This summer, a group of Iona University students participated in a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on international mass communications. The experience combined classroom learning with direct exposure to local culture and community life.

Students studied under Dr. Bob Petrausch, exploring topics such as international marketing and media. They visited historic sites including Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Gothic Quarter. The program also included practical activities like cooking paella and beginner Spanish lessons to help students engage with the local population.

Alina Denaut ’26 described her experience: “I’m incredibly grateful to Iona University for the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. By exploring the streets of Barcelona, I experienced the culture first-hand and connected classroom concepts to the real world.

“I explored iconic landmarks from Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló and the Gothic Quarter. My month-long stay introduced me to a world of learning, culture and exploration. Along with 10 other Iona students, we studied international media.

“Dr. Petrausch taught us that culture is how individuals experience and interpret the world. I appreciated Barcelona's tight-knit community, which encouraged an outdoor and family culture. The streets were always brimming with music, people, and life.

“From trying new foods to interacting with locals, Barcelona taught me that learning isn’t just in the classroom; it’s always in your grasp. I believe Iona really strives to connect students to the real world by offering hands-on opportunities, such as their study abroad program. This experience broadened my perspective, both professional and personal.”

Natalie Aversano ’26 added: “We studied at Residencia Universitaria Barcelona UNIHABIT Ciutat Vella while taking International Communications, an elective course for media and strategic communication majors. Throughout the class, we explored the field of international public relations and gained a deeper awareness of global marketing and advertising strategies, particularly as seen throughout the vibrant city of Barcelona.

“Our first excursion, Spanish 101, helped us learn beginner Spanish, which made us feel safer and more comfortable interacting with locals.

Together as a class, we visited some of Barcelona’s most iconic sites, including the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum, La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural and artistic history of the region.”

Iona University offers a range of study abroad programs designed to connect academic studies with real-world experiences for its nearly 4,000 students across campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville. The university provides undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration along with graduate programs including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as advanced certificate options.

The institution has received recognition from several national publications for its academic quality—including being named among “the nation’s best colleges” by The Princeton Review [https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges], The Wall Street Journal [https://www.wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2025], Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/], U.S. News & World Report [https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/iona-university-2722] for social mobility achievements—and Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment [https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegeroi2022/]. Its LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation—a distinction held by only about 6 percent of business schools worldwide [https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools]. In partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital—one of America’s leading hospitals—Iona established its School of Health Sciences at its Bronxville campus.

The university also recently expanded internationally by opening a campus in County Mayo on Ireland’s Westport House Estate.