Samantha Lugo Torres
Clemson University | Class of 2026 | B.A. in Language and International Business
Samantha Lugo Torres
Clemson University | Class of 2026 | B.A. in Language and International Business
Internship
This page highlights my internship experience through the Clemson in Compostela program, including my work in the office, professional meetings, and visits throughout Galicia. For a deeper look at my responsibilities and the cultural and professional differences I observed, you can read my full internship report, written in Spanish, attached at the bottom of the page.
From March to April of 2025 during my study abroad experience, I completed an internship with the Sociedad Anónima de Gestión do Plan Xacobeo, a public organization under Turismo de Galicia. The organization manages approximately 76 public hostels along the different routes of the Camino de Santiago, collaborates with related groups, and supports the planning and promotion of events for the Xunta de Galicia. I worked under Director Ildefonso de la Campa and his team, primarily translating promotional materials between Spanish and English and assisting the office with whatever tasks were needed.

Meetings

One of the most memorable opportunities I had was traveling with Ildefonso to Verín, about two hours away, for a meeting at the Concello de Monterrei. We met with a Chinese representative and his Spanish partners to discuss the possibility of creating a Foundation of Chinese Friends of the Camino. Their goal was to combine elements of Chinese and Spanish culture to encourage more Chinese travelers to experience the Camino, particularly the Vía de la Plata, one of the less-traveled routes. One idea was to invite Chinese influencers to walk part of the route and share their experience with their followers. Because of government and logistical limitations, the group decided the idea needed further discussion. It was interesting to watch an international business meeting take place and see how everyone communicated professionally and respectfully. I also experienced some cultural differences firsthand, including the Spanish tradition of greeting people with two kisses. I kept forgetting and trying to shake everyone's hand instead. After the meeting, we went to Restaurant Brasil for lunch. The conversation completely shifted from business to getting to know one another, with plenty of talking and laughter. It reminded me of something I had noticed throughout my time in Spain. That food is often a social experience and an important way people build relationships.
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Visits To Hostels
I also had the opportunity to visit several of the public hostels managed by the organization, including locations that were still being renovated. These hostels offer an affordable option for travelers along the Camino while also supporting the communities they are located in. Many are located in renovated historic buildings and are designed around shared spaces where travelers can meet people from different countries. During a visit to the hostel in Padrón, I met travelers from the United States, Germany, and France. Many were walking the Camino as a personal challenge, but each person had a different story and reason for making the journey. My favorite visit was to O Carril, where a new hostel was being renovated. I learned about the architectural plans, budgeting, and the steps involved in turning an existing building into a functioning public hostel. Since I had walked part of the Camino myself, these visits gave me a completely different perspective. I had experienced the Camino as a traveler, and now I was able to see the work that happens behind the scenes to create and maintain these spaces for other pilgrims.



Experience In the Office

My experience in the office allowed me to make some comparisons with office work in the U.S.. Everyone knew their responsibilities and was comfortable asking anyone for help. While coworkers sometimes disagreed about small things, they still laughed together and spent time together outside of work. The environment felt more flexible and informal than I expected. My student schedule was from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while my coworkers typically worked until 5 p.m., and lunch was often spent together at a nearby café or restaurant rather than eating at the office. I especially enjoyed getting to know my coworkers through these everyday interactions. We talked about travel, public transportation, life in Spain, and life in the United States. Even though I was only there for about a month, I built relationships with people who taught me a great deal about the tourism industry as well as about life. This internship gave me the opportunity to use Spanish in a professional setting, experience international collaboration, learn about tourism in Galicia, and see the work behind the Camino de Santiago. I am especially grateful that my coworkers welcomed me into their workplace and allowed me to experience both the professional and personal sides of working in Spain.
To read a full report of my internship, click the button below. Written in Spanish, the report gives a closer look at my responsibilities, my experience working in the office, and the cultural and professional differences I observed during my time in Galicia, Spain.
Clemson, SC
Samantha Lugo Torres
Samanthaltgl@gmail.com