Iona in Mission FAQs

Students must apply to participate in an immersion. The application will be live at the start of the semester and can be found on our IG’s Linktree @iuministries. After an application is reviewed, the Immersion Leader will call to conduct a brief interview. 

If selected for a team, participants have one week to submit their deposit, which secures their spot. Deposits are non-refundable and approximately 15% of the total cost of the immersion.

Immersions occur during winter, spring, and summer break. They range from 5 –11 days.

Weekly team meetings start about 6-8 weeks before departure and are about 75 minutes. Attendance is mandatory to participate. After the immersion, teams gather once more to discuss takeaways and plans for advocacy. 

Applicants select preferences but are not guaranteed placement on their first choice. While interest is important, there are many factors to consider when building a team, such as travel and service experience, financial preparation, and other aspects.

Every meeting will include team building exercises, travel logistics, a reflection activity, and education on the local area and community partner.

Generally, teams consist of about 8-12 students, an Immersion Leader, and faculty/staff Moderator.

We commit to making every effort to ensure all students can participate successfully in the program. While we cannot guarantee the same quality of support services you find here at Iona, we will do our best to provide the best possible experience. We are happy to work with Accessibility Services to discuss your needs and identify solutions.

Yes! Safety is our highest priority for all our immersion experiences. During the pre-immersion phase, we communicate with our hosts, follow local and international reporting, and review travel advisories to assess risks. In extreme cases, we consult with administrators to cancel a trip should a crisis or emergent situation occur.

As outlined in the student Code of Conduct, we value personal responsibility and respect for oneself and for those in the communities we visit.

All Iona in Mission participants are prohibited from consuming alcohol or other drugs during all Iona in Mission sponsored meetings, events, activities, etc. to:

• Ensure the safety of all volunteers on our immersions.
• Focus on being present and engaged.
• Maintain cohesion among participants, moderators, and community partners.
• Ensure that the group’s presence in the community does not cause any harm.

Costs vary depending on the location. Domestic programs range from $400-$1,000 while international trips range from $1,700-$2,200. Costs include airfare, lodging, program fees, activities, and other expenses. Prices are estimated and subject to change. 

Participants pay in installments throughout the months leading up to their trip. However, seeking sponsorships through team and individual fundraising is the best way to defray costs. For example, letter-writing, social media campaigns, personal phone calls, and other strategies can be used to collect donations. Participants are responsible for paying for their trip in full before leaving.