Field Missions Trip

February 26 to March 11, 2011

Intercultural Service Learning

Click here to download and print the application form for this exciting Field Missions trip!

San Carlos, Mexico

Providence College is pleased to announce a new Intercultural Service Learning opportunity for incoming and returning students. For two weeks in the winter semester, students can take part in an educational and service-oriented trip that will serve both as college credit and as a valuable cross-cultural experience.

Click here to  check out our Poster!

Where is San Carlos?

San Carlos, in the state of Sonora, is about 5 hours south of the US border from Nogales, AZ. It is a seaside town of about 5,000 people boasting beautiful beaches and very friendly people. Guaymas, a major city only 10 kilometers away, and the surrounding villages provide opportunity to interact with the Mexican people in a variety of social settings. Students will also travel inland to the villages of Banamachi and Arizpe, where they will experience a very different, yet equally rewarding part of Mexico.

What will students do?

There are countless learning and service opportunities, but here are some of the possibilities:

• English as a Second Language classes at a local Junior High
• Sports camps for elementary students
• Leading church services and youth group meetings
• Physical labour – building churches and homes
• Street ministry – Drama (Spanish and mime), music, sports and testimonies
• Serving at a soup kitchen
• Distributing food hampers

There are also many fun ways to explore Mexico that will include:

• Hiking and bouldering in a desert oasis
• Climbing Mt. Tetakawi (1500 ft)
• Deep Sea Fishing in the Sea of Cortez
• Enjoying the beaches and the sun

How will students prepare?

Intercultural Service Learning is more than 12 days over spring break. Students will also be required to participate in the following:

• Regular team meetings to prepare ministry tools such as drama, music, games and testimonies
   
• Spanish classes – Providence plans to offer a 3 credit-hour Spanish course in the fall semester to prepare students in conversational Spanish

*Note - ISL may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for the Mission Strategy course and will also count as one Field Education credit.

What is the cost?

Intercultural Service Learning is a regular three credit-hour course with standard course fees. Trip expenses (flights, lodging, etc.) will be in addition to the regular course fees. Depending on the number of students who apply, among other factors, these costs will be between $1,000 and $1,400.

Who may apply?

• Intercultural Service Learning is available to both freshmen and upperclassmen.
   
• Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA during the coming year to take part.
   
• Applicants must be involved in a local church, active in dorm life (if applicable) and growing in their spiritual journey so that they present themselves as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) to the people of Mexico.
   
• Applicants must have a desire to serve and learn whole-heartedly in both enjoyable and trying circumstances.

Who may not apply?

• 

  Sun-seekers! If you are looking for a 12-day Mexican vacation with your friends, please click here. This is not a spring break trip, but rather an intense cross-cultural experience of both service and learning.
   
• Students involved in the Major Production or Varsity Sports (basketball and volleyball) would not be able to take part in Intercultural Service Learning and athletics due to the conflicts in schedules.

Space is limited to 18 students and will be considered on a first-come first-serve basis, so make your $250 downpayment to secure your spot today!

To add your name to the list and receive information as well as the application form as it becomes available, send an email to the trip coordinator Jeff Banman. By sending an email you are not applying or committing to anything, only showing an interest in finding out more.