Training Experience
at YWAM Mazatlan
We welcome students from around the world to help them encounter God in a new way, grow in their relationship with Him, and understand their identity in Christ, while being trained as missionaries to be sent out into the world to share the gospel.
Our heart is that students feel welcomed into our campus and it becomes their home during their time with us. We want to engage with students as they experience God to learn more about who He is, and who they are in Him, that they would be developed as leaders as they receive training in order to make an impact for the kingdom.
Students become part of our family and get to experience Mexican culture and the amazing hospitality of this nation! They enjoy delicious tacos, jumbo shrimp, and ceviche as they explore the restaurants and cafes in Mazatlan. Everyone enjoys visiting the shops in the downtown market, or salsa dancing in the park plaza on the weekends. They also engage with the culture as they learn or practice their Spanish in our bi-lingual classes, and in conversations around campus or at the dinner table.
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Our Mazatlan campus is across the street from the beach where students love watching the most amazing sunsets, surfing with friends, and they enjoy their quiet times with Jesus while sitting on the rocks watching the waves crash around them.
Our growing campus houses all our students for the quarter along with visiting teams. This allows students to make new friends and learn about cultures from other countries. We provide a safe environment and create spaces for students to rest, share their musical talents in our open mic nights, have fun playing games, and also find refuge in the Lord on the patios or rooftops around campus. (Hint: The roof is an amazing spot for sunsets and quiet times!)
Students share a dorm room with others during the lecture phase
and have made lifelong friendships as they get to know each other. They share snacks, order pizza, or enjoy a coffee from our on campus Cafe Selah, as they hang out watching movies or playing card games together. You will also find them reading their favorite books, bibles, and journaling on the patios throughout the campus.
Students participate in an average of 16 hours of classes each week,
and also have other scheduled activities as part of the university curriculum. There are some assignments given throughout the school, and they are encouraged to have personal quiet time or study times. Students are assigned a mentor to help them process classes or guide them during their time in the school.
Students have the option to join in our elective classes
to learn how to play a musical instrument, grow in their artist skills, dive into the bible and grow spiritually, take their photography to another level, or capture amazing videos! They can also learn more about our Ships ministry, or use their medical training to serve in our medical brigades. We have something for everyone, and also leave room for them to share their ideas with us for something new!
There are many opportunities to serve and share the gospel in Mazatlan during weekly ministry times in our local skate park, surf ministry, hospital or rehab centers, soccer club, and Kings Kids program. You may also find yourself distributing bibles in a local neighborhood, helping build a home for a family with our Homes of Hope ministry, or serving alongside the Ships team in a medical brigade.
As part of the live/learn environment, students also serve in an area on the campus throughout the week. You may learn a new skill in the kitchen or facilities area, or be able to put your mechanical skills to use. We want to welcome everyone onto our beautiful campus so we work together to keep it clean. Each student is assigned a daily work duty as part of their school curriculum.
We are a community who loves to worship the Lord together during our weekly worship times, and we love to celebrate what God is doing in the nations! Students will join in the worship times and can also audition to join the worship team. We celebrate the nations and learn what is happening around the world in YWAM. We pray and intercede together as we fight for breakthrough for individuals, families, and ministries. We also have a 24 hour prayer room available on campus.
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We also love to celebrate people and occasions, so prepare to join in the fun during a family day, monthly birthday celebration, welcome night, or graduation party. You might find yourself learning how to salsa, or to make salsa! We are a very inclusive community who values each individual and welcomes you into our family!
We have several families that are also part of our community who welcome students into their homes for dinner, to hang out, for game nights, or to simply do life together. We know each student is at a different stage in their life journey and we welcome everyone. We have students that join us from all backgrounds and all ages. Families are also welcome and encouraged to come be a part of what God is doing in Mazatlan.
FAQ's and Resources
Have other questions? Email us at schools@ywammazatlan.com
How fluent do I need to be in Spanish or English?
We are a completely bilingual campus! Meaning, speaking only Spanish or English will be more than enough. If neither Spanish nor English is your first language, you just need to comprehend and/or speak one. That being said, we’ve had students in the past that weren’t fluent in either of our languages, and they’ve been willing, amazing people that brought life and culture to our base family. Pray about it! We don't want to hold you back if you're called here.
How far away will I be from everything?
Our YWAM campus is located within walking distance to lots of ‘Tiendas’ (little shops), restaurants, yummy tacos, scenic spots, and coffee shops, as well as some great beaches. Wal-Mart and other grocery stores, the Golden Zone (tourist area), excellent restaurants, movie theatres, and a shopping mall are either a short taxi/uber ride or bus ride away.
What are the eating/cooking arrangements?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided and all meals are eaten together on our outdoor patio, which looks out over the ocean! Our campus has a kitchen run by our staff and students. We do our best to accommodate all health restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free etc.), but know that there might be times where we are unable to. There is a fridge for students to use and store personal food in.
Is there a dress code on the base?
For girls – there are no short shorts or skirts, no crop tops. When it comes to swimming, we require swim shorts, and a one piece/tank top.
For guys – Please no speedos. Please don’t have your boxers showing or be shirtless unless swimming.
This will all be covered more in-depth in your welcome pack, after applying!
How much luggage can I bring?
Your airline will determine how much/what kind of luggage you can bring; however while on outreach you will be limited to one pack/suitcase. So pack accordingly. Large hiking/trekking backpacks are ideal for Outreach, but you can get along with a duffel or suitcase if you can't get your hands on a backpack. We totally recommend having a hiking pack if possible. Your accommodations during the Lecture Phase will be limited in personal storage space, so keep that in mind! Everything you bring on to DTS will need to be taken with you on outreach. We have no extra storage space on our campus.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
You’ll need a set of good clothes for local church and ministry, casual clothes for lectures/leisure. We tend to be pretty casual at the campus, 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. That can be purchased here if needed. And don’t forget some dress clothes for your graduation!!
*Because of the humidity here, clothes can occasionally get stretched out. Keep this in mind when you’re packing your favorite things (but don’t pack like your going to the wilderness either! We still enjoy wearing nice, stylish clothes as much as anyone!
Here's a blog to help!
How do I raise money for my DTS/Secondary School?
There are several different ways to raise money for YWAM Mazatlan schools and outreaches. How you decide to raise your money really depends on your motivation, creativity and willingness to work hard. There is not one right way to raise the money, but to help you along, listed below are some suggestions and ideas that have worked for us. Remember that everything starts and end with prayer. Trust that if God is giving the heart to attend a school with YWAM Mazatlan, He will also give you the tools, favor, and strength to do it. Our biggest recommendation is to start right away! Fundraising is much better and easier when you're at home, than when you are here.
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
What is the weather like in Mazatlan?
May through to September are the hot, humid months. You can expect to be sweaty and sticky some of the time you're outside! October and November are a bit more temperate, but you’ll still be wearing summer clothes. Then December through March are the cooler months where you can throw on a light jacket or hoodie at night.
In regards to the hot months- do not worry! There is an AC unit in each bedroom and classroom, and we are blessed to have that during the summer!
How do I pay for my school?
Is there phone or internet access?
How much spending money will I need?
What’s supplied in my room?
How should I bring my spending money?
What about laundry?
Is it safe?
Mexico in the media has been pinned as a dangerous place, but put all those “I’ve heard’s…” to rest. Our city is a beautiful city to live in. The people are warm and friendly and willing to try out their English. Our beaches are generally safe for swimming and surfing. We will help get you acquainted to the city, the beaches and the Mexican culture.
Yes, like all countries, there is brokenness, hurting people, and corruption in Mexico. God has called us to be bearers of light and hope, to be a part of Him redeeming Mexico, one story and family at a time. Our campus is located in a perfect spot where we can reach places that God has called us to go to, but also host students from all over the world and have an incredible place to do that without jeopardizing safety.
We live in a middle-class neighborhood located directly on the boardwalk of the city, which is one of many places that are safe. Just like any other city in the world, there is wisdom to how we live here, and that doesn't change wherever you are. Our campus is a closed-to-the-public building, and only students and staff live there!
Because of our community-style culture, we're always doing things together. Ministry, going out for tacos at night, walks to coffee shops. We have set curfews at night, and a security guard that takes care of our campus at night.
