volunteer in an albergue

[bkkboy]

I am interested in volunteering at an albergue, preferably along the Camino Frances, although I would consider the Portuguese camino. How do I go about seeking a volunteer position? How long in advance do I need to apply - I am looking at volunteering in 2024? Also, many posts mention taking a hospitality course, which are not available in Thailand where I live, nor would I pay to take one anyway. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[SabsP]

I am interested in volunteering at an albergue, preferably along the Camino Frances, although I would consider the Portuguese camino. How do I go about seeking a volunteer position? How long in advance do I need to apply - I am looking at volunteering in 2024? Also, many posts mention taking a hospitality course, which are not available in Thailand where I live, nor would I pay to take one anyway. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Maybe a mail to the kind people of HOSVOL and hear what they can offer in terms of training from a distance?

Camino de Santiago

Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.

www.caminosantiago.org

 

[J Willhaus]

You can also check "work away" as there are positions there at times in albergues. No requirement for training there.

 

[LTfit]

As @SabsP mentioned, contact HOSVOL. Although the organization prefers that you first complete a weekend course and have already walked a Camino, from my personal experience the former is not obligatory.

At the time there were no courses offered in The Netherlands and I didn't want to go to Spain for a weekend. Maybe I had a good story (I do speak Spanish) but in any case the course was waived. What they sometimes say is to arrive at your placement a day or two early to get a feel for the place and duties. I don't know if they still allow this.

An alternative is to contact @Rebekah Scott who is responsible for the placement of volunteers in pilgrim albergues in Grado (Primitivo), Nájera (Francés) and Canfranc (Aragonés).

Good luck! It's lots of hard work but a wonderful way to keep the traditional pilgrim hospitality alive and well.

 

[J Willhaus]

Our experience of arriving early resulted in the current hospitaleros vacating early on our first volunteer experience. I think the course also is used to see if the person is committed to the experience. Some after taking the course never volunteer. In any case, there are other opportunities such as the pilgrim office which can also be rewarding. I recommend the training as it sets the stage for what is expected by HosVol for donativo albergues. It can be intimidating to get the keys and realize that you are in charge for the next 2 weeks. If you are a new solo volunteer you may be paired with an experienced volunteer.

 

[LTfit]

I think the course also is used to see if the person is committed to the experience. Some after taking the course never volunteer.

During an annual Hospitalero get-together years ago Anaï, the coordinator for many years, told me that the course is actually used to weed out potential problems (i.e. people not suitable candidates).

 

[512]

Tangentially relevant, perhaps:
On the Norte (in 2017) pilgrims would stop at Guemes and just stay for a week, or month, to volunteer.