Three students from South East Technological University (SETU) recently completed a 126 km section of the Camino de Santiago as part of an EU-CONEXUS student-led project exploring sustainable tourism and cultural heritage.
Kyle O'Toole and Katy Fitzgerald, who are studying Arts at SETU's Waterford campus, and Kateryna Trehub, who is studying TV and Media Production at SETU's Carlow campus, joined nine other students representing 10 nationalities from across the EU-CONEXUS alliance. Their project was one of the successful recipients of the EU-CONEXUS Student Project Fund. The initiative began as an idea during the EU-CONEXUS Festival in Cyprus and the Iamstudent Congress before becoming a reality in May this year.
The project set out to explore sustainable tourism by experiencing it at grassroots level, with the Camino providing the ideal setting. Drawing inspiration from the rich walking and pilgrimage traditions of Ireland's south east, including Wexford's historic pilgrim routes, the students challenged themselves physically and mentally while learning about culture, spirituality and teamwork.
As part of their preparation, the group met with Dr Bernadette Flanagan, Lecturer in Spirituality Studies at SETU, along with Sarah Grocutt, Dr Hector Esteve Ibanez and Laura Jimenez from the UCV Mountain Sports: Health, Inclusion and Society Research Group. The student-led initiative demonstrated what can be achieved when students are empowered to design and lead their own international learning experiences while engaging directly with the coastal communities of Galicia.
On-the-ground learning
Reflecting on the experience, Kyle O'Toole said:
"Throughout the trip, we immersed ourselves in the cultures represented across the alliance through shared meals prepared by group members, cultural presentations delivered by fellow students, and conversations with local people. These experiences deepened our understanding of Galicia while also strengthening our appreciation of the wider EU-CONEXUS community."
For Katy Fitzgerald, the experience was equally transformative.
"The trip allowed me to meet 10 new people and create friendships that will last a lifetime. It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in Galician culture by enjoying local food and speaking with local people. It also proved that I was capable of taking on an immense physical challenge, which was incredibly rewarding—an experience I would never have had without EU-CONEXUS."
Kateryna Trehub reflected on overcoming both physical and personal challenges.
"I faced two major challenges: completing the long distance and living with 11 strangers. Luckily, as soon as we started walking, all my fears disappeared. Our team supported each other through every hill and every kilometre. Completing the Camino strengthened me physically and spiritually while giving me lifelong friendships across Europe. The impact has been incredible. This journey has inspired me to become more active."
An experience of a lifetime
Kyle O'Toole described the project as a life-changing experience.
"Taking part in this mobility was life-changing in so many ways. By immersing myself in different European cultures, I developed a greater appreciation of the sense of community that comes with living in Europe. I also learned about the history and contemporary life of Galicia while challenging myself physically and mentally. The experience helped me develop skills, confidence and friendships that will stay with me for life."
For Kateryna Trehub, the memories continue well beyond the Camino.
"Thanks to EU-CONEXUS, my teammates and I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the coastal communities of Portugal and Spain. I now have the confidence to walk long distances, embrace new experiences and connect with people from different cultures. The project has inspired me to continue exploring the world around me. I am writing this after completing the 10 km Howth Cliff Walk with Katy and Kyle."
The Camino experience gave the students far more than the opportunity to complete a long-distance walk. It strengthened international friendships, developed resilience and intercultural understanding, and highlighted the value of student-led learning through EU-CONEXUS. As well as creating lasting memories, the experience equipped the students with practical skills in organisation, project management and collaborative problem-solving—skills that will benefit them throughout their studies and future careers. Reflecting on the journey, the students agreed that the experience challenged them in unexpected ways, broadened their perspectives and gave them the confidence to embrace new opportunities—lessons they will carry with them long after reaching their final destination.
