The Department of Sociology’s study abroad program to Spain gives students the opportunity to walk the Camino de Santiago, an ancient route walked by pilgrims that stretches across Europe, while learning the sociology of pilgrimage.
Students will begin their travels this summer on May 14 and return on June 2. This eight-week summer session course provides a combination of field work and an online syllabus led by Dr. Philip Schwadel, Professor of Sociology. Schwadel is currently working on research analyzing the associations between religious and political perspectives.
This trip offers students a more physical experience outside the classroom setting. Aside from walking the Camino, students will be given the opportunity to visit historical sites like León, a medieval city filled with churches and cathedrals designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, and the Cruz de Ferro.
Students will receive a Pilgrim’s Passport to collect stamps during the journey. Once completed, each student will be awarded a Compostela Certificate from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
Prior to the trip, students will be briefed with preparation details to ensure students have the appropriate documents, medical shots and sufficient budget, as well as an online introductory session on pilgrimage. The introductory session will highlight the basic concepts and roles of a pilgrimage.
Schwadel has not walked the Camino but he hopes that the students appreciate the different people and culture they meet throughout their journey. From the sociological aspect, he hopes the students will understand why people participate in a pilgrimage and are exposed to religions aside from their own.
Students will be surprised to know that most people are not participating for strictly Christian reasons, they generally just want to meet new people, Schwadel said.
The trip will be led by Dr. Stephen Lahey, Professor of Classics and Religious Studies, and Deborah Schaben, the office associate for UNL’s Sociology Department. This will be Schaben’s third experience walking the Camino.
Applications are now open until the first of the year next year. Students who are interested may start applying at UNL Education Abroad.
