Frequently Asked Questions

A Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a five–to–six month discipleship program focused on knowing God and making Him known.

It combines biblical teaching, personal discipleship, and cross-cultural mission.

The school includes a lecture phase focused on spiritual formation and teaching, followed by an outreach phase where students serve in ministry.

Learn more about DTS

DTS is for people who want to grow in their relationship with God and discover their role in His mission.

Students come from many nations and backgrounds—university students, professionals, recent graduates, and others who are looking for a focused season of discipleship.

If you’re hungry to know God more and step into what He is calling you to, DTS could be a good next step.

YWAM is an interdenominational Christian mission movement. Students come from many different church backgrounds and nations.

In DTS, we focus on shared biblical foundations—knowing God, hearing His voice, and living out the gospel in everyday life and mission.

We don’t aim to replace your church background, but to strengthen your relationship with God and help you grow in your faith within the global body of Christ.

Most DTS students are 18 years or older, which makes travel, housing, and participation in outreach much simpler.

However, we are open to receiving students who are 16–17 in certain cases, especially within Latin America where students often finish school earlier.

If you are under 18, we ask that you reach out to us so we can talk through your situation, including parental permission and readiness for the school.

During the lecture phase, each week is centered around a teaching topic, with regular sessions led by guest speakers.

Alongside teaching, the week includes times of worship and prayer, small groups, one-on-one discipleship, and practical ministry.

Students also participate in community life through shared responsibilities like cooking and maintaining the space, as well as outreach preparation and time together as a team.

After the lecture phase, students travel as teams to serve in cross-cultural ministry.

Outreach teams partner with local churches and ministries through evangelism, discipleship, mercy ministry, and practical service.

Depending on the location, teams may serve in one place or move between different communities and ministry contexts during the outreach.

A typical DTS lasts about five to six months.

The lecture phase is usually around 12 weeks, followed by an outreach phase of approximately 8–12 weeks.

No. You don’t need any previous ministry experience to join DTS.

Students come from many different backgrounds and stages of their faith journey.

What matters most is a willingness to learn, grow, and be teachable as you participate fully in community life.

Applications are submitted through the online form on our website.

After receiving your application, our team will review it and usually schedule a short conversation with you so we can get to know you better and answer any questions you may have.

We recommend applying several months before the school begins so you have time to prepare financially and arrange travel.

At the same time, don’t feel like you’re too late—if you’re considering DTS, we’d still encourage you to reach out and start the conversation.

After you apply, our team will review your application and usually schedule a conversation with you so we can get to know you better and answer any questions you may have.

We take time to pray and consider each application carefully. In some cases, we may follow up with additional conversations or references as part of the process.

Once accepted, you will receive detailed information about preparing for the school, including travel guidance, payment schedules, and a packing list.

The cost of DTS is divided into two parts: the lecture phase fee and the outreach phase fee.

Because each school and outreach can vary in location, size, and logistics, the exact cost is finalized closer to the start of the school.

We will share clear cost details and expectations with you after acceptance so you can plan and prepare with confidence.

The lecture phase fee covers teaching, housing, meals, and the shared costs of living in community.

During this phase, students receive weekly teaching from experienced speakers and leaders, along with discipleship, worship, and community life together.

Outreach fees generally include in-country travel (such as buses or flights), accommodation, food, and ministry-related expenses during outreach.

Because outreach locations and partnerships vary, some details may differ depending on the team and location, but we aim to communicate clear expectations as plans develop.

Many students invite friends, family, and churches to partner with them financially and in prayer.

This often looks like sharing what you’re stepping into, why it matters to you, and giving people an opportunity to be part of it.

We’ll provide guidance and encouragement along the way as you prepare for DTS.

The lecture phase fee is typically paid before or at the beginning of the school.

Outreach funds are usually raised during the lecture phase, giving students time to prepare and invite others to partner with them.

We understand that financial situations can vary, especially across different countries, and we’re committed to walking with you through the process as you prepare.

Specific payment amounts and timelines will be shared with you after acceptance so you can plan and prepare with clarity.

Students live in shared housing with other participants as part of a close, community-based environment.

Housing is separated by gender, and students typically share rooms with others. Staff also live in the same space or nearby, helping create a context for daily discipleship and community life.

Meals are shared within the community, and students participate in cooking and serving as part of daily life together.

We aim to create a simple, shared approach to food that supports community life. If you have dietary needs, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate where possible.

Yes. Internet access will be available in the housing and training environment.

Students can also use local SIM cards for mobile data and communication, and we’ll help you get set up if needed.

At the same time, we encourage students to be intentional with their time and prioritize community life and spiritual growth during the school.

Most students bring around $20–$50 USD per week for personal expenses, such as transportation, snacks, or occasional meals outside the base.

This can vary depending on your lifestyle, but many students find this range to be sufficient.

Lima is a large city, and like any major city, some areas are safer than others.

We live and operate in areas such as San Isidro and nearby districts, which are among the safer parts of the city.

Students live and serve in community, and ministry activities are done in teams with guidance from staff. We also take time to help students understand the city and how to move around it wisely.

Students traveling to Lima fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM).

We will provide detailed arrival instructions before the school begins, including how to meet the team and get to your housing.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so the process can vary from person to person.

Many students are able to enter Peru on a tourist visa for part or all of the school, but the details depend on your country and length of stay.

Our team will walk with you through the process and help you understand what applies to your situation as you prepare for DTS.

Bring clothing, personal items, a Bible, and a notebook.

A more detailed packing list will be provided after you are accepted, including recommendations specific to life in Lima and outreach.

You don’t need to be fluent in both languages, but you should be able to communicate in either English or Spanish.

Our DTS is intentionally bilingual, and students from both language backgrounds learn together in a shared community environment.

Many students grow in their second language during the school as they live and learn together.

Yes. Teaching sessions are translated in real time so both English and Spanish speakers can fully participate.

Our DTS is not only bilingual in the classroom, but in everyday community life.

We intentionally work to create an environment where both languages are heard and valued—in small groups, conversations, and daily life—so that no one feels left out.

Spend regular time with God in prayer and Scripture. DTS is a season of growth, so coming with a consistent relationship with God will help you engage fully.

At the same time, come with humility and openness. DTS is not only about learning information, but allowing God to shape your life through teaching, community, and mission.

Yes. Many people continue serving with YWAM after completing DTS, either at the same location or in another part of the world.

DTS is often the first step into missions. Some join staff, others continue training with the University of the Nations, and many return to their churches, studies, or professions with a stronger foundation in discipleship and mission.

If you’re exploring a longer-term call to missions, we’d love to help you discern next steps during and after the school.