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DTS FAQ

Applications​

How do I apply?​

You can apply by filling out the DTS student application form.

For more details about the application process, click here.

Are there any fees involved with applying?​

It is free to apply for the DTS, but you will be required to pay a deposit of ¥100,000 once you have been accepted. You will only be registered for the DTS once we have received this deposit.

When is the application deadline?​

Applications are generally open up to one month before the DTS's Start Date.

Please note that the application process may take some time, i.e. to receive your reference back.

How will I know if I’ve been accepted?​

We’ll let you know via email, and this will contain any further additional information you’ll need.

Why haven’t I heard back about my application?​

It can take up to 2 weeks for your application to be processed once it’s been submitted. If it’s already been this long and you haven’t heard back, we’re sorry! Please email us at people@ywamsendai.org

Is there an age requirement to attend?​

You need to be at least 18 years old by the end of the DTS. In this case, you can apply when you are 17.

Are there any language requirements to attend?​

You need to be able to communicate in either English or Japanese comfortably.

Do I need a visa to attend?​

As a short-term missionary training programme, the YWAM Sendai DTS may be undertaken either without a visa if you are already a resident of Japan or a national/citizen of the visa exemption measures countries (those that specify 90 days), or by applying for an eVisa. You may not take DTS on a visa of less than 90 days. Once you are accepted, we’ll send you further information, specific to you.

Finances​

What do school fees cover?​

Lecture Phase​

The published Lecture Phase fee covers registration, lectures, weekday meals & snacks, accommodation, and necessary transportation expenses during the phase.

Personal expenses, weekend food, and airfare to and from Japan are not included in published Lecture Phase fees.

Outreach Phase​

The published Outreach Phase amount varies according to the cost of living in the nation where it occurs. This covers flights to and from overseas locations, main meals, accommodation, and necessary transportation expenses during the phase.

Personal expenses and any vaccination costs are not included in published Outreach Phase amount.

How do I pay?​

You can find details on how to make registration fee and Lecture Phase fee payments on the Payment page.

Please note that the Outreach Phase amount is to be given in cash to a designated Outreach leader

When are payments due?​

Lecture Phase​

  • After acceptance: ¥100,000 deposit (per person) is due.
  • 10 days before Start Date: Remaining balance for the DTS’s Lecture Phase is due (27 September 2024).

Outreach Phase​

  • 28 days after Start Date: ¥150,000 deposit (per person) is due (4 November 2024).
  • 56 days after Start Date: Remaining amount is due (2 December 2024).

What is the refund policy?​

Lecture Phase​

  • Before Arrival Day: 100%
  • Leave on or before the 2nd Sunday of the school: 85%
  • Leave on or before the 3rd Sunday of the school: 70%
  • Leave on or before the 4th Sunday of the school: 60%
  • Leave on or before the 5th Sunday of the school: 50%
  • Any time after the 5th Sunday is non-refundable.

What if I lose my transportation IC card?​

You will be issued with a transporation IC card (icsca) for use for DTS-related travel. This is not to be used for personal travel (e.g. on weekends).

It is your responsibility to ensure that this card is not lost. In the case that the card is lost, there will be a fee of ¥2,500 to replace it.

Outreach Phase​

  • Before Outreach: Full amount paid, less any airline cancellation fee and expenses already paid towards the outreach.
  • During Outreach: Pro-rated refund of accommodation and meals (by week), less any adjustments from the airlines, ticket change fees and other non-refundable expenses.

Housing​

Is housing provided?​

Yes. Housing nearby many of the DTS staff is provided and included in your school fees.

What is housing like?​

Housing is generally basic, but comfortable! All students will live in shared housing with other students and have access to a small kitchen and bathroom. There will also be heating, as it will be Winter!

Surrounding the housing are rice fields and views of the mountains, which facilitates quiet times. The one downside is it is around a 20min walk to the nearest convenience store and train station (which has easy access to central Sendai), and 30mins to the supermarket.

How do I do laundry?​

The housing includes a washing machine and space to hang dry. There is also coin-laundry facilities, which includes dryers, around 15min walk away.

Can I live in my own housing if I want to?​

We are sorry, but no. As the DTS programme is a “live-learn environment,” attendees may not live outside of the DTS community.

DTS Living​

Where is the DTS located?​

Located in the largest city in the Tohoku (North-East) region called Sendai, the DTS is located in the quiet suburbs of Ayashi. On one side is the Zao mountain range, on the other side is the bustling central downtown of Sendai. Further past downtown is the ocean. So mountains, forests, city, and ocean are all within easy access!

How many hours of class do I have?​

If it is a bilingual DTS, lecture time is around 16 hours per week. If monolingual, lecture is around 12 hours. In general, you can expect to be involved in lectures, processing time, intercession & prayer, worship, etc. from 8am to 5pm on weekdays (schedule still to be finalised).

What is work duty and how much of it do I have?​

Work duty is a way for students to serve and give back to the DTS. Typically a student will spend two hours per day helping an essential need. Many students end up helping out in the kitchen, or taking care of the grounds, etc.

How do I get around?​

Within walking distance (20 to 30min) from the DTS housing are convenience stores, coin laundry, supermarkets, post office, restaurants, and train station. There are buses that go to a nearby mall, hot springs, and a public swimming pool. The train gives easy access to downtown Sendai, mountain walks, ocean-side towns, and the local airport.

Is food provided for me?​

Yes. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner are provided daily on weekdays. You will also have access to any leftovers during the weekend. The cost of food on lecture days is included in your training fees. Meals will be prepared both by staff and students (work duties).

Does the DTS have food available for people with dietary restrictions and/or allergies?​

Please tell us any dietary restrictions and/or allergies when registering for the DTS so we can keep this in mind when meals are prepared.

How do I receive mail?​

We will provide you with a postal address you can use to receive mail or packages during your stay.

Are there any Health Care facilities?​

There are multiple health care facilities in the local area that can be accessed by walking, bus, train, or taxi. We can provide more information on arrival. If you have a medical emergency while here, please call 119 immediately, tell them kyūkyū, and then tell your DTS staff when possible.

What can I do during free time?​

In your free time, you have many opportunities to engage in local life. If you're interested in nature, you can finds trails through mountains and forests, or explore the seaside towns. If you are looked for something more urban, you can explore downtown Sendai--visiting the many coffee shops, stores, game arcades, or museums and other tourist attractions. There is also a zoo and an aquarium! You can also sample the famous local foods such as gyūtan (beef tongue), zunda (sweet edemame) products, and sasa-kamaboko (fishcake). The ramen and seafood are also pretty good!

What if I observe or experience abuse?​

If for any reason you feel you are being abused in any category please reach out immediately to the YWAM Sendai leaders, or send an email to ywamsendai.students@gmail.com.

Preparation & Arrival​

What should I pack?​

You will need to pack your belongings in a way that you will be able to personally carry them to the DTS Lecture location, as well as throughout Outreach Phase. You will not be able to leave anything in Sendai during Outreach Phase.

Especially because of carrying the luggage around during Outreach, we ask that you carry no more than two pieces of luggage:

  • A small everyday backpack
  • A hiking backpack at a size you can comfortably carry, or a small to medium-sized case with a volume of no more than 80L (no large cases please!)

Here’s a basic list of things that you’ll need for your time here at YWAM Sendai:

  • Passport (must be valid for at least six months after DTS has graduated)
  • Proof of health insurance (must be valid for Japan)
  • Bible
  • Something to take notes with
  • Towel
  • Personal toiletry items
  • Winter clothing
  • Warm coat
  • Sleeping bag & pillow for outreach

Here’s an additional list of recommended items:

  • Small packaged snacks for gifts representing your nation (This is beneficial for meeting Japanese people after you arrive, including at church)
  • Travel mug for hot drinks
  • Smartphone (for Bible, maps, language translation, taking notes, making local friends, disaster notifications, communicating on Discord etc.)
  • Foldable umbrella
  • Small mirror (limited use of shared bathroom in mornings)

Do I need to buy health insurance?​

Yes. All students are required to present valid health insurance on registration. This insurance must be valid in Japan.

Do I need any vaccinations?​

Generally speaking, visitors to Japan do not require any special vaccinations. However, to be on the safe side, any routine immunizations should be kept up-to-date. These include Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTaP), Varicella (chickenpox), and Polio.

There is also a Japanese encephalitis vaccine that you may choose to consider, though Japanese encephalitis is extremely rare in the region we are based in.

Is there anything I need to do before arriving?​

Make sure you have paid any fees due, prior to any deadlines.

If you don't know already, it is probably worth learning a bit about Japanese culture and learning some basic Japanese before arrival!

To where and when shall I book my transport tickets?​

If you are coming from overseas, we highly recommend choosing a flight route that arrives in Sendai International Airport. If you are coming from within Japan, or are arriving at a different airport (such as in Tokyo), the closest train station is Ayashi on the JR Senzan line. We can give you directions closer to your arrival, and will arrange staff to meet you.

The arrival and departure days will be advertised on the DTS page on the YWAM Sendai website. If you arrive earlier, or depart later, please be aware that you will need to find your own accommodation.