FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What day do I need to arrive?

Please arrive no later than early afternoon on the day before the school begins. (ie. 1-2pm). That way you can get settled into your rooms, start getting to know your rooms mates and enjoy a little down time before our welcome feast.

2) What Airport should I fly into?

Students should arrive and depart from Tampa International Airport (TPA).

3) Do you have someone who can pick me up at the airport?

Yes. Please send us your flight details as soon as you have confirmed your flight.  Someone will meet you at baggage claim holding a sign that says “YWAM Tampa”. 

*NOTE: be sure to fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Please bring our phone numbers with you: 
(The number is at the bottom of this page.)

4) I might drive my car. Can you send me directions?

Directions are on our Contact page. If you use your car for personal use, we will not reimburse the gas.

5) How much spending money do I need?

We recommend US$100 additional per month for personal needs.

6) Do I need to pay all my student fees in advance?

School and Seminar fees are due on the First Day of Class. Special arrangements can be made if necessary.  Please talk to the school administrator for a payment plan.

7) Do you have scholarships available?

Not at this time. All YWAM staff are unpaid volunteers. We are all on this faith walk together.

8) Do you have a WalMart near you? How about grocery and dollar stores? Banks? ATM?

The nearest Wal-Mart is a 15 minute drive from our Training Center.  Grocery and Dollar stores are 10 minutes away. Bank of America, SunTrust Bank and ATMs are located near the local shopping center. The Movie Theatre is 30 minutes drive.  We will usually do a weekly group WalMart and grocery store run.

9) Do you supply food for the weekends as well?

Yes, all of the food, housing and  local transport is included in the in your tuition fees.

10) Can I leave campus to go with a friend out to eat or shopping?

Yes. Occasionally we have weekend outings or ministry opportunities, so each student will need to submit their requests week by week.  We have vans and drivers that take the students on trips to the store, bank and post office at designated times.

11) Can my family/ boyfriend/girlfriend visit me during DTS?

Yes though overnight housing is not usually available.

12) What is the weather like in Central Florida? How do I pack?

In recent years it has been quite chilly at night and early mornings—occasionally as low as 32°F (0°C).  Average Temperatures are between 67-85°F (19-30°C) in October, falling to 43-67°F (5-43°C) in December and Jan.  Plan to bring a jacket and sweater and layer your clothing. Outreach will probably have hot temperatures.

About one week worth of clothing (7 outfits) is all you need for the full 5 months – that would be one suitcase and one carry on. Don’t forget to bring at least 2 nice outfits (button down shirts and pants for guys; long dress/skirts and blouse for girls), beach clothing and 1 pair of work clothes. Decent shoes (no flip flops) for church days. Don’t bring too much!! NOTE: Modest clothing is expected. No short-shorts or Spaghetti straps, or low riding pants. No Bikinis or Speedos.

13) Do I need to bring sheets, blanket, pillow and towels?

You do not need to bring any of those items as they are all provided.  You may want to bring your own pillow. Please also consider bringing a nice hiking backpack for outreach as you may find this easier to travel with than a suitcase.

14) I have special dietary needs. Will I have access to a kitchen?

Yes, that is no problem.

15) Do you accept payment in other currency? (For International Students)

We can accept US currency only. We advise that you change your local currency into US$ before you leave your home country. There is a money exchange kiosk at the airport but the exchange rates are not favorable here.

16) When is registration? And what shall I bring for registration?

Students are to register at our DTS lecture center. There will be a table set-up for registration. Please bring with you:

  • Your passport and a photocopy of the information page in your passport
  • A passport sized photograph of yourself.
  • DTS lecture fees.

Upon registration, you will receive a Welcome Kit, which includes your notebook, journal and DTS manual.

17) Do I need to journal during DTS?

We will provide one. Journaling is a vital part of DTS – to build a deeper and closer relationship with God. This will be further explained during DTS class.

18) Can I bring my laptop computer?

Yes. You can bring your laptop computer. You are permitted to use it to take notes in class. Wifi Bandwidth is limited.

19) Storage

We have very limited storage space. When you leave for outreach we will only be able to store 1 airplane carry-on sized bag per person.

20) Will I be able to access the Internet?

Yes.

21) Tax Donations

Lecture Phase:

Donations for students are not tax deductible during lecture phase due to IRS regulations.  If someone wants to send a gift, please ask if your church can help with tax-deductible gifts.

Outreach Phase:

However, we can give tax deduction for the outreach phase. Important: Recipients names must not be written on Checks. The recipients name must be attached with a separate note.