My Iona

Immersion Trips

We say that the immersion trip chooses you, so take time to look over the various immersion trip offerings. Don’t be attracted only to an exotic name, but listen to where you might be called to serve, what kind of service fits with you, which break works better for you, etc.

Each Iona in Mission trip has a limited number of spots. If interested, you must apply and go through an interview process to be selected.

If selected for the team, you will begin preparing by meeting weekly to build community, learn about your immersion and host community, plan team and individual fundraising, and begin the reflection process. The weekly team meetings are essential and mandatory.

2023-2024 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.*

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Other Ways to Get Involved

IIM 2024: Peru

Are you interested in knowing what an immersion trip is really like? Watch the video below to hear from students about their experience in Peru and read this post for more details.

Find Your Immersion Trip

Winter Break Immersions 2024

Dates: January 2-13, 2024

On the IM Peru trip, students will work alongside the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in their work in and around Fe y Alegría 26, a Christian Brothers’ school in the outskirts of the city of Lima. Here, students will have the opportunity to meet and spend time serving families while working with students at a summer camp. Students will also gain a deeper appreciation for “everyday” life in Lima and learn more about Peru by visiting important historical and cultural sites.

Estimated cost: $1,900
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Global Economics, Development Economics, Education, Political Science, Sociology

Dates: January 3-10, 2024

On the IM Brownsville trip, students will learn about the realities of immigration to the United States, serving with various organizations that provide support to recent immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Students will have the chance to learn about life on the U.S.- Mexico border and see how the Christian Brothers have been a staple in the Brownsville community. Students will visit and serve at fellow Edmund Rice Christian Brother School, Guadalupe Regional Middle School, and will volunteer with various organizations through Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.

Estimated cost: $900
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Refugee and Migrant Concerns, Asylum, Immigration Policy, International Relations

Spring Break Immersions 2024

Dates: March 9-16, 2024

On this immersion, students will be hosted by Mustard Seed Communities and stay at Sophie’s Place, a residential community in Kingston, that is home to about 20 children with disabilities. Interaction with the residents is the most important role for the mission team! Each group will also have a work project that may include light construction, painting, etc. Students will share the joy that residents have and visit other homes in the area to meet residents and learn more about the work of MSC.   

Estimated cost: $1,700  
Student Leader: TBA  
Social Focus: Healthcare Inequities, Human Dignity, Disability Justice & Belonging 

Dates: March 9-16, 2024

At Nazareth Farm, you will learn about the economic and environmental injustices and cultural richness of Appalachia and engage in service opportunities such as constructing homes and visiting community members. This service-retreat experience will focus on the cornerstones of simplicity, community, prayer and service.

Estimated cost: $400
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Ecology

Dates: March 10-15, 2024

On the IIM Philadelphia trip, students will serve at St. Francis Inn, an organization that provides various services for persons experiencing homelessness. On this trip students will serve primarily by preparing and serving meals at the inn, but will also serve at a clothing bank, and assist in various other activities offered. This immersion offers students an opportunity to learn about urban poverty and the challenges it poses, while also focusing on community development, prayer and reflection. 

Estimated cost: $200
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Sociology, Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Housing Policy

Summer Break Immersions 2024

Dates: May 21 - June 1, 2024

The IIM Ireland trip has a dual focus of allowing students to gain a better appreciation of the Chrisitan Brothers by walking in the footsteps of Edmund Rice, while also taking his Charism into practice by engaging in community service and outreach projects there. Students will visit a local prison and interact with those who are incarcerated and serve those experiencing homelessness in Dublin. Students will also visit the birthplace and heritage sites of Blessed Edmund Rice and see other important historical and cultural sites.

Estimated Cost: $2,200
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Prison Reform; Homelessness Concerns; Substance Use Services; Iona History and Tradition

Dates: June 2024

The Iona in Mission Mississippi team will serve as counselors at Camp Friendship, which is a week-long overnight camp experience for children living in poverty; a third to a half of the campers live in foster care. The fun-filled, safe, and loving camp week is a real highlight of the children’s years. Our Gaels will help make this a reality through their presence and compassion to those little ones.  

Estimated Cost: $600
Student Leader: TBA
Social Focus: Childcare Inequities, Systemic Racism, Racial Justice

Students show their pottery works during the Jamaica service trip.
Students baking with residents during the Jamaica trip.
Students help to paint a building red during the service trip to Jamaica.
A group of students stand together in front of a building at Nazareth Farm in West Virginia.
Two students chop lettuce in a soup kitchen on the mission trip to Philadelphia.
A group of students from the Mississippi mission trip pose in an airport.

Attending a Trip?

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Contact Us

Office of Mission & Ministry

Robert V. LaPenta Student Union


(914) 637-2772 (914) 637-2772