The 7th annual edition of Camino de Santiago Program has successfully concluded, bringing together students from the United States, Puerto Rico, and Spain in an experience that once again demonstrated the power of education beyond the classroom. Organized by the International Studies Foundation (ISF), the foundation of CIS University, the program gave participants the opportunity to walk the final 115 kilometers of the Camino Francés (French Way), strengthening values such as community, solidarity, and intercultural understanding.
Far more than a historic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago offers thousands of people the opportunity to pause, connect, and grow. As those who have walked it often say, every step teaches a new lesson, and every encounter leaves a lasting impression long after arriving in Santiago.
During this seventh edition, participants began their journey in Madrid, where they took part in cultural and team-building activities before traveling to Galicia to complete the final stretch of the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. After several days of effort, friendship, and personal growth, they received the traditional Compostela Certificate in the Plaza del Obradoiro, marking the conclusion of an experience they will never forget.
The impact of the program extends well beyond the journey itself. Pedro Callender, a participant in a previous edition and a student at Miami Dade College, reflects on his experience: “It has already been a year since that journey, and I still remember it every day with gratitude and affection. It was a truly special experience that profoundly changed my life.” Now living in New York and serving in the United States National Guard, he adds: “I still carry with me the lessons and memories of the Camino, and they continue to inspire me every single day.”
Since its launch in 2017, the Camino de Santiago Program, organized by the International Studies Foundation (ISF), has offered high-achieving students the opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most iconic pilgrimages while promoting intercultural exchange, personal development, and the development of future leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
María Díaz de la Cebosa, President of ISF and CIS University, highlighted the transformative value of the program: “Since launching this initiative, we have witnessed how the Camino de Santiago creates lasting friendships, fosters respect among cultures, and encourages young people to discover new ways of understanding the world. We are deeply proud to see how each edition leaves a lasting impact on every participant.”
She also expressed her gratitude to all the partner institutions whose continued commitment makes the program possible year after year, reaffirming her belief that education and cultural exchange remain essential tools for building a more open, compassionate, and inclusive society.
An International Program That Brings Cultures Together Through the Camino
The 2026 edition once again brought together young people from different countries thanks to the collaboration of several international educational institutions. Among them was Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, whose President, Dr. Madeline Pumariega, joined participants at CIS University to bid them farewell before the journey began.
Also participating were the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, represented by two students from New Jersey who earned their place by winning a podcast competition focused on the Spanish language and culture; AECI 1 Charter School (Bronx, New York); Leap STEAM+E Academy of San Juan (Puerto Rico); Colegio Notre Dame (Puerto Rico) and the Go American English program of the International Studies Foundation, offered at CIS University (Madrid, Spain).
Throughout the pilgrimage, students shared experiences, overcame physical challenges, and built friendships that will last well beyond the Camino itself. The journey once again became a space where personal growth, intercultural dialogue, and mutual support were just as meaningful as reaching Santiago.
Edition after edition, the Camino de Santiago Program continues to demonstrate that some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned not only through books or in the classroom, but also through meaningful experiences shared with people from different backgrounds, languages, and cultures.
Thanks to the commitment of the International Studies Foundation, CIS University, its partner institutions, and all the organizations that support this initiative, another generation of young people returns home with a broader perspective on the world, lifelong friendships, and an experience that will stay with them forever.
Congratulations to all the 2026 Camino pilgrims!