We are a bi-lingual base so speaking one or the other will be fine. If neither Spanish nor English is your first language, then you must be able to comprehend and/or speak one (English or Spanish). If you aren’t fluent in either language, we’d encourage you to pray about going to another location that offers a language you are fluent in. You will have a much richer, deeper learning experience if you don’t have to focus on translating what the speaker is saying. So just pray about it!

You must be 18 years old or over to do a DTS. If you are 17 you must have completed high school or have a GED.  Please get in touch with us about this if you need clarification.

DTS is an incredible time of transformation where you will have the opportunity to process many things about your life. After the DTS, some people may decide to return home and get involved in their local communities, others may decide to do further study or work with other mission organizations. Additionally, some students may decide to stay on with YWAM in Guatemala or at another location as staff members.

If you find you’d like to stay with YWAM Guatemala , you will have the option of joining our staff.

Guatemala can be known as a dangerous place but put all those “I’ve heard’s…” to rest. Our country is a beautiful nation to live in. The people are warm and friendly and willing to try out their English. We will help get you acquainted with the city and the Guatemalan culture.

YWAM Guatemala highly suggests having insurance during the time you are with us. There are many online options that you could use. We have used Faith Ventures Travel and Talent Trust as insurance companies which offer good comprehensive coverages for a low cost.

There are several different ways to raise money for YWAM Guatemala schools and outreaches. How you decide to raise your money really depends on your motivation, creativity, and willingness to work hard. There is no one right way to raise the money, but to help you along listed below are some suggestions and ideas that have worked for others. Remember that everything starts and ends with prayer. If God is the One who calls you to attend a school with YWAM Guatemala, He will give you the tools, favor, and strength to do it.

Suggested Reading on Raising Support:

• Friendraising: Building a Support Team That Lasts by Betty Barnett
• Funding Your Ministry: Whether You’re Gifted or Not by Scott Morton
• People Raising: A Practical Guide to Raising Support by Bill Dillon

For payment options, please go to the “donate” page and then click on the payment options link. Keep in mind that there is a 7% commission fee that will be taken away from the amount you paid if you do it online. 

You can also contact us at [email protected] for other ways to pay

The YWAM campus in Guatemala is a close-knit community. The warmth of the Latino culture is very evident on the base. Don’t be surprised if people hug you or pat you on the shoulder more often than you are used to – this is simply the Guatemalan way of making you feel that you’re part of the family.

The base is located within walking distance to heaps of ‘tiendas’ (little shops), restaurants, shopping malls, movie theatres, Wal-Mart and coffee shops. There are also scenic spots, artisanal markets, beaches and more that are either a short taxi ride or bus ride away.

You’ll need a set of good clothes for church and ministry as well as casual clothes for lectures/leisure. We tend to be pretty casual at the base, but churches here tend to dress up more. Also, depending on where you go on outreach, girls may need longer skirts and long sleeve shirts for working in remote communities. Those things can be purchased here if needed. And don’t forget some dress clothes for your graduation!!

Don’t pack like you’re going to the wilderness! We still enjoy wearing nice, stylish clothes as much as anyone!

During the rainy season it is sunny in the morning, but it can be quite cool at night and during the afternoon, so bring clothing you can wear in layers – t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and light sweaters. You should also bring a light rain jacket! The rainy season is from May to October.

YWAM does not provide Wi fi as part of your school package, but there are several internet cafes nearby, as well as restaurants that provide this service for free.

If students want to make phone calls, they can purchase SIM cards to buy internet packages and make phone calls.  Most students tend to use Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger Video to keep in touch with family and friends. If you haven’t used those interfaces before, we’d recommend having your family set up accounts with one of them before you come down in order to maintain communication. 

In your dorm-style rooms, all that’s supplied is a bunk bed, mattress, pillow, bathroom, and an EXTREMELY limited selection of personal storage space. The base can supply you with sheets and blanket when you first arrive, but you will need to provide your own for the duration of the school. You can either bring these things with you or purchase them at a store here.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided and all meals are eaten together in our dining area. There is a fridge for students and staff to use and store personal food in, be sure to label your things with your name.

Most weeks the lectures are held in a classroom setting in the mornings with occasional night sessions. The afternoons are spent doing small groups, one-on-one times with your small group leader, work duties as well as some personal time. Other required sessions during the week include worship, intercession, evangelism opportunities & our children’s ministry.

There are two options you can choose:

Use the “pila” and wash by hand and dry your clothes by hanging them on a dry line. You have to buy your own detergent or laundry soap.

Wash your clothes in the laundromat that is located near the house, approximately 6 houses from our center on the left. The cost of the washings is around $3USD per pound. The service may include soap and softener. They also have dryers service for $10USD per load.