OUR FOCUS

This is a DTS for students who are dedicated to Jesus and have decided to live for the glory of God, who are longing to know Him more intimately, who have the vision and calling from God to disciple professional fields, who want to root their families in the Christian faith, who pray for reconciliation and peace among South and North Korea and who are dedicated to missions for all nations.

DTS CURRICULUM

Discipleship Training School (DTS) is not merely academic. Its purpose is to help students understand God on a personal level. Topics covered in this school typically include “Extravagant Love of God,” “My Identity in Christ” and “Biblical Christian Worldview.” The DTS curriculum is designed to familiarize students with the traditional Christian perspective on God’s identity and His desire to lovingly relate with every human. The school also includes practical elements that will help students connect with God individually and explain to non-Christians how to do the same.

The schools are separated into three sections: Training Phase, Field Assignment and Debrief Phase.

TRAINING PHASE

This stage of the school lasts no less than 11 weeks. It includes a different topic every week about God and/or Christian disciplines in a classroom setting. Expect classes to begin as early as 8 a.m., (though some might begin later) with a lunch break at noon or 12:30. Lectures also frequently take place after lunch and in the evenings.

DTS students live in dormitory-style facilities during Training Phase and are required to reside on the University of the Nations campus. Special arrangements can be made for married couples and families. A curfew might be imposed by your school.

Students are also required to do daily practical assignments to serve the campus community which might include serving meals or lawn care, to name a few possibilities.

FIELD ASSIGNMENT

This field assignment is required for successful completion of the DTS program. It takes place outside of the U.S. and is intended to coach students in how to talk to non-Christians about God in a way that would make them want to learn about Him. This phase also includes opportunities for humanitarian activities. The IKDTS typically sends students to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central and North America, Europe or Africa for their field assignments.

IKDTS students are sent on nine-week outreaches. The trips are a team function, meaning every DTS student participates in outreach with members of their class.

DEBRIEF

During this portion of the DTS, students review the events of their field trip and what they learned on Training Phase. They assess how they can apply the lessons of DTS to the lifestyle they will be entering after graduation. Debrief usually lasts no less than one week. Some schools require participation in this program to receive a certificate of completion.

SCHOOLING FOR CHILDREN OF DTS STUDENTS

Foundation School is for children age 4-17. Foundation School’s goal is to teach biblical principles and equip the whole family as a ministry team. For those coming from overseas, the school strongly recommends that children receive some language training before coming to the U.S. because the teaching will be in English. There is also a Korean-language Foundation School. Parents will need to arrange for a nanny to care for the children younger than 4 years old. The Foundation School only admits children who turn 4 before arriving to Kailua-Kona.

BEYOND DTS

The University of the Nations Kona also offers a variety of schools that students are eligible to apply for following completion of the Discipleship Training School. The campus hosts several Bible schools, arts and media schools and ministry-related programs in topics such as counseling and primary health care.

Additional schooling with the UofN is not limited to the Kona campus. The University of the Nations offers courses in more than 160 nations worldwide. The university also offers a variety of degree options. From bachelor’s to doctorate degrees, students can learn in an atmosphere geared specifically toward the promotion of Christianity. For more information on what courses and degree programs the UofN offers, explore the YWAM Kona UofN Course section.