FAQ
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About the DTS
Do I need to arrange my own housing?
No, when you join us for a training, then housing is included in the school fees. If you are looking into staff opportunities, then unfortunately we don’t have housing provided for you at this moment.
What is community life like during the DTS or DBS?
You will live in community with other students and staff. So that means: sharing meals, responsibilities, worship, prayer, and fellowship together. This also means that every day you will be involved in a workduty. It’s all part of the fun 🙂
How much does a DTS cost?
The lecture fee is € 3005 (including housing and meals).
The outreach fee is between € 3000 and € 4000, depending on the country and airfares at that time.
The outreach location will be made known during the DTS lecture phase.
How do I apply?
You can apply online through this page by filling out the application form, we are looking forward to meet you!
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your nationality and the outreach location. We’ll help you with the right information in time. Please note that at this moment we don’t have our own building, so therefore we are not able to host fulltime staff.
Do I need to arrange my own accommodation?
No, during the DTS you will live together with fellow students and staff in housing that we find for that moment.
How does a typical week during DTS look like?
- Morning classes (different speaker every week)
- Afternoon activities (outreach, sports, ‘one-on-ones’, practical work, sometimes free time)
- Evening programs (small groups, community night, outreach prep)
- Weekends are mostly off
Where does the DTS take place?
Our DTS combines lecture weeks with outdoor activities along the coast in Ouddorp, this is about 45 minutes drive from Rotterdam. Every week you will go on outreach in the city of Rotterdam. The main outreach always takes place in another continent.
How old do I need to be to do a DTS?
Our DTS is for young people between 17 and 28 years old. Are you 16 years old, but finished High School? Then you can also join when your parents agree. Extra paperwork need to be filled out by them for outreach, but we’ll guide you in that process.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No! Our DTS is taught in English, because students and staff come from different nations.
When does the next DTS start?
Our next DTS will start September 21, 2026. Always. keep an eye on our socials and website!
What is a DTS exactly?
The DTS (Discipleship Training School) is a 5–6 month training where you grow in your relationship with God, learn to know Him more, learn more about the Bible, and learn how to make Him known to others. It includes a lecture phase (teachings, worship and intercession times, smallgroups, city outreaches, community life) and an outreach phase (where you share the gospel and serve practically abroad). Read more about our DTS.
I still have a question, where can I go?
Send us a DM via Instagram, chat with us or send us an email us at info@ywamrotterdam.com. We’d love to help you!
Who are the staff members of YWAM Rotterdam?
Can I be involved without doing a DTS or DBS?
Yes! During our DTS or DBS, you are welcome to join our weekly Community Nights or we have volunteer opportunities like helping us out in the kitchen etc.
Other than that you can join us for streetevangelism. Contact us to discover more together. Looking forward to hear from you!
How do I apply?
You can apply online by filling out the application form on this page.
Do I need to arrange my own housing?
Are there ministry opportunities during DBS?
Alongside classes, there are opportunities to serve in the community. Besides that there is not so much time for other ministries in these 3 months. The DBS is quite intense, because you will read through the whole Bible and have to do your homework assignment. But if you feel you have enough time, you can always join local outreaches with other organizations and put the Word into practice.
What is community life like during the DTS or DBS?
Do I get credits with the University of the Nations?
Yes, as long as you have accomplished your DTS before! DBS is a UofN-registered course and you will earn 12 credits. In rare cases you can first do DBS and then later on when you finished your DTS, the credits will be added to your profile.
What language is the DBS in?
At this moment the DBS is taught in English, because students and staff come from different nations. BUT we are looking into having our DBS translated in Dutch as well or even have a full DUTCH DBS only. So please let us know if you would like that!
How much does a DTS cost?
Where does the DBS take place?
Since we are a pioneering location, we find unique locations every time in the broader area of Rotterdam. Our Discipleship Bible School will probably take place in a real monastery in The Hague!
Our dream and therefore prayer is that we will have our own location in the city of Rotterdam. Will you pray with us?
When does the next DBS start?
Our next DBS starts April 29 2026, read more about our DBS
Is the Discipleship Bible School focused on theology?
DBS is not just theory and not about theology– it’s about personal transformation. You will gain Bible knowledge, but the emphasis is on knowing God personally and giving room to Holy Spirit to change your live.
What will I learn in DBS?
Things you will learn in the DBS:
- How the Bible fits together as one story
- The historical and cultural background of the books
- How to study the Bible for yourself
- How to learn others to study the Bible
- How God’s Word transforms your character and equips you for mission
Do I need to have done a DTS first?
Completing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) is a prerequisite to join the DBS, since it’s a second-level school with the University of the Nations (UofN). However, if you don’t want to study within the UofN, then it will be possible to join our DBS. The difference is that you will not receive an official certificate.
What is a DBS?
The Discipleship Bible School (DBS) is a 12-week course where you read through all 66 books of the Bible, chronologically, in a small group setting. You’ll discover God’s story from Genesis to Revelation and learn how to apply it to your daily life and share it with others.
How do I apply?
How much luggage can I bring?
Please bring maximum one large suitcase + one hiking backpack or carry on size suitcase.
What should I bring / is there a recommended packing list?
- A towel
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- A warm waterproof jacket
- House shoes or slippers
- Sport clothes
- Water sport gear (if applicable)
- Swimsuit (no speedos / bikinis)
- At least one formal / dressy outfit for graduation or other nice occasions
- Cultural clothes from your country (if applicable)
- Your Bible
- Pens / highlighters
- Notebook or journal
- Toiletries
- Playing cards or board games
- Universal charging adapter
- Musical instrument(s) if you play
- Any needed medication (double check if you are allowed to bring it into the Netherlands)
- Pictures from home or family
DTS OUTREACH GENERAL:
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Travel towel
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sleeping bag
OUTREACH (WOMEN):
- You will likely need at least one long skirt or dress
- Shirts that cover your shoulders, chest, and stomach. It’s best to have at least one long sleeved
- Loose fitting pants
OUTREACH (MEN):
- At least one button-up shirt with a collar
- At least one pair of long pants which are not jeans (khakis, slacks, etc.)
- Shorts may be allowed in some contexts, but it’s not guaranteed
- No shirts which show your shoulders (tank tops)
MAY BE NEEDED FOR DTS OUTREACH:
(can also be purchased or borrowed during the lecture phase if you don’t yet have these items)
- Sleeping mat
- Mosquito net or tent
- Hiking backpack
