (all15 days) from the 1st to the 15th of the month or the 16th to the end of the month.

A typical day usually begins between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. and ends around 10:00 pm.  During those hours, hospitaleros’ duties may include arranging a breakfast for departing pilgrims, cleaning the common areas (kitchen, bathrooms, dormitory area), shopping and restocking food and/or supplies,doing laundry for kitchen and dormitories, welcoming and orienting incoming pilgrims, filling in the Register of Pilgrims, listening to and occasionally advising pilgrims, possibly preparing an evening meal for the pilgrims, possibly leading a spiritual or sharing session after dinner, shutting down and closing up the albergue for the night.

Interspersed within these duties are moments of deep sharing, assisting with medical or psychological issues, coordinating with fellow hospitalero(s), taking time for oneself. The job requires physical, mental and emotional stamina.

Check out our La Concha Hospitalero Corner for some on-the-ground stories. 

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.  Upon acceptance to a training session, the fee waiver application will be available. 

Michael Wyatt $1,000 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. Preference is given to an applicant placed by the Spanish Federation. Preference is given to an applicant placed by the Spanish Federation.  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.