Immersion Trips
For over 20 years, Iona in Mission has sent students on short-term immersions during winter, spring, and summer break to learn about the strengths and struggles of different communities and the underlying social causes of inequity. The program seeks to create experiences where students can build relationships of care and solidarity with people in marginalized communities. Teams are led by an Immersion Leader and joined by a Faculty or Staff Moderator who also participates in the immersion.
Students must apply to participate in immersion, as it requires a commitment to
- weekly team meetings;
- a local community service project;
- a team fundraiser and personal fundraising;
- and post-immersion advocacy.
Attending an interest meeting is highly recommended. Follow our Instagram @iuministries for updates on interest meetings where you can receive trip-specific information and a chance to meet the Immersion Leader.
2026-2027 Iona in Mission Trips
Below, please find information regarding this year’s Iona in Mission trips offered by the Office of Mission & Ministry.
Please note that the prices of the trips may vary slightly based on airfare, and COVID-19 policies and requirements may change based on local, state or national regulations in each location.
Where Will You Go?
Winter Break Immersions 2027
Salem, West Virginia
Dates: January 3-9, 2027 (7 Days)
Visit Nazareth Farm and learn about the economic and environmental injustice and cultural richness of Appalachia. Engage in service opportunities such as constructing homes and visiting community members while living the values of simplicity, community, prayer, and service.
Estimated cost: $450
Student Leader: Rowan Torres
Social Focus: Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Ecology
Lima, Peru
Dates: January 1-10, 2027 (10 Days)
Work alongside the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers at Fe y Alegría 26, a Christian Brothers’ school on the outskirts of Lima. Here, students can meet and spend time serving families while working with students at a summer camp. Students will experience “everyday” life in Lima and learn more about Peru by visiting important historical and cultural sites.
Estimated cost: $2,100
Student Leaders: Wendy Aguirre
Social Focus: Global Economics, Development Economics, Education, Political Science, Sociology
Hear From Our Students
Watch the video below to hear from students about their experience in Peru and read this post for more details.
Brownsville, Texas
Dates: January 2-9, 2027 (9 Days)
Travel to the U.S.-Mexico border and learn about the realities of immigration by serving at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and various other centers that provide support to recent immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Students will visit and serve at fellow Edmund Rice Christian Brother School, Guadalupe Regional Middle School, and experience life in Brownsville.
Estimated cost: $1,200
Student Leader: Jennifer Buestan
Social Focus: Refugee and Migrant Concerns, Asylum, Immigration Policy, International Relations
Hear From Our Students
Ireland & Belfast
Dates: January 1-9, 2027 (9 Days)
Gain a better appreciation of the Chrisitan Brothers by visiting Blessed Edmund Rice heritage sites in Waterford and Callan. Put BER’s Charism into practice through various community service and outreach projects and learn about issues impacting Irish society.
Estimated cost: $2,100
Student Leader: Margaret Shaffer
Social Focus: Homelessness Concerns; Substance Use Services; Iona History and Tradition
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dates: February 4-7, 2027 (4 Days); March 5-7, 2027 (3 Days)
Students will serve with the Franciscan community dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Participants will help prepare and serve meals, engage with guests, and reflect on the deeper social issues of systemic poverty, housing insecurity, and dignity.
Estimated cost: $80
Student Leader: Brennan Cliggett; Janae Nora
Social Focus: Housing & Food Insecurity, Urban Poverty
Spring Break Immersions 2027
Kingston, Jamaica
Dates: March 13-20, 2027 (8 Days)
Hosted by Mustard Seed Communities, stay at Sophie’s Place, a residential community in Kingston for children with disabilities. Interaction with the residents is the most important role for the team! Each group will also have a work project that may include light construction, painting, etc. Share the joy of the residents and experience the history and culture of Jamaica.
Estimated cost: $2,100
Moderator: Michelle Veyvoda
Student Leader: Naila Montoya
Social Focus: Healthcare Inequities, Human Dignity, Disability Justice & Belonging
Summer Break Immersions 2027
Hardwick, Massachusetts
Dates: May TBD, 2027 (5 Days)
Visit Nazareth Farm and learn about the economic and environmental injustice and cultural richness of Appalachia. Engage in service opportunities such as constructing homes and visiting community members while living the values of simplicity, community, prayer, and service.
Estimated cost: $450
Moderator: Jim Robinson
Student Leader: TBD
Social Focus: Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Ecology
Aberdeen, Mississippi
Dates: June TBD, 2027 (8 Days)
Serve as a volunteer counselor at Camp Friendship, a week-long summer camp for children in foster care. Lead activities, games, and crafts, and learn the issues youth face in the foster system such as lower educational options, homelessness, and anxiety. Discover the joy and resilience of the campers and get to know what their everyday life is like!
Estimated Cost: $600
Student Leaders: TBD
Social Focus: Childcare Inequities, Systemic Racism, Racial Justice
Repairing a local family's home in West Virginia.
Learning from and supporting a refugee resettlement community.
Students help mix concrete for a home build in Peru.
Serving meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness in Belfast.
Preparing sandwiches for those experiencing homelessness in Kensington.
Clearing trails and caring for local woodlands.
Heading to Camp Friendship for a week of community with youth in foster care.