Global Engagement
Learning Outside the Lines Can Take You Anywhere
Exploring the world around you and getting out of your comfort zone are key experiences for growth and learning. By immersing yourself in a new culture, you will broaden your perspective on life while making lifelong memories and friends. You will have direct exposure to the language, art, architecture and history of a country you may have previously been familiar with only through your studies, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for what it means to be a global citizen.
At Iona, students can choose from two different paths when they wish to take their learning experience off campus. They can opt for a traditional study abroad program or participate in an immersion trip.
Which option is right for me?
When exploring options for off-campus learning, it is important to keep an open mind. Not only does each path offer its own experience but every trip is unique and will contribute in its own way to your growth. Give yourself time to consider what you hope to get out of the experience and what lessons you want to carry with you upon your return.
Option for Multiple Trips
It’s important to remember that your experience does not have to be exclusive. For example, participating in one of our traditional study abroad programs one year might inspire you to check out an immersion trip the next year, or vice versa.
Information Sessions
While reading about off-campus learning is a great start, we also encourage you to attend an information session to gain a better idea of what it is like. This will give you a chance to discuss why you would like to study abroad and narrow down which trips best align with your goals and interests.
It’s Not “Where You Go” that Matters Most
Remember: it’s not necessarily “where you go,” it’s that you go! Regardless of which path you choose, all of our students come back from their experiences glowing with enthusiasm and a renewed vigor for learning and exploration! Taking your studies off campus is a life-changing experience, and we are delighted that you are taking the first step in this exciting journey.
Two Options for Off-Campus Learning
Study Abroad
Study abroad is a chance to expand your coursework in a foreign country. You have the option to participate in a short-term or long-term study abroad program. In our short-term study abroad programs, you take a course on campus as a part of your regular fall or spring semester course load and then during the winter or spring break you will embark on your abroad journey to enhance the class experience. In our long-term study abroad programs you take a course abroad for two to six weeks during the summer, either at our Iona Ireland campus or at another location that is offered, or study in a foreign country for an entire semester. Some abroad programs include class meetings and full daily itineraries, and others have less excursions and more time to explore the location with your classmates. All study abroad programs are a great way to travel while learning, exploring, and gaining valued intercultural competencies.
Immersion Trips
The Office of Mission & Ministry hosts immersion trips throughout the academic year and during summer. These trips are focused on service and offer the greatest opportunity for students to engage in service while being immersed in different cultures. Immersion trips can be domestic or international and consist of direct community engagement as well as personal and group reflection.
