A GAP YEAR WITH A PURPOSE
Mature Your Faith, Character, and Passion in a Christian Missions-Focused Gap Year
Why A Gap Year?
There are only a few times in your life that you can put your studies or career on hold and grow as a person and gain God’s perspective on your life. Press pause on college or work and come do a missions based gap year with YWAM. Don’t miss out in getting wrapped up in God’s incredible plan for your life and getting involved in reaching the lost with His love. Learn about the character of God, get discipled, and be transformed as you are immersed in other nations and cultures.
Discover Passions
Going to college/university can be a helpful tool in preparing for a career, but what if you want to:
- Have more life experience & develop useful skills
- Travel & seek adventure
- Find purpose & experience what you think your passions are
During our Gap Year, you will have the chance to do all of these things. You will also be mentored and encouraged to pursue your own passions.
About 75% of college students change their major at least once because the degree they started did not meet expectations they went in with. Take time to confirm what your passionate about instead of rushing to complete a degree.
WHAT DOES OUR GAP YEAR LOOK LIKE?
Start your Gap Year with a Discipleship Training School which is a life-changing five-month program that builds a solid foundation of personal growth and relationship with Jesus. It starts with three-months of biblical teaching, real-life application, and ongoing discipleship, all geared towards helping you know God better. Then you’ll take your growing love for Jesus and share it with others on an two-month overseas mission trip.
Whether you’re passionate about sports, music, or simply knowing Jesus, we have a DTS that’s perfect for you. Check out our DTS Electives Page for what we offer.
Five More Months Of Being Equipped
Once you complete your DTS, you have the option of making your Christian gap year a full eleven months by returning to our School of Ministry Development (SOMD). The SOMD is a follow-up to DTS and is fully loaded with practical tools for ministry and growth in leadership ability. It’s a hands-on course designed to help you discover God’s call on your life and equip you for your future.
Like the DTS, the SOMD includes a three-month classroom phase and a two-month outreach, this time with an additional emphasis on leadership and using your passions.
UPCOMING DATES
Discipleship Training School - DTS
September 20, 2026 - February 27, 2027
January 3, 2027 - May 29, 2027
January 3, 2027 - May 29, 2027
$3690
- Tuition covers all training, food, books, and transportation to and from official DTS functions. Housing is provided
- Outreach costs vary depending on the location, airfare, and time of year. This costs will be determined once locations have been selected.
School of ministry development - somd
March 29, 2026 - August 22, 2026
September 20, 2026 - February 27, 2026
September 20, 2026 - February 27, 2026
$3690
- Tuition covers all training, food, books, and transportation to and from official DTS functions. Housing is provided
- Outreach costs vary depending on the location, airfare, and time of year. This costs will be determined once locations have been selected.
College Is Expensive If You Don't Use The Degree
You know someone who has college debt for a degree they did not complete or a major they aren’t sure is the career path they want. You know someone who applied for college out of pressure from their school, friends, or family.
Up to half of students who enter college are undeclared in their major and 75% of students will change their major at least once before graduation (1). Instead of going to lectures for courses you are unsure whether you actually want to learn, pay for books you don’t want to read, or rack up debt that you will need to pay back, why not do a YWAM Gap Year and narrow down what you love to do? No matter where you are coming from in your stage of life, a DTS Gap Year is a great option for you to find out what God is calling you to! Don’t just follow the crowd – be intentional!
THE IMPACT OF A GAP YEAR ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE ONE:
81%
Influenced My Career Choice
77%
Influenced What I Chose To Study In College
98%
Increased My Maturity
84%