Get Involved

Get Involved at Providence

Many international students studying at Providence say that making friends and meeting new people lessens the impact of cultural transition. Making friends will also help in your academic success at Providence. Most Canadians welcome the opportunity to meet people from another culture. Make plans to attend the many banquets and student retreats that Providence offers. Remember there are evening activities, resident events, and tons of other things you can get involved in, including Student Council committees and helping at chapel. Here are some other suggestions for meeting people at Providence:

Sports, Recreation, and Leisure

Providence has both varsity and intramural sports, so there is something for everyone who wants to participate in team or individual sports. It’s a great way to meet people and will help you to stay physically fit and healthy.

Touring Ensembles

All College and Seminary students are welcome to audition for a touring ensemble. There are both music and drama ensembles. You must audition to be a member of an ensemble and remember that tours often go to the U.S.A., therefore, depending on your citizenship, you may require an American visa.

Uniquely International

Maybe you are shy and you want to work on your English language skills before being more involved at Providence. Or maybe you want to observe and learn more about Canada before venturing out to join music and drama groups or joining a sports team. There are other choices to gain your courage, try these options for involvement that are more focused toward international students.

• Intercultural Connections: Intercultural Connections is a program that connects a Canadian student to a new international student to help provide an enhanced orientation to Canada. It also benefits the Canadian host student by broadening his or her perspective of Christian believers who come from other countries. Partners meet once per week to discuss culture over coffee or tea, go to sports events, and take trips into Winnipeg. Canadian hosts and hostesses will try to respond to specific requests by international students as it pertains to education in Canadian culture. Many long lasting friendships start with Intercultural Connections.
   
• International Gym Night: International gym night allows you, the international student, to be the gym host and lead activities that interest you the most. In the past impromptu games of various sports get started and international students can enjoy a time of community among themselves.
   
• Common Ground: Common Ground is a weekly chapel time designed specifically for the international student. Opportunities are given for student testimonials, devotions, and messages. There is also a worship time, a game, and sometimes the different international communities present on campus serve their favorite ethnic foods. If you would like to help or feel led to give a devotional or testimony, see the International Student Services Coordinator.