Iona University Students Explore Ecotourism Marketing in Costa Rica
From the Starbucks Coffee Farm to the splendors of the rainforest, students say the transformative trip “will forever shape my perspective on the world.”
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University marketing students recently embarked on an immersive study abroad experience in Costa Rica designed to combine classroom knowledge with real-world insights. Focusing on ecotourism marketing and economic development, students engaged in experiential learning opportunities throughout the country while also exploring local culture.
Most notably, the group visited the Starbucks Coffee Farm and learned about the importance of coffee in Costa Rica’s economic development. Highlights also included connecting with business leaders such as the chairman of Café Britt; the chief creative officer at the Jotabequ Grey ad agency; and the owner of Besana, an air cargo logistics company.
Congratulations to the following students on a successful study abroad:
- Imaan Butt ’24
- Herolinda Dacaj ’25
- Briana Gonzalez ’24
- Amanda Maiorana ’24
- Olivia Murillo ’25
- Mustafa Naeem’25
- Dylan Piedra ’24
- Jorgjiano Proko ’25
- Krisna Rivera’26
- Eduardo Tinoco ’24
When students weren’t deepening their understanding of marketing, they immersed themselves in the culture of Costa Rica with surfing lessons, ziplining and vising the Monteverde Rainforest.
“Studying abroad in Costa Rica was more than just an adventure; it was a transformative journey that opened my eyes to the country’s vibrant culture,” said Herolinda Dacaj ’25. “From engaging with local businesses to exploring the lush rainforests and volcanoes, every moment was a valuable lesson in embracing new experiences. It was a trip that will forever shape my perspective on the world.”
Roberto Cruz, clinical lecturer in the LaPenta School of Business Marketing Department, and Kyle Byrne, assistant director of Student & Alumni Engagement and adjunct instructor of Communication Studies, led the trip.
Learn more about study abroad and service-learning opportunities here.
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 2024 national list of “The Best 389 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.