Volunteer on the Camino de Santiago
with Jaca Town Council.

Get involved and have fun
surrounded by the nature and beauty of the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Gain new experiences and knowledge
in a multicultural and diverse environment.

VOLUNTEERING, TRAINING AND CULTURE PROGRAMME ON THE CAMINO

UNIVERSITY WALKING COMMUNITY 2026

GUIDELINES
FORM

OBJECT

The University Walking Community programme was created with the aim of facilitating the university community to carry out volunteer actions on the Camino de Santiago and in public institutions. Its aim is to promote the values of cooperation, solidarity, diversity, tolerance and unity.

The University Walking Community 2026 edition aims to mobilise the community between 18 and 30 years of age of the Compostela Group of Universities (CGU) to carry out municipal and university volunteering, training and enculturation actions linked to the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

ORGANISING

COLLABORATING

TESTIMONIALS

WHO CAN APPLY

Young people aged between 18 and 30 from institutions that are members or associate members of the Compostela Group of Universities (CGU), with at least basic knowledge of both Spanish and English, an interest in volunteering, an open-minded attitude, and an enthusiasm for sports and nature.

 

WHAT IS COVERED

During the volunteering period, the organisation will provide:

  • Accommodation (expected to be in a university residence hall with outdoor swimming pool facilities and common areas).
  • Meals.
  • Local transport to the activity venues.
  • Materials and resources needed for the volunteering activities.
  • Participation in cultural activities (both indoor and outdoor).
  • Civil liability and accident insurance during the stay.
  • Information and support for preparing the trip and stay in Jaca.

Participants will also be required to:

  • Have their own medical insurance, including coverage during travel.
  • Organise and cover the cost of their travel independently and with their own resources.

    DATES

    15 consecutive days, from 16 to 30 August 2026.

     

    LOCATION

    The Camino de Santiago, together with the landscapes and heritage sites of the Municipality of Jaca, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees (Spain).

     

    MENTORING AND SUPPORT

    Throughout the programme, participants will be accompanied by:

    • A person responsible for coordinating the stay, tasks, and monitoring of activities.
    • A support person assisting with the volunteering activities.

    RECOGNITION

    At the end of the programme, participants who successfully complete it will receive:

    • A certificate of participation issued by the organisation.
    • Recognition as ambassadors of the Camino de Santiago within the network.
    • For international participants, a Certificate of Knowledge in Spanish Language issued by the University of Zaragoza.

    PROGRAMME

    Volunteering Activities

    • Assistance and information services for pilgrims.
    • Support in Camino hostels.
    • Activities with local associations and organisations.
    • Organisation of cultural and educational activities.
    • Signposting and maintenance work along the Camino.
    • Environmental and socio-cultural activities, as well as other initiatives of an educational, cultural, collaborative university, and social learning nature.

    Cultural Activities

    • Walking sections of the Camino de Santiago

    • Cultural visits to Jaca and its historical heritage

    • University activities

    • Intercultural exchanges between participants

    • Sports and outdoor activities

    • Group dynamics

    • International social evenings

    • Mountain excursions in the Aragonese Pyrenees (e.g. to high-altitude mountain lakes, Pyrenean forests, glacial valleys and historical monuments along the Camino).

    Training activities

    • Introductory course on volunteering

    • Workshops on the historical, cultural and social heritage of the Camino de Santiago

    • Workshops on the environment, natural heritage and sustainable tourism.

    PLACES AVAILABLE

    This call for applications has 15 places open to volunteers.

     

    APPLICATION PROCEDURE

    Please have the following documents ready and complete the online application form:

    • Certificate confirming affiliation with a member or associate institution of the CGU.
    • Certificate proving knowledge of a foreign language (Spanish or English).
    • Copy of national identity document or passport.

    Where applicable:

    • Proof of previous volunteering experience.
    • Proof of participation in associations, groups, or projects of a social or humanitarian nature.

    CALENDAR

    10 June 2026

    (12:00 PM GMT, Spanish peninsular time)

    Deadline for submitting applications.

    •

    Week of 15 June 2026

    Announcement of selected candidates.

    •

    Week of 22 June 2026

    Announcement of participants.

    •

    16–30 August 2026

    Acción de voluntariado.

    SELECTION CRITERIA

    • Proof of proficiency in a non-native language (Spanish or English): Level A (1 point), Level B (1.5 points), and Level C (2 points).
    • Previous volunteering experience: Up to two activities (1 point) and more than two activities (2 points).
    • Participation in associations, groups, or projects of social or humanitarian interest: One association/group/project (1 point) and two or more (2 points).

    Additional considerations:

    • Motivation.
    • Gender balance.
    • Inclusion of participants with disabilities.
    • Geographical distribution.

    AWARDING AND CONFIRMATION OF PLACES

    Successful applicants will be notified of their place by email. Places will only be confirmed for those who confirm and formalise their acceptance by replying and submitting the following within 7 calendar days:

    • Responsible declaration of acceptance and commitment to stay as a volunteer for fifteen days, according to the given model.
    • Proof of travel arrangements: invoice or proof of booking and payment for the trip to the city of Jaca.

    PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

    The final resolution will be published in this section in June 2026.

    PREVIOUS EDITIONS