Training Overview
Welcome to our University of the Nations campus where we equip students from all over the world to grow in their relationship with, be trained as missionaries sharing gospel, and impact the nations with a biblical worldview.
The University of the Nations (UofN) was founded in 1978 in Kona. We are an interdenominational, Christian University, founded on biblical principles, and the UofN is a multiplier for missions globally.
You can learn more at www.uofn.edu.
The UofN offers modular education, where students get hands-on training, and participate in a live/learn environment where they engage with the weekly topics in and outside of the classroom.
We have the privilege of training students from many nations here in Mazatlan in our UofN campus.
We are currently running 2 Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) 4 times throughout the year:
- Burning Hearts
- Expedition & Adventure (Durango Campus)
You can read more about the vision of each DTS on our website
The DTS is the doorway into the mission where we engage with students for the first time. We welcome students of all ages and backgrounds as they encounter the Lord to discover their calling. We invite speakers to share weekly topics like Biblical worldview, the Father Heart of God, Identity in Christ, and more during the 12 week lectures. These classes help students grow in their understanding of who God is, who we are in Christ, and how to share the Gospel with others during the 8 week outreach phase. Outreach locations vary per school, and have an additional cost. They are a requirement to complete the DTS. Our mission is to Know God and to Make Him Known.
During the 12 week lecture phase, we have witnessed students take exciting steps in their journey of faith to be baptized and we celebrate with them right across the street as they make personal commitments with the Lord. This is one of the highlights of each quarter as staff and students fill the beach to witness the baptisms of their friends.
All of our courses are bilingual, English and Spanish. We run multiple training courses at the same time, which allows students to meet new friends from different cultures and have great discussions throughout the campus of what they are learning in class. This creates a safe and healthy environment for them to express ideas, discover biblical truths, and ask questions.
We have experienced multiplication in our campus as students complete their 5-month training, they are enrolling in our internship program or our second-level schools which offer university-level training, leadership development, and biblical understanding. The lecture phase for second-level training varies from 8-16 weeks, and is school specific. They also include an 8 week outreach phase, where students put into practice what they learned during the lecture phase. Outreach locations vary per school, have an additional cost, and are optional for these UofN schools.
We partner with YWAM Ships Mazatlan to send outreach teams with our ships team each quarter to engage the unreached and isolated people of the pacific coast. In the future our goal is to run parts of the lecture phase on the ship and provide training courses at sea.
We currently run 4 secondary schools alongside the DTS:
Each second level school provides focused training to prepare students for serving as full-time missionaries or equip them as leaders to serve in other areas of society.
We are pioneering new second level schools in the future with plans to offer associate's level degrees through the University of the Nations at our Mazatlan campus.
The UofN offers courses around the world in multiple YWAM campuses where students can continue their studies to earn degrees in many different areas such as:
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Arts & Sports
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Chrisitan Ministries
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Communication
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Counseling & Healthcare
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Linguistics
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Education
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Humanities & International Studies
We are also very excited to run our first Expedition and Adventure DTS in our new Durango Campus in January 2022 with our campus directors, Edgar and Amber Morales. They have an amazing vision for teaching DTS students about sustainability, farming, and reaching the indigenous communities in the mountains of Durango.
In every school we encourage students to ENGAGE with our local community by participating in our weekly ministry programs. Our heart is to ENGAGE not only with the students but to train them to MULTIPLY what they are learning to TRANSFORM our local community and the nations!
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 amazing 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), 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 no 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.