Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Innovative Research in Education
Year: 2026
[PDF]
Learning by Walking: Experiential Entrepreneurship Education in the PEGADAS Project
Helena Sofia Rodrigues, Jorge Esparteiro Garcia, Rubén Navarro-Patón, Vitor Braga, Wellington Alves
ABSTRACT:
The PEGADAS project is an innovative cross-border experiential learning initiative targeting young people between 18 and 29 from Galicia and Portugal, designed to enhance employability through a structured blend of theoretical training and practical field experience along the Camino de Santiago. Situated at the intersection of education, culture, and entrepreneurship, the program integrates preparatory online modules in digitalization, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and critical thinking with five-day walking expeditions that traverse culturally and historically significant segments of the Camino. During these excursions, participants engage in context-embedded learning activities that challenge them to apply entrepreneurial concepts in real-world settings, develop collaborative solutions with peers, and document insights through creative outputs such as short films. This methodology fosters reflective practice and deepens understanding of socio-economic dynamics in rural and cross-border contexts while strengthening personal agency and professional competencies. By combining experiential education with applied entrepreneurial learning, PEGADAS not only cultivates transversal skills vital for contemporary labor markets but also promotes intercultural exchange and regional identity awareness. Preliminary participant feedback indicates enhanced self-efficacy, innovation mindset, and readiness to engage in entrepreneurial and professional activities. The project’s outcomes suggest a scalable model for embedding experiential, place-based learning into youth education frameworks to address employability challenges.
Keywords: Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship Education, Employability, Camino De Santiago, Cross-Border Education