Iona University’s Expanded Study Abroad Program Takes Flight
Iona students can now explore countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ireland as the University grows its study abroad program
Barcelona, Spain
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. & BRONXVILLE, N.Y. — Iona University is launching its expanded study abroad program, adding Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ireland to its list of destinations, giving students an even wider range of countries to choose from. Iona is also bringing back popular study abroad programs in destinations such as Poland, Spain, France and more.
"From historic architecture to traditional cuisines, the world has so much to offer and Iona University is giving its students the opportunity to explore it, while taking a course and receiving their necessary credits to stay on their graduation trajectory," said Dayna Richardson, coordinator for Civic & Global Engagement. “With our new study abroad programs in so many culturally-rich destinations, Iona students can experience new customs, hone their language skills, make lifelong friends and much more.”
The University also recently organized study abroad trips to London and Italy for a memorable and transformative experience and adventure.
“My professor emphasized that we were not in London to become tourists, but to become travelers, and immerse ourselves in the culture,” said Elijah Williams ’23, who spent his spring break exploring England.
In addition to memorable cultural experiences, students also formed long-lasting connections with their peers.
“On our last night in Milan, while we were walking back to our hotel, I overheard one of my classmates say that even though the trip was ending, he felt like he made lifelong friends,” said Cristian Angelori ’23, who toured Milan and Rome with his LaPenta School of Business peers. “To me, that was a very powerful and nice way to close out our trip.”
Students can also take part in Iona in Mission trips, offering a variety of service opportunities both domestically and around the world. Students recently visited Jamaica, where they cooked meals, assisted with laundry, painted facilities and spent quality time singing, dancing and engaging with the residents.
Iona’s wide variety of study abroad programs allows students to tailor their experience based on a specific passion or location; programs are also available for full semesters, summers or winter and spring breaks.
Auschwitz, Poland
Spring Break
Students will have the opportunity to gain perspective in the study of the holocaust and the Auschwitz concentration camp through site trips and opportunities with the Centre for Dialogue and Prayer in Oswiecim, Poland.
Bahia, Brazil
Summer
Gaels can explore Afro-Brazilian culture and history in Bahia, Brazil, all while exchanging in philosophical discussion about human nature.
Barcelona, Spain
Summer
This trip allows students to hone their Spanish-language skills while exploring Barcelona's rich culture, vibrant artwork, incredible seaside views and innovative food.
Dublin, Ireland
Spring Break
A proud Irish-Catholic institution, Iona provides the opportunity for students to explore and experience Irish culture, history and traditions while learning about the importance of Irish theatre, how it began and continues to thrive in the modern era. They can also attend world-class Irish theatre productions, take part in excursions to incredible sites and locales in and around Dublin and Galway, and more.
Porto, Portugal
Summer
In partnership with the European Innovation Academy, Iona students will spend three weeks learning what it takes to become a global entrepreneur and take part in a life-changing experience - all while launching their own startup.
Learn more about alumna Leah Figueroa ’23 and her experience in Porto here.
London, England
Spring Break
Students enrolled in Iona’s creative nonfiction course can travel to London and visit destinations discussed in their coursework, including Shakespeare’s Globe, Kensington Gardens, London Bridge and much more. In addition, they will have the chance to enjoy a show, visit markets and take day trips outside of the city. Students will also have the opportunity to venture off and explore the city on their own. Read more about Iona students exploring London during spring break here.
Panama
Spring Break
Gaels can spend their spring break exploring Panama with Movement Exchange, a non-profit organization that provides arts education to underserved communities, studying dance and folkloric rhythms, while learning about the importance of community, movement, entrepreneurship and activism.
Paris, France
Semester: Fall or Spring
Students can study and explore Paris with opportunities to visit Normandy, Strasbourg and the region of Provence.
Rome & Milan, Italy
Spring Break
In Rome and Milan, students will get first-hand, personal exposure to the local culture and academic settings while accruing valuable business industry insights. Course materials will include gaining an understanding of multi-cultural companies and their business practices, learning from international faculty and visiting key cultural, entertainment and business locales throughout Italy. Read more about Iona students exploring Rome and Milan during spring break here.
Rome, Italy
Semester: Fall or Spring
Students interested in visiting Rome for a full semester have the option to take classes in the heart of the city with opportunities to explore Campania, Tuscany and Sicily.
Western Europe
Semester: Fall or Spring
For students who want to study in and explore various European cities, there are opportunities to visit Limerick, Paris and Rome during their fall or spring semester at Iona.
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 is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2025 national list of “The Best 390 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just six percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” 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 NewYork-Presbyterian. Connecting to its Irish heritage, the University also recently announced it is expanding abroad with a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. 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.