Discover Spain: Cultivating Character and Leadership on the Camino de Santiago
This study abroad course will examine key questions of character and leadership while hiking the Camino de Santiago—a pilgrimage route that culminates in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and that has been traveled since the early ninth century. What is character? Does it change? Can human beings grow in character? If so, how? What role might practices like pilgrimages play in such growth? What character traits equip one for effective leadership? How can we develop such traits? Drawing insight from diverse disciplines—including philosophy, religious studies, history, psychology, sociology, and more—as well as from our own experiences hiking the Camino, we will reflect upon what we are learning about ourselves; upon the ways in which we might strengthen character virtues such as courage, wisdom, and perseverance; and upon the habits of character that sustain our lives, enrich our engagements with others, and equip us to lead in ways that are not only effective but good.
Dates: TBD. Short Term Courses typically include an on campus course later in the spring semester, followed by a 2-3 week abroad experience in May. |
| Overview |
HMN 385: Cultivating Character and Leadership on the Camino de Santiago
This study abroad course will examine key questions of character and leadership while hiking the Camino de Santiago—a pilgrimage route that culminates in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and that has been traveled since the early ninth century. What is character? Does it change? Can human beings grow in character? If so, how? What role might practices like pilgrimages play in such growth? What character traits equip one for effective leadership? How can we develop such traits? Drawing insight from diverse disciplines—including philosophy, religious studies, history, psychology, sociology, and more—as well as from our own experiences hiking the Camino, we will reflect upon what we are learning about ourselves; upon the ways in which we might strengthen character virtues such as courage, wisdom, and perseverance; and upon the habits of character that sustain our lives, enrich our engagements with others, and equip us to lead in ways that are not only effective but good.
Dates: TBD. Short Term Courses typically include an on campus course later in the spring semester, followed by a 2-3 week abroad experience in May. |
| Location |
Santiago de Compostela and Galicia, Spain |
| Program |
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| Faculty |
Dr. Bradley Burroughs
Director of Leadership and Character in Academic, Civic, and Religious Life
The Program for Leadership and Character
Email: burroub@wfu.edu
Raven Scott
Director of Leadership and Character in Athletics
Program for Leadership & Character
Email: scottr@wfu.edu |
| Accommodation |
In Santiago, students and faculty will stay at a hostel or B&B. On the Camino de Santiago, students and faculty will stay in local albergues, a hostel for pilgrims, which are some combination of municipal, parochial, association, and private pilgrim hostels. |
| Excursions |
Example schedule. Final schedule TBD.
Day One: Departure for Santiago, Spain
Day Two: Arrival in Santiago, Orientation
Day Three: Meetings at the University of Santiago de Compostela
Day Four – Seven: Site visits and meetings in Santiago, Spain
Departure for Triacastela, Galicia, Spain
Day Eight – Thirteen: Walking the Camino de Santiago
Day Fourteen: Additional Day in Santiago/ Return to U.S. |
| Selection |
There are no prerequisites for this course. The faculty director is responsible for the selection of each group based on the following criteria:
- Good academic standing
- Permission of instructor
- Instructor interview
- No HMN prerequisites required
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| Costs |
The total cost of a spring short-term study abroad program can be broken down into three categories:
Program Fee - Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students' spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.
Program Fee - $1,516
Airfare (estimated) - $1,500
Personal Expenses (estimated) - $1,225
Estimated total cost - $4,241 |
| Scholarships |
Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies. |
| Visa & Passport |
Passport Information
Students need to check their passport's expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program's end date.
Students going on a spring short-term program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least late November of the same year.
US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website for information on this process.
Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country's passport office.
Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your spring short-term abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country's embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not. |
| Contact |
Dr. Bradley Burroughs
Director of Leadership and Character in Academic, Civic, and Religious Life
The Program for Leadership and Character
Email: burroub@wfu.edu
Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu |
| Testimonials |
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