5 Reasons Why YWAM is the Perfect Gap Year Program

So, you want to take a gap year? Good job for wanting to get out into the world.

Whether you're taking a break after graduation before college or university, or need more time to figure out God's plan for your life, you could bring meaning and life-changing training to your gap year with YWAM Salem's discipleship training school.

DTS is a 6-month-long missions training experience that will empower you to become a powerful disciple of Christ in whatever sphere of society you choose for your life. At YWAM Salem, we understand choosing how to spend your gap year can be difficult. With so many great programs available, how are you supposed to make a decision?

Here are 5 impactful reasons why YWAM DTS is the ideal Christian gap year experience for you.

1. You Get to Experience the Pacific Northwest 

The Pacific Northwest is home to trees, mountains, the ocean, and YWAM Salem. Located just outside of Salem, Oregon, our campus is tucked into the picturesque scenery of the PNW. We're also only an hour's drive from Portland, so you can explore nature and a new community all in one.

If you haven't experienced the PNW, you are definitely going to want to come check it out. If you enjoy hiking, camping, and good coffee, Salem, Oregon, is close to it all and welcomes adventures with open arms.

2. You Get to Learn More About Yourself

At a YWAM gap year program, one of the core values is to honor the individual by encouraging growth and providing a safe environment to grow alongside others who have the same desire as you! This intro program is called the Discipleship Training School (DTS).

DTS is split by 3 months in Salem, and 3 months on an overseas mission trip to a community untouched by God's word. Your first 3 months would start in Salem, Oregon in a classroom-like situation where you would get the opportunity to learn more about God, yourself, and others. It's a unique opportunity for growth and learning that can help you gain missions experience, choose a career path, and ensure a lifetime of being a disciple to others.

3. You Will Make Life-Long Friends

During your DTS you will meet many new people who all want to do something different in life just like you! By connecting with these people and traveling overseas with them, you will create bonds that will last a lifetime and discover new aspects of yourself through a lasting relationship based on faith.

4. You Get to Experience International Travel 

Sometimes traveling alone is scary, especially when you've never left your home country!

At YWAM Salem, half of the DTS program consists of international travel to share the love of Jesus with others who maybe don't know. A few places we've sent some teams are Thailand, China, Africa, Greece, the Middle East, and quite a few more!

Develop your confidence for a future of ministry across the Nations.

5. You Get to Learn More About God 

YWAM Salem's slogan is to Know God and Make God Known.

Similar to being able to learn more about yourself, you will learn even more about God. The DTS was designed to bring young people (like you) closer to the heart of God and engage with the growth God wants to accomplish in your heart. You will go on a journey to learn, and grow, and then share the amazing things God has revealed to you to others.