FAQ

GENERAL APPLICATION PROCESS:

If I need to delay attendance for the course applied for, how long can I defer it?

Applications received will be valid for processing within a 1 year time frame.  Thereafter, applicants will have to submit fresh applications to ensure that information is current.

Refunds will be given based on the published schedule at time of application.  You will be asked for your preference based on available payment modes. 

Please email the relevant school leader to discuss this matter as we understand that circumstances differ tremendously and we take each application seriously.  Therefore it is only appropriate for the respective school leader to address your situation accordingly.

As each individual has a different amazing life story, it would not be right for us to provide a time limit.  However, we suggest this rule of thumb as guide – please share relevant information to help us be acquainted with your learning and work journey that has shaped you to be who you are as you apply for this course.

Firstly, it is important that we have the following before we can proceed:
- your application and reference from a Pastor/Leader
- receipt of your application fee paymentOnce this has been completed, we firstly pray over each application and ask for the Lord’s wisdom and discernment for every person that ápplies for that time and season.

Once we feel the Lord has opened the door then we contact you for an interview.  This is an informal interview, to discuss the program, commitments and campus lifestyle.

Once you have been approved we then forward an acceptance letter where you can then proceed to book flights etc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT BOOK AIRPLANE TICKETS UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER.

This process may take up to ??? if we have received all the relevant information and made contact with you. 

We know that you are anxious to move along in the application process and we try to process applications promptly. However, we ask for your patience and understanding during this time and we will endeavour to contact to advise you of the outcome as soon as possible.

This depends on how quickly we receive all the parts of the application back to us.  We cannot accept a student without a complete application. You can encourage your references to fill them out and send them back as soon as possible as we cannot accept you without all three reference forms returned to us.  Once we have received your complete application it is our goal to have an answer to you within two-three weeks.  In most cases this happens but occasionally it might take longer if the school leader is out of the country.

To be eligible for a course, students must first meet the initial entry requirements and successfully submit a completed application and accompanying reference forms.

After we receive the application we carefully pray, asking God if this is the best time and place for each applicant.

If you are not from Singapore, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa. Details regarding your visa will be communicated upon your acceptance to the school. Please do not apply for a visa until you have received your acceptance letter and instructions to do so.

In most cases, yes.  We would need to know what visa you currently hold in order to know your visa conditions and see if you would be required to apply for a new one. Please inform the Registrar that you are already in Singapore and also forward a copy of your visa so we can check your status.

Yes, all international students and staff will be required to have health insurance. For all student visas, the Singapore government requires that you have medical check-up in Singapore before you can be granted a Student Visa. Our registrar will coordinate the processes of medical check-up and visa collection with your school leader. For other visas, various insurance companies are accepted. This information will be provided by the registrar upon acceptance, and you will organize your enrolment. For more information about health insurance, please contact ???.

Yes. Though we do not expect a student to have need of leaving early, may be occasion of emergencies that necessitate such early termination of one’s schooling.

 The following is our policy on any refunds need to be made for one reason or another:
- Prior to the first class session – 100%
- During the first week of class – 95%
- During the second week of class – 70%
- During the third week of class – 60%
- During the fourth & fifth weeks of class – 50%
- Beyond the fifth week of class – 0%*

DTS RELATED:

What is a Discipleship Training School?

DTS is a five-month, in-depth discipleship program that includes a 12-week teaching phase followed by an eight-week mission trip. It’s a “heart-change” course designed to give you a solid foundation of personal growth and relationship with Jesus – whether you’re interested in career missions or simply taking time to get to know God better.

Lecturers include international YWAM leaders, local YWAM staff, and other reputable speakers who are involved in the church and/or missions locally or internationally. Occasionally video lectures may be used.

YWAM Singapore DTSs are registered with YWAM’s international network of tertiary level education/training known as the University of the Nations (UofN). DTS is the foundation course, which acts as a pre-requisite for further training within any of YWAM’s University of the Nations 450 campuses internationally The UofN is not registered/accredited as a university in Singapore however credits gained from a DTS at YWAM Singapore are recognised worldwide by all other UofN campuses. Many Christian colleges and bible schools worldwide also recognise the DTS and give transfer credits. It is advised that you contact your individual education provider to discuss their policy and procedures associated with credit transfer.

The DTS lasts five or six months. The first twelve weeks are spent at YWAM Los Angeles. You will spend time in worship, lectures, intercession, local evangelism and a host of other activities. This is a time where you can be before the Lord and develop a deep relationship with Him. This “Lecture Phase” has been a key watershed experience for hundreds of thousands, and have been absolutely life-changing. The next step is a two or three month international outreach. Outreach locations vary from school to school and are announced within the first two or three weeks of the school.

We like to start our day off right. That’s why we begin each morning with time set aside to connect personally with the Lord through prayer and Bible study. Afterwards you’ll join your teammates in the classroom where we’ll focus on a different topic each week. Our classroom time is interactive, with an emphasis on personal application and real life change.

Other regular activities include:
- Small Groups – These groups of men or women provide an opportunity to build deep friendships while processing what God is doing in their lives, praying for one another, and offering accountability and encouragement. The YWAM staff member who leads your small group will also meet one-on-one with you each week.

- Ministry Prep – You’ll learn effective ways to share your faith wherever you go, with specific training for the cross-cultural ministry of your DTS mission trip. This often includes creative tools like dramas and music.

- Worship – These times are the heartbeat of DTS. We’ll gather regularly to direct our hearts and our songs to Jesus, and to pray as he leads us.

- Local Ministry – Throughout your DTS you’ll be a part of a smaller ministry team that shows God’s love to Louisville through after-school programs, homeless ministry, service, evangelism, and more.

- Work Detail – Like most families, our YWAM family works together to see that practical needs are met. As part of your DTS training you’ll be given responsibilities that range from general cleaning to meal prep or yard work.

Each day you will have activities such as, lectures, work duties, (general duties around the base) and evening activities. Each week will also include small groups, outreach prep, one-on-one mentoring and local outreach. There are also weekly corporate events you will participate in such as base worship, intercession (prayer) and Word. Your weekends may occasionally have school activities but most will be free for you to explore Singapore, attend church, and have some study and rest time.

This would vary depending on what school you were a part of. But in the Discipleship Training School, a balanced and in-depth curriculum and schedule have been developed. This would include a thought-through and active schedule, and time to relax and process new teachings. A normal day for a DTS student might be as follows:

6:30 a.m. wake up
7:00 a.m. breakfast
7:30 a.m. quiet time
8:30 a.m. worship/intercession
10:30 a.m. lecture
12:30 p.m. lunch
1:30 p.m. work duty
3:30 p.m. free time
5:30 p.m. dinner and free time
7:00 p.m. lecture, local outreach, or free time.

Some weekends are free as well as some evenings unless a special event is planned.

Community Responsibilities: We all share the responsibility of keeping our community running well. Community responsibilities include helping prepare or clean-up meals, cleaning bathrooms, mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, helping with building maintenance, or other projects.

Devotional time: Disciplining ourselves to spend time with God each day is significant to growing in our relationships with Him. This time is specifically set apart each day for that purpose.

Small group: Much like how it sounds, this is a time for you to break into smaller groups with other students and staff to develop deeper relationships and to digest the information from class.

Worship: Led by staff and students, worship is a time to focus on God, to praise and thank Him for who He is. Worship is our response to God and is just as unique and creative as each of us.

Intercession: Prayer for others–nations, people, events. During the first week of lecture, you’ll receive training on what intercession is and how to effectively intercede for others.

Homework: Keep in mind that, as a prerequisite for further study within University of the Nations, the DTS is a university course. Homework may include the following: journal entries, book reports, geography quizzes, Bible study and memory work. We know that each person has different learning styles, so we incorporate several creative and fun projects.

Freetime: We know that all work and no play makes it very hard to learn and stay motivated. So there are definitely free hours during the day for you to hang out, to get alone with God, to do whatever it is you do.

Local Outreach: From children programs, to preparing food at a homeless shelter, to talking with teens at juvenille hall, you’ll find plenty of opportunities each week to put your new knowledge into practice. Many students say their favorite part of DTS was taking part in local ministry times.

Weekends are available for you to sleep in, work on homework, relax, shoot hoops in the gym, do laundry, reflect on the last week’s teaching, or go with other students and staff on fun activities. Sunday mornings, all the students will attend church.

During Phase One, these are the exciting aspects of Christian living that you’ll learn:

- God’s nature and character: encountering God
- God’s intention for individuals, peoples and nations: seeing all of life from God’s perspective
- God’s redemption–sin and the cross: recognizing Jesus as Lord
- God’s family–His children and His Church: becoming more like Jesus
- God’s world–His call and commission: doing the works of Jesus
- YWAM–a response to God: knowing God and making Him known

During Phase Two, you’ll learn in a different way — through life. Living in close contact with each other for a while brings out the best (yes, also the worst) of us and gives us many opportunities for personal growth.

Expect to learn things like:
- giving up personal rights
- worship and obedience (even when you don’t feel like it)
- communicate cross-culturally
- listen to God for direction and details
- practice daily Christian living

Each week we’ll bring in speakers who have experience in ministry and in walking with the Lord. They’ll teach us on a foundational aspect of following Jesus. Our class times are interactive and challenging, focusing on real-life application. Our goal is for the truth to sink deep into our hearts, changing us from the inside out.

Topics include:
- Intimacy with Jesus
- How to Hear God’s Voice
- God-Honoring Relationships
- Becoming More Like Jesus
- Knowing and Trusting God’s Character
- How to Share the Gospel
- Effective Prayer
- How to Study and Understand the Bible
- Healing from Past Hurts
- Knowing Who You Are in Christ
- Spiritual Warfare

Your weekends may occasionally have school activities (such as local outreach or an arranged trip) but most will be free for you to have some rest time, explore Singapore and have some study/homework time.  Click on this website for some ideas!

Keep in mind that DTS is not your typical university setting: it will require all of your attention and most of your time. Some evenings and weekends will be scheduled with ministry or other training-related activities. Many evenings and weekends, however, are available for students to study, relax, or hang out together.

Accommodation will be dormitory style with shared rooms of between ??? students and shared bathroom facilities. Living together in community is a great way to get to know people from diverse backgrounds and it is a lot of fun!  Around the neighbourhood are many budget eateries with good food.  Cooking your own meals and eating with others is possible and encouraged.

Outreach accommodation will vary by location and may vary from staying with local families, to bunking on a church floor, a guesthouse, or being hosted by a local YWAM centre. 

Except in exceptional circumstances, due to the live-learn philosophy of Youth With A Mission’s training, students are required to be resident for the duration of their course.

Don’t worry! The DTS Registrar will provide you with a list of things you will need to pack before you come.

Once the lecture phase of DTS has wrapped up, you’ll take the truth you’ve learned and put it into practice in a ministry setting in an overseas destination!

You’ll share the message of Christ through the performing arts, acts of mercy and service, and friendships with people who don’t know Him. Each nation and outreach setting is different so ministry activities can vary greatly. Our goal is to take the name of Jesus to places where the Gospel is not readily available and share the message of hope in a compelling way.

Of course we can’t guarantee anyone’s safety, anywhere in the world. But we do take seriously our responsibility for students on our outreach teams, and we don’t take unnecessary risks. We stay in close communication with our contacts in each outreach location so that they can let us know of any situation we need to be aware of. We also prepare our teams to be aware of cultural differences and security precautions.

All students need to have up-to-date Hepatitis A[HL1]  and tetanus shots before arriving at YWAM Louisville for DTS. Further immunizations are at your discretion and are your responsibility. Check with the Center for Disease Control for recommendations specific to the country you will be visiting. [HL1]

Yes, successful completion of the outreach phase of your school is REQUIRED for all DTS’s and most second-level schools.

Your school leaders will pray over options for outreach locations and these will be communicated to you early in the school (or beforehand if already set). At the beginning of the DTS, your school staff will pray and seek God about who should be on which teams. Some teams will serve in multiple locations on outreach and others may focus on one location for the whole 2-3 months. We have a significant focus on the Pacific and South-East Asia, but we can send teams anywhere in the world.

Your school leaders will pray over options for outreach locations and these will be communicated to you early in the school (or beforehand if already set). At the beginning of the DTS, your school staff will pray and seek God about who should be on which teams. Some teams will serve in multiple locations on outreach and others may focus on one location for the whole 2-3 months. We have a significant focus on the Pacific and South-East Asia, but we can send teams anywhere in the world.

You can email us at ??? and we will send you information regarding the school you are interested in.  You can also choose to use the online application process.

If English is not your first language, you do not need a formal English test score in order to apply. However, please note that all training run at YWAM Singapore is run in English; you will have a much deeper learning experience if you can understand what the speakers are saying and can communicate easily with the other students and staff. That being said, your English will improve greatly by being here. Pray about it!

As part of the application process we may ask for further evidence of your ability to communicate and understand adequate English or request a telephone interview.

Our DTS costs SGD6,500 per student. This covers tuition, accommodation, books (required readings), wireless internet access, some additional costs, and all outreach fees.  The application fee is a separate cost that is non-refundable regardless of application outcome and payable when you submit your application.

Your outreach fee covers everything needed for your outreach including airfares, food, visa, ministry expenses etc. It does not cover any travel immunisations etc that you may need to update, or personal equipment you may need to purchase prior to leaving – for example sleeping bag, torch, mosquito net.

If you are from overseas, you will need an appropriate, valid visa to study with us. Our registrar will guide you through this process and make sure you have all the details you need.  This process will incur a separate processing fee, health check expenditure, health insurance expenditure and a security deposit (refundable upon visa cancellation with course completion).  Please note that the security deposit amount is different for each country.

You will also need to budget for return airfare to Singapore, and living expenses for the duration of the course.  This should cover your meals, transport, toiletries, and any other personal requirements.  It would be good to budget for recreational purposes too.

We can accept a wide range of payment options in a range of currencies.  Payment of application fees must be made in order for your application to be processed.  Once acceptance is given, you will need to pay 50% of the school fees upon arrival for school orientation.  The remaining balance will need to be paid by the 6th week of school[HL1] .  If this requirement poses a challenge, please discuss the matter with the School Leader. [HL1]Payment schedule needs confirmation by ???

As all of our staff and students trust and rely on God for the finances they need to live and study, we are unable to provide discounts, financial assistance or scholarships. We firmly believe that God is our source of provision and believe in His faithfulness. We are privileged to stand in the place of prayer and partnership together and see the ways God provides!

YWAM is called to a relationship-based support system, depending upon God and His people for financial provision, both corporately and individually. We believe that relationship-based support promotes responsibility, accountability, communication and mutual prayer. It involves the donor as a partner in ministry. As God and others have been generous toward us, so we desire to be generous. Having both prayer & financial support in place is important because we were never meant to do this on our own. Being well supported keeps us connected and encouraged, even in the tough times. Students have come up with very innovative ways of raising support. There is no one “right” way. We encourage you to seek the Lord for inspiration because He knows what you need and the best way to provide it for you. If you don’t know where to begin:

First, contact potential supporters via phone, e-mail, letter etc. and set up a meeting with them. Face to face conversation is always the most effective way to raise support. They can see and hear your passion for the dreams God has put on your heart and they can ask questions. Be up front with the reason for meeting with them.

If you can’t meet in person, try small or large groups, phone calls, webcams, personal letters, videos etc. People respond differently to different forms of communication, but generally generic e-mails or newsletter are the least effective.

Keep communicating with the people on your list through thank you notes, phone calls, letters, whatever it takes. Never stop communicating with you supporters. It is very difficult to over-communicate and very easy to under-communicate. Remember that they want to know what God is doing in and through you at YWAM. Sharing your stories continues to give God glory for all that He is doing.

Once you’ve been accepted to the school, we’ll be happy to help you come up with ideas for raising the money for DTS. Please feel free to call us to discuss it.

Some of our students are supported by their churches, friends, or families. Others work for a period of time to earn the money, and others use their savings accounts or sell their car.

Read our Faith & Finances page for lots of resources, teaching, links, and documents related to the subject.

Work duties are jobs that students do during the week to contribute to the efficient running of our community and to help keep tuition costs down. Students are assigned to work duties starting with the first week of school. There are a wide variety of jobs that students complete, but some of the most common jobs include:

- toilet cleaning
- sweeping, mopping, vacuuming
- equipment cleaning
- food preparation, cooking
- office cleaning
- serving other communities

All YWAM staff and students live and work in community together. We all take on roles in keeping our campus running smoothly and making it an affordable place to live and study. Beyond being a vital part of keeping YWAM Singapore running, student work duties give practical opportunities to apply the character lessons being learned in a way that singing songs together or evangelizing on the streets can’t do. We believe that work is from God and that as we do all of our work for God’s glory, that too is an important form of worship.

We require all of our students to commit to a local church during DTS. You’re free to choose which church you attend. Our staff are involved in several different churches in Singapore, so we’ll help you know what’s available. Your parents or your home pastor may also have recommendations for you.

We’ll send out a thorough packing list[HL1] , as well as other helpful information, after you’ve applied. (You can also download a packing list now.) In the meantime, bear in mind that you’ll be sharing space with others, so don’t feel the need to bring your entire wardrobe. You’ll have access to laundry facilities and stores are easily accessible if you forget anything. [HL1]To be developed – Louisville list for reference

Things to think through:
Passport – If you don’t have a passport, please apply for one before coming to DTS. If you do have one, bring it with you, and make sure it will still be valid at least nine months after the starting date of DTS.

Laptop – if you have a laptop, please bring it. You’ll find it’s helpful for communication and for fundraising activities, like creating newsletters

.Addresses – As part of your training, you’ll be assigned to send out a newsletter updating people back home about what God is doing. Bringing addresses now will save you a lot of effort later.

Storage – Please bear in mind as you pack that it’s only 12 weeks before you’ll be leaving for outreach. You’ll need to pack up your things before you go, and our storage space is limited.

Airplane Tickets
After you have receive your Acceptance Letter you may then purchase a round-trip ticket to Singapore according to the dates as specified on your letter. Once you have organised this please inform your school leader regarding your flight itinerary so we know when to schedule airport transfers and accommodation.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT BOOK AIRPLANE TICKETS UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER.


Insurance
You will also need insurance while you do a DTS with us, please contact your preferred insurance provider to ensure you are covered for emergencies, dental, medical appointments and prescriptions, airlifts in cases of critical care, loss of luggage and/or stolen items and hospital cover. It is important to be aware, that without insurance you will not be able to commence any of our programs[HL1] . So please ensure you have made the appropriate arrangements prior to your arrival then email us with your policy number and details of items covered.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Insurance documentation MUST be presented to our office in English, as this is the international language and the working language here in Singapore. It is also required in English by hospitals, health clinics and all medical practitioners so they can clearly identify what you are covered for. Please ensure your ‘proof of insurance’ has the policy number, your name, the dates you will be covered for and a description for each item covered.


It is important to be aware that we are unable to provide advice in regards to insurance. We ask that you google insurance providers and choose one you believe will give you the most competitive coverage. [HL1]Need to decide if this is so

We provide linen and towels but you need to bring your own beach towel.

It is essential when informing your friends of your address that you specify:

YOUR NAME
YWAM Singapore
???

Yes. We believe that families, and not just individuals, have a calling in missions to serve together as a family. Please contact us for further details.

We offer bilingual DTS’s at various times.  Let us know if you’re interested and we can give you more information.  If your English skills are not sufficient to study in an English speaking environment please contact us and we will discuss options.

YWAM is interdenominational, which means that YWAMers come from all kinds of church backgrounds and traditions. We believe that the Bible is God’s Word, and our training is grounded in its principles. You can read our beliefs and values here for more details.

We encourage students to consider following up their DTS with our School of Ministry Development. The SOMD picks up right where the DTS leaves off, continuing your discipleship and growth in the Lord while helping you develop practical ministry tools and focus in more specifically on the calling God has given you.

YWAM’s University of the Nations also offers hundreds of training programs at campuses around the world. The DTS is a prerequisite to almost all YWAM training. The goal of these courses is to further equip you to accomplish the mission God has given you. They can also lead to a degree from the U of N. We’ll share more with you about further training opportunities once you’ve arrived for DTS.

TRAINING / INVOLVEMENT RELATED:

Do I need to do a DTS first before doing a second level school?

Yes. A 24 credit University of the Nations recognised DTS is a preliminary requirement before you can do other second level schools or join staff.

Yes, you may continue onto further training programs or join staff here with us at YWAM Perth or at any of the YWAM bases around the world! Learn more about opportunities after DTS

We encourage all staff and students to come with the appropriate updates on immunisations. These are the following[HL1] :
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus

These updates are required every 10 years, if you are unsure of your last immunisation, check with your doctor. Please, for your own safety, ensure that you are up to date with these before coming to the lecture phase of your school so that you will be prepared in advance for your field assignment. For overseas field assignments we recommend that all staff and students receive further vaccines[HL2] , these are the following:
-  Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B

We encourage you to have these immunisations before joining us as vaccines are expensive and foreign students/staff pay more once they are in Singapore. We may also be encouraging students and staff to take medicine to help prevent malaria and to use mosquito nets during the field assignment – this depends on the location of your field assignment. If you would prefer, you can bring malaria medication with you from home or we can purchase this for you here. [HL1]List to be confirmed [HL2]To be confirmed

Do I need a visa? How do I apply for a visa? What type of visa do I need?

If you are not from Singapore, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa. Details regarding your visa will be communicated upon your acceptance to the school. Please do not apply for a visa until you have received your acceptance letter and instructions to do so.

Do you have any advice or material regarding fundraising?

Yes. We are working on getting some faith and finances resources onto this website, but in the meantime, please contact the DTS Registrar who will provide you with resources to help you with your fundraising.

LIFE ON BASE:

Do you have any advice or What kinds of meals are served?material regarding fundraising?

The Singapore Base does not provide meals.  However, facilities are available for students to store your food supplies and prepare your meals at the Base.  Most staff and students eat out at nearby budget eateries for lunch.  In addition, students can choose to use the morning tea breaks as their breakfast option.

The base offers unlimited (???) internet to all students! If you want to access the internet during your time on the base you will have to bring your own laptop to connect with. If you are unable to bring a laptop yourself, it is quite likely you will find someone willing to lend you their computer.

CLOTHING: Apart from casual wear, bring one set of formal clothes for meetings, church and formal events. Many outreach locations do require a modest skirt/dress pants. Unless you want your casual clothes turned into work clothes we strongly suggest you bring these. There is a wide variety of duties and some are quite messy. For recreation clothes we suggest you bring shorts and runners. Bathing suits need to be modest i.e. full swim suits for girls (no bikinis), swim shorts for guys. For shoes; please bring casual, runners and dress shoes.

Please note: We have an international student body and as such need to consider a larger audience of cultures in our dress (what is OK in your culture might cause offence to someone from another).

BEDDING: You will have a bed with bedding during lecture phase.  On outreach there will be times where you may not have a bed and will be sleeping on the ground; you may therefore want to bring a sleeping bag and suitable air mattress/mat with you, though these can also be readily purchased in Singapore.

With regard to personal items, please bring whatever articles of clothing, etc. that you need, limiting it to one large hiking backpack or suitcase. You will have ???. Our storage is limited, meaning you will need to be able to carry everything with you during the outreach phase. There is no storage space provided on base for your things while you are on outreach.

If you are planning on bringing a car, please be advised that due to parking restrictions there is no personal parking available at the base. Where ever you chose to park your car, you do so at your own risk. We aim to have all of our accommodation located within walking distance from the YWAM base. Public transportation is easy accessible and can take you throughout the city.

What is Singapore like?

Singapore is ….

???

We’re just above the equator so it’s warm and humid all year round.  Temperatures range is 26 - 35 degree Celsius generally.  Do bring a sturdy umbrella with sun shade to brave the downpours and hot sun.

Generally casual and informal clothes even for church is acceptable.  You can wear your summer wardrobe all year round. Because of the humidity, we recommend cotton or polyester blend.

For Women: casual dresses, skirts, cool tops, shorts, capris or slacks. Avoid attire that is sexually suggestive or transparent. This includes skin-tight clothing, short shorts/skirts, or low cut tops.

For Men: short sleeved shirts, T-shirts and pants or shorts. No suits necessary. Men are expected to wear shirts or tank tops at all times while on campus, except when engaged in sporting events.

Just as a tip: when you’re packing and you’re unsure about the modesty of a piece of clothing, be on the safe side and don’t bring it!

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