DTS in the

Pacific Islands

Village to Village.
Island to Island.

Generation to Generation.

Live in community. Grow in your faith. Serve across the Pacific.

A six-month Discipleship Training School in Vanuatu where teaching, island life, practical skills and outreach all come together.

What is a DTS?

A Discipleship Training School (DTS) is YWAM’s foundational six-month training program and part of the University of the Nations.The school is designed to help students know God more deeply, grow in character and leadership, hear God’s voice, live in authentic community, and take their faith into real-world outreach and service.

At YWAM Pacific Waves, DTS takes place in Vanuatu, Pacific Islands — where village life, island culture, outreach, and practical ministry come together.

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How DTS Works

LEcture phase

3 MONTHS

Teaching , mentoring, worship, prayer, community living and pracitcal service.

oUTREACH phase

2-3 MONTHS

Travel and serve in villages and communites across the Pacific and beyond.

Community Life

6 MONTHS

DTS is lived out in everyday life together.

Why do DTS in Vanuatu?

Life here is slower, simpler, and deeply relational. You won’t just learn about missions — you’ll live it.

Walk village paths. Build real relationships. Experience Pacific island culture. Step away from distraction and discover fresh clarity and purpose.  

PRACTICAL SKILLS &
MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Alongside discipleship training, students also gain practical ministry and leadership experience through hands-on learning and community life. Areas may include:

  • Agriculture & Farming
  • Hospitality & Food
  • Building & Construction
  • Sports Ministry
  • Youth Ministry
  • Leadership Development
  • Community Outreach
  • Teamwork & Service

OUR DTS SCHOOLS

Pathways DTS

Discover Your Calling. Develop Your Gifts.

The Pathways DTS is designed to help students discover their God-given purpose while exploring practical ministry, leadership, and vocational pathways. Combining the core University of the Nations Discipleship Training School with practical skill development, students gain experience in areas that can lead to future ministry, community service, further training, or career opportunities.

Students complete the DTS lecture phase while also engaging in pathway-focused learning experiences that may include Sports Leadership, Sustainable Agriculture, Hospitality & Tourism, Community Development Media & Missions & Island Dance & Culture.

The outreach phase allows students to apply what they have learned through practical ministry, service projects, youth programs, sports clinics, cultural engagement, and community outreach.

Ideal for students exploring a Christian gap year, future ministry, leadership development, practical skills, or University of the Nations training pathways.

Highlights

  • University of the Nations registered DTS
  • Rugby and sports ministry
  • Volleyball and team sports
  • Pacific Island dance and cultural arts
  • Coaching and leadership development
  • Community outreach and youth engagement

Rugby, Sports & Island Dance DTS

Play with Purpose. Lead with Impact.

The Rugby, Sports & Island Dance DTS combines discipleship, leadership development, sport, culture, and outreach into one life-changing training experience. Designed for athletes, coaches, performers, and young leaders, this DTS uses rugby, volleyball, fitness, sports ministry, Pacific Island dance, and cultural arts as tools to share faith, build relationships, and strengthen communities.During the lecture phase, students explore topics such as hearing God's voice, identity in Christ, leadership, evangelism, missions, and biblical worldview while developing practical skills in coaching, teamwork, event management, sports ministry, and cultural performance.During outreach, students serve through sports clinics, school programs, youth camps, cultural performances, community events, and church partnerships throughout Vanuatu and the Pacific.

Ideal for athletes, coaches, dancers, youth leaders, sports enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about using sport and culture to make a positive impact.

Highlights

  • University of the Nations registered DTS

  • Leadership development

  • Practical skills training

  • Community engagement

  • Outreach and missions

  • Multiple pathway options

  • Personal mentoring and discipleship

Island to Island DTS

Adventure. Outreach. Transformation.

The Island to Island DTS is designed for those who want to experience discipleship and mission across the islands of the Pacific. Combining biblical training, leadership development, practical skills, and outreach, students learn how to serve communities while experiencing the beauty and diversity of island cultures.Students live in community at Sara Beach, North Efate, while participating in worship, discipleship, practical service, village ministry, and leadership development. The outreach phase focuses on serving communities through youth programs, schools, churches, practical projects, and community development initiatives.This DTS is built around the vision: Village to Village. Island to Island. Nation to Nation.

Young adults seeking adventure, missions, cultural experiences, and practical opportunities to serve communities throughout the Pacific.

Highlights

  • University of the Nations registered DTS

  • Pacific island outreach

  • Village ministry

  • Community development projects

  • Leadership and discipleship training

  • Cultural immersion

  • Adventure and exploration

February 2026

PATHWAYS DTS

Lecture Phase
2 February – 24 April 2026
Outreach Phase
27 April – 21 June 2026
A DTS focused on discipleship, leadership, practical skills, and community outreach.

JUNE 2026

SPORTS DTS

Lecture Phase
28 June – 18 September 2026
Outreach Phase
21 September – 15 November 2026
A DTS combining discipleship, sports ministry, Pacific island culture, youth outreach, and leadership.

SEPTEMBER 2026

ISLAND TO ISLAND DTS

Lecture Phase
27 September – 18 December 2026
Outreach Phase
28 December 2026 – 23 February 2027
A DTS focused on missions, village ministry, youth outreach, and community transformation.

MARCH 2027

PATHWAYS DTS

Lecture Phase
15 March – 4 June 2027
Outreach Phase
7 June – 6 August 2027
A DTS focused on discipleship, leadership, practical skills, and community outreach.

February 2026

PATHWAYS DTS

Lecture Phase
2 February – 24 April 2026
Outreach Phase
27 April – 21 June 2026
A DTS focused on discipleship, leadership, practical skills, and community outreach.

JUNE 2026

SPORTS DTS

Lecture Phase
28 June – 18 September 2026
Outreach Phase
21 September – 15 November 2026
A DTS combining discipleship, sports ministry, Pacific island culture, youth outreach, and leadership.

SEPTEMBER 2026

ISLAND TO ISLAND DTS

Lecture Phase
27 September – 18 December 2026
Outreach Phase
28 December 2026 – 23 February 2027
A DTS focused on missions, village ministry, youth outreach, and community transformation.

MARCH 2027

PATHWAYS DTS

Lecture Phase
15 March – 4 June 2027
Outreach Phase
7 June – 6 August 2027
A DTS focused on discipleship, leadership, practical skills, and community outreach.

Hearing God's Voice

Know Him, hear Him, follow Him

Download a free guide with practical tools, biblical foundations, and listening prayer exercises to help you grow in your relationship with God.

Experience

Life in the Pacific

Live and learn in community at our beautiful location in North Efate, Vanuatu. Discover purpose while experiencing tropical island life, outreach, worship, leadership development and authentic community.

The Wave

Stories, inspiration and honest conversation from the Pacific mission field.

The Wave

Stories, inspiration and honest conversation from the Pacific mission field.