4-W Experience Overview

The purpose of 4-W Experiences (Weekends of Work and Worship in the World)—part of the “classrooms without walls” concept at Providence—is to learn by experiencing, engaging, and exploring the culture.  Providence’s three-day weekends provide for this kind of life experience learning.  Normally, the activities take place on Saturday or Monday, but select ones may include Sundays, as well.  In the latter case, the Sabbath will be honored.

Several types of experiences are offered, including missions/service trips, cultural exploration, academic enrichment, recreation, and seminars/retreats.  Students participating in 4-Ws serving in Mexico (or any other foreign country) are required to have a passport.
Freshmen and sophomores are required to attend three 4-W Experiences each semester.  Juniors and seniors are required to attend two 4-W Experiences each semester.  The reduction during the junior and senior years is due to the fact that upperclassmen are expected to spend a great deal of time outside of the classroom in their major courses, including personal research, internships, seminars, and field experiences.  While the juniors and seniors are only required to attend two per semester, they can choose to attend a third at no cost.  Any student can attend more than three on a space available basis; however, they will be charged a $50 fee to cover expenses.

4-W Program Student Learning Objectives

Upon completing the 4-W Experience program, students will be able to:

• report an increase in academic knowledge gained from participating in the 4-W program.
  
• demonstrate an increase in cultural awareness as determined by a pre and post test.
  
• demonstrate a greater desire to serve in the community after participating in the 4-W program.
  
• report an increased awareness and appreciation of the arts after participating in the 4-W program.
  
• report that participation in the 4-W program has helped them grow spiritually.
  
• report a stronger bond with fellow students and staff/faculty through their participation in the 4-W program.

Individual 4-W Experience explanations may be found at this link.