Walking the Camino de Santiago with my class was easily one of the most interesting experiences I’ve had while studying abroad. After spending the entire semester learning about the Camino’s history, religious meaning, and cultural impact, actually getting to walk it ourselves made everything feel so much more real.
We started in Sarria and walked about 114 kilometers along the Camino Francés over five days. That’s just over the 100 kilometers needed to earn the Compostela certificate in Santiago.
There were sixteen of us in the class, and during the day, we’d walk in smaller groups at our own paces, stopping along the way at cafés, little bars, and shops. One of my favorite parts was collecting stamps in our pilgrim passports at each stop. There were some super fun ones we found, like one that painted flags with wax. Another cool part of the Camino was seeing the same people over and over again as we walked. You’d pass someone one day, then see them again later, and it created this sense of connection with other pilgrims, even if you only talked briefly.
At night, we stayed in albergues and had dinner together, which became a really nice way to unwind and reflect on the day.
We also got very lucky with the weather. It was supposed to rain for much of the time, but it barely did, which made such a difference. Walking through the countryside, we saw tons of animals like cows, goats, horses, and even a donkey, and overall it was so scenic and peaceful.
What made the experience even more meaningful was actually understanding the history behind what we were doing. In our class, we studied the Camino from its creation until now, and learned what makes it the third largest Christian pilgrimage in the world. Instead of just walking, we knew why the Camino mattered and what it has meant to people for centuries.
Finally, arriving in Santiago was such a rewarding feeling. Seeing the cathedral in person after days of walking was incredible, and we even stayed for mass and visited the tomb of Santiago, something we had talked about all semester. It really brought everything full circle.
Ava Jakominich
Spring 2026
GW Madrid (GW Study Program)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major