Iona University Announces Inaugural Programs on New Ireland Campus
Applications now open to study abroad in Westport, Ireland
Building upon its legacy and expanding opportunities for students to immerse themselves in global study, Iona University is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the inaugural academic session on its new campus in Westport, Ireland.
Courses in nursing and philosophy are set to run on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate from May 11-24, 2024. Students interested in enrolling must apply for consideration.
To learn more, please visit Iona Ireland or contact the Office of Study Abroad & Service Learning at studyabroad@iona.edu.
“We are so pleased to be launching our new campus in Westport and cannot wait for students to experience all this region of Ireland has to offer,” said Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “From the history and landscapes to the culture and welcoming community, Iona students will be able to immerse themselves in another way of life as they apply their classroom lessons in the world around them.”
A World of Opportunity
To better understand our diverse and changing world, Iona encourages students to immerse themselves in global cultures through its Study Abroad program. Courses are offered around the world, including Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Panama, Costa Rica, Ghana and more.
In Ireland, students will have a unique opportunity to explore the local culture and make an impact in the community while fulfilling graduation credits. The inaugural programs include:
Healthcare Perspectives (NUR 302; NUR 3020)
For nursing students only.
This course prepares students to critically examine the nursing profession, historical and theoretical frameworks, moral and legal issues, and standards of nursing practice. Current issues and health care trends are examined through the interprofessional lens.
Music: Meaning and Morality (PHL 401)
Core philosophy course; open to all students.
Music occupies a unique and central role in human experience. Through a reading of classical and contemporary philosophical sources as well as listening to various forms of music, this course examines the place of music in lived experience and considers its normative dimension as a source of moral influence.
Read more about the course descriptions and requirements today!
Experiential Learning
While studying abroad is an impactful learning experience in itself, Iona’s immersive programs in Ireland will also feature many experiential learning opportunities.
For instance, nursing students will perform clinical observations in local hospitals while philosophy students explore the unique role music plays in human experience by engaging with local performers. These experiences not only provide a more robust framework of the world at large, but also help students develop a broader set of real-world skills.
“Studying in Ireland will offer Iona nursing students an opportunity to learn about the nursing profession through a global lens by broadening their horizons and deepening their sense of compassion,” said Sherylyn Watson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE, director of nursing and associate dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. “By understanding the disparities that exist in the health care system both in the United States and around the world, students will develop the tools to confront these challenges and be able to better navigate the health care system and the nursing profession in a collaborative, interdisciplinary way.”
Building Upon a Legacy
Iona’s roots date back to nineteenth-century Ireland, where Edmund Rice, a successful businessman, devoted his wealth to educating the country’s poor and marginalized children. He would go on to establish the Congregation of Christian Brothers, which opened schools around the world and committed themselves to the transformative power of education.
The Christian Brothers founded Iona in 1940 to bring that mission to New Rochelle, N.Y. Since then, Iona has been proud to play a pivotal role in providing a high-quality education to students from across the country and around the world, being recognized as one of the top in the nation for return on investment. In 2021, Iona expanded its footprint to nearby Bronxville, N.Y., which is now primarily home to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.
Iona’s newest campus in Westport not only connects to its Irish legacy and the lasting inspiration of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, but also establishes the foundation upon which their mission will continue to flourish.
“Iona University remains deeply committed to the mission of Blessed Edmund and the Christian Brothers in all we do – from the teaching of our core curriculum to the planning of our campus events to the development of our service-learning experiences around the world,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “Our new campus in Ireland gives us an even greater connection to our past, while inspiring students to apply their learning forward in service to others.”
Welcome to Westport
As a leading attraction along the 1,600-mile Wild Atlantic Way – one of the longest coastal routes in the world – the Westport House Estate is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also deeply committed to building a sustainable future. Its history dates back to the 16th century and among its many attractions are the stunning views of Croagh Patrick, a holy mountain where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland.
The town of Westport, meanwhile, is just a short walk to the estate. Brimming with art, music, dining and more, it has been voted the best place to live in Ireland by the Irish Times newspaper. Students will enjoy accommodations within the town while exploring local culture.
Learn more about Iona Ireland and apply today!
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.