Join us at our waterfront campus for a unique DTS experience. Whether you are a skilled sailor or have never set foot on a boat, this elective is designed to get you out on the water and experience all the world of boating has to offer. Grow your love for God and the world of missions while developing your skills through boating adventures!
Our students and staff come from all around the world, we are a multicultural campus and are always looking to meet friends from new nations.
Most of our students are aged between 18-30 but we often have people join us who are outside that age range. If you feel like joining us don’t hesitate to get in contact with our communications team.
Each outreach is unique. Here are a few places we have been recently: Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Australia & New Zealand.
Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 Certificate (or equivalent) and a sufficient standard of oral and written English proficiency is needed in order to benefit from our training.
There are no prerequisites for DTS. However, we ask that you are over the age of 18 by the time you leave for outreach.
The DTS program is 6-months long and the lecture phase and outreach phase are designed to compliment each other. We highly value the equipping and training of students, as well as giving them practical experience in missions. If you are considering this course it would be beneficial for you to find a time in your schedule where you can commit to the full program.
DTS is a Centrelink approved course. If you are an Australian you may be eligible for financial assistance from Centrelink. Information about Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and other payments are available on their website. Please talk to our communication team for further assistance.
The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.
Our courses run Monday to Friday with lecture times in the morning and work duties/free time in the afternoon.
Work Duties are a chance for our students to interact with the wider YWAM Tahlee community. Students are allocated into teams to serve in our kitchen, hospitality department, media team, building team, cafe and more.
We like to say that electives add a bit of “flavour” to the DTS. They are a way of gathering together people that are passionate about similar things. Electives don’t limit you from getting involved in other areas you are passionate about around campus or in your own time. Chat with your DTS staff about what this looks like for your school and how you can take initiative outside of class time to incorporate your elective into your DTS experience.
Your weekends are your own and there is always something to do at Tahlee. Go for a swim in our ocean pool or take the canoes out on the water. Enjoy the Aussie wildlife as you take a walk through the bush.
Explore the Port Stephens region or head into Newcastle and visit one of the many local cafes, see a movie at the cinema or visit the farmer’s markets. Sydney is only a three and a half hours away, which is ideal for a day trip to the city. During the week Wednesday and Friday nights are also free.
Once you’ve completed DTS you are able to join staff with YWAM Tahlee, YWAM Newcastle, or another YWAM campus around the world. Be part of our growing team in one of our many departments and ministries.
Many students return home and go to university or get a job in their hometown. Our hope is that DTS would equip you to be a part of what you want to do next, no matter what it is, inspiring missional-minded people in all walks of life.
We believe all are called to live with a missional mindset and serve God wherever you are, whether that is in a foreign country or your workplace at home. Our training will equip you with practical skills to live and serve in whichever area of society God has called you to.
“I never imagined I would complete a university degree, however, I’ve never regretted taking the time to pursue further training. YWAM’s university has allowed me to complete a degree whilst being actively involved in ministry in many cross cultural settings.”
– Kelcie Rausch
“I realised I don’t have to be a preacher in a suit with a theology degree to be a missionary. Rather, I can practically build the kingdom of God with my hands! I have found huge passion in construction, remodelling, sailing, ship maintaining and more.”
– Jesse Lee
“Sports DTS helped me realise sports are not only a passion of mine but a platform to reach out with the Gospel in both word and actions. DTS gave me a great kick-off for my future work with building and spreading wellness to body, soul and spirit.”
– Emmy Leander
“YWAM laid a firm foundation for my future. Transitioning into business and communications, the skills I developed in YWAM were not only relevant but also desired. YWAM equipped me for a lifetime of impact through my character, career and relationships.”
– Robert Willingham
