FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You likely have a lot of questions – have a look below to see if that helps!
It is free to apply, and you can do so here: https://ywamfurnace.nz/training/application/
The application is one page and will only take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Once we have received your application our Communications Team will be in contact with you within 48 hours! You will hear about acceptance once we have received your references! (These are automatically sent out when you apply.)
After acceptance, comes the enrolment process. In the emailed acceptance email there is a link to the information about what to expect, what to pack, finances and how to make payments, visa instructions, immigration instructions, travel and flight instructions, etc.
Then you will need to complete our Agreement Forms (information about finances, payments, our policies etc), and upload some more information about travel insurance, flights, passport, emergency contact etc. But our Communications team will help you through all of that!
If you are looking through the website and are thinking “This is a place I want to be!”, and you have completed a DTS somewhere – then you can email communications@yfnz.org to let us know, and we will connect you with our lovely team services people!
We would recommend starting the application process as soon as you can, even if you are still weighing your options, but we have had people apply a day or two before the start date!
Please note if you are from a country other than New Zealand or Australia, you may need to apply far enough ahead of time to complete the visa process.
You will get a phone call or an email upon acceptance. If for some reason you are not accepted then you also will get a personal email or call explaining why.
Most likely, we are waiting for you references to come in. But feel free to email communications@yfnz.org to enquire!
For the DTS, 18 years old is the requirement. However, on occasion we have a 17 year old come with parental/caregiver consent – but that will depend on a case-by-case basis.
While we are Youth With A Mission, people of any age are welcome to apply! Please note our DTS is primarily catered for 18-35 year olds.
At the moment we are quite limited with housing for families and we do not provide any childcare facilities. However, we do have some families come, and one parent does the schooling/childcare while the other is doing one of our schools. Alternatively, you can bring a nanny. Feel free to email and ask about possibilities for your family and we will let you know what we have available or give you some recommendations for other YWAM bases that might serve your family more comfortably.
Any extra people (who are not doing the school/internship) will have a food and housing cost. Ask us for the current price.
Yes – we will do our best with our limited style of accommodation.
Yes! Our schools, seminars and internships are all registered with the UofN. A full-time course will give you 1 credit per week, which can go towards a degree if you want to pursue one with us.
The University of the Nations offers a broad variety of degrees internationally. For a complete overview, please visit the UofN website.
The UofN is a degree-granting institution (Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees), but has not applied for accreditation in any one nation’s educational system. Because of its international scope and modular structure, accreditation is a more complex process for the UofN than it is for other universities. For a full explanation of accreditation, please visit the Accreditation page.
Discipleship Training School (DTS) is the foundational training program for everyone involved with Youth With A Mission. As such, it is considered an essential life experience and a prerequisite for anyone applying for a UofN course or degree.
As the UofN offers degrees that are made up of modular courses – the total cost will depend on where you do each course.
An Associate Degree is roughly equivalent to a two-year degree and requires 84 credits, while a Bachelor’s degree is more closely aligned with a traditional four-year degree requiring 144 credits. Both degrees will require international outreaches prior to completion, also a Bachelor’s degree from UofN requires that at least two courses be completed in a zone other than the one from which the student holds their nationality.
You can also go to the UofN app, register and then review all the courses you’ve taken. It can be found at app.uofn.edu. Or write to transcripts@uofn.edu.
All of our courses gain credits towards a UofN degree (1 credit/full-time week).
However, you can have a solid foundation of a degree here in YFNZ as we offer three of the four approved courses that meet the “Core Curriculum Requirements”: The DTS, a Communication School, and a Bible School.
Then there are all the other wonderful courses that are in different Colleges of the UofN.
Housing, food, and educational costs.
It does not include: Visas or personal expenses such as toiletries, snacks and postage, etc.; Airfare and bus/shuttle needed to get you from Auckland to Tauranga (we DO provide Tauranga Airport and bus stop pick-ups)
Please only make payments after you have been accepted to the school/internship.
Payment Methods:
There are a few ways to make payments to YWAM Furnace.
- Visa/MasterCard
- Direct Deposit (for NZ)
- International Bank Transfer
Visa/MasterCard:
All fees or donations from others to you can be paid online through the YWAM Furnace NZ website.
NOTE: There is a 2.5% transaction fee for all credit card payments. Please allow 2 days for processing time.
The website is: donate.ywamfurnace.nz
Direct Deposit (within NZ):
Customer Account Name: the Impact world Tour (NZ) Trust
Account Number: 02-0240-0010822-000
International Bank Transfer:
If you would like to make an international bank-to-bank transfer (also known as a wire transfer) we highly recommend using Wise. In our experience, this is the cheapest (and quickest) way to complete a cross-border funds transfer. When compared with Western Union or standard bank transfers, it will save you quite a bit of money in both fees and inflated exchange rates.
Watch this helpful video to get an idea of how to use Wise and then go to their website to signup and begin the process.
You can also do a bank transfer through your bank. To send us a payment from overseas (except the USA – see below) you will need to provide the following details:
Bank of New Zealand
7013 Great South Road
Penrose
Auckland 1061
New Zealand
SWIFT/BIC Code: BKNZNZ22 (or BKNZNZ22100 if different format)
BSB Number: 020240
Customer Account Name: The Impact World Tour (NZ) Trust
Street Address: 15 Donnington Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand
Account Number: 02-0240-0010822-000
Note: Some banks require one less number to be entered for the account number, in which case the account number would be: 02-0240-0010822-00
If the funds are being sent from a USA bank, the following information should be given to the sender:
Pay via Fedwire type code 1000 Customer Transfer utilizing product code center.
Payment through SWIFT by MT103 (Customer Transfer)
Pay to Reciever: ABA#021000089
Citibank NA
New York NY
For A/C with Bank: A/C 10933728
Bank Of New Zealand
7013 Great South Road
Penrose
Auckland, 1061, New Zealand
Favor (Beneficiary):
Customer Account Name: The Impact World Tour (NZ) Trust
Street Address: 15 Donnington Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand
Account Number: 02-0240-0010822-000
Mailing Address:
YWAM Furnace NZ
Administration
PO Box 15-135
Tauranga, 3144,
New Zealand
Yes, they can either through donate.ywamfurnace.nz, where the payment type to “Give to a staff/student” (note the 2.5% transaction fee for all credit card payments)
Or, through the payment options listed in the question above – and then emailing their details, the payment amount, and the recipient’s name to finance@yfnz.org.
Training Phase Fees:
The Training Phase fees are due in full (less your deposit) by the first Monday of the school.
One Thing Internships:
$300 NZD Initial Deposit – Due on Acceptance
$Balance – Due on or before arrival day
DTS and all other schools:
$1,500 NZD Initial Deposit – Due on Acceptance
$Balance – Due on or before arrival day
Outreach Phase Fee (when applicable):
Your outreach location will be announced early in the training phase. The total cost of each outreach location varies and will be announced in the first few weeks. The first instalment of the outreach fees ($2,500 NZD) will be due on or before the Friday of the third week of Training Phase, any airline tickets for outreach will not be purchased until this instalment is paid. The final balance of outreach will be calculated toward the end of Training Phase and is due on or before the Friday of week nine.
$2,500 NZD Outreach Deposit – Due Friday week 3 of Training Phase
$1000-$5,000 NZD Remaining Outreach Fees – Due Friday of Week 9 of Training Phase
Payment of the refund will be:
a. Paid directly to the student (or directly to the person who made the payment) unless a written request is made by the student to make payment to someone else.
b. Refunded in the currency that payment was made.
c. Paid to the student as soon as practical by no later than four weeks after it is due.
1. Course Costs:
Student withdraws before the course commences for the reason of:
– Voluntary withdrawal
– Visa is denied
Refund: Total refund of course costs, any ‘Activity Fee’ paid is included in the refund.
**No Course Cost refunds will be issued beyond the 4th week. In the event of an unplanned departure from YWAM Furnace NZ, the following schedule will apply:
Student withdraws after the course commences for the reason of:
– Voluntary withdrawal
– Breach of Visa conditions
– Breach of Provider’s rules
Refund: From course commencement after the: (Activity fee is included in refund percentages)
1st Week = 80% of Course costs
2nd Week = 60% of Course costs
3rd Week = 40% of Course costs
4th Week = 20% of Course costs
5th Week = 0% of Course costs
2. Medical or Travel Insurance Fees:
If a student withdraws from the course at any time (before or after commencement), for any reason. YWAM Furnace NZ will NOT be responsible for refunding any fees spent on overseas insurance. The student may contact their provider for refund options.
3. Outreach Transportation Costs and Ground Fees:
Student withdraws after the course commences for a reason mentioned above in part two of “Course Costs”.
Refund: A refund may be given on Transportation Costs depending on the nature of the costs (i.e. an airfare may not be a refundable ticket).
If a student is sent home due to breaking the law of the land, or for disciplinary reasons.
Refund: No refund is given.
Not currently.
But please do not let finances stop you from considering the schools. Get in touch and we can give you some support raising tools and suggestions or if you need to, develop a payment plan.
Other expenses outside of the School Fees might include:
- “Personal Kilometers” aka when you have a staff member drive you and other students in a YWAM vehicle to go on personal errands or non-school scheduled activities you will need to contribute a little bit of money for use of the vehicle.
- Wifi is free for students – a code will be provided when you arrive (note: it is not always reliable)
- Extra Outreach Supplies – Depending on the outreach location, you might want/need certain things for your outreach. – e.g: a mosquito net for Fiji, hiking gear for Nepal, etc. Some items can be borrowed but others may need to be purchased.
- Optional Phone Service Plan – SIM card is $5 NZD, then buy a data pack $10-20 NZD
- Snacks / Eating out – Get McDonald’s, pizza, coffee, or ice cream while you’re out at the beach etc.
- Toiletry items you didn’t bring with you, or that may need to be replaced during the five-months
- Souvenirs/gifts to bring back to family and friends
Yes – but please remember that the school price includes food and accommodation – which make up the majority of the cost.
We try to make our fees as reasonable as possible – but New Zealand is a very expensive country to live in.
For students: Yes. Housing is provided and included in your school fees.
For staff: Housing MAY BE available, subject to availability.
We are currently renting houses in the local community – so each house differs in its layout and set-up
We try to have a house/s for each school – so you will be together with your fellow classmates and some staff. Singles will be housed in rooms with bunk beds – expect 2-5 roommates. Bathrooms will be shared just like a normal family home.
Married couples and families will try to be housed in small family rooms or several bunk rooms, according to family size and availability. Currently, family housing would be very limited if available at all.
Most rooms have shelves, closets and drawer space – but it is very limited tight space.
There is a normal house kitchen, but that is predominantly used for meal prep and storage. Students will have tea and coffee-making places and limited access to a fridge.
There is a washing machine in each house but NO dryers – kiwis love drying their clothes on washing lines outside!
There are also laundrymats in the area with washers/dryers available at a cost (you would pay for that directly)
Sorry, pets (with the exception of service animals) are not allowed.
DTS: No. As the DTS program is a “live-learn environment”, attendees may not live off-campus.
U of N Courses, including OTI: Yes, off-campus housing is an option if you live in Tauranga already, you can stay at home and commute to the campus. That said, we’d strongly encourage you to be ‘all in’ and come live on base – because juggling home life with the requirements of the course can be stressful. But it’s up to you. If you choose to remain at home, the course fees will be less. Please contact us for more details.
Staff: Yes. Please note, however, if you are serving as staff in certain schools or programs, it may be encouraged for your role to live on-campus for specific durations.
YWAM Furnace is located on the east coast of the North Island in a city called Tauranga (New Zealand’s fifth-largest city).
We are currently sharing a workplace at Abundant Life Church in Judea, and are renting houses in the area for accommodation. We are seeking a more permanent place to call our own.
For students and interns, the day normally starts around 7 am with breakfast, then a short “all-in” work duty time. There is time for a “quiet time” with God, and class or gathering time starts at 8:30.
Lunch is at 1 pm, and the afternoons may include class, work duties, community service, evangelism, one-on-ones (meeting with a staff person), homework or free time.
After dinner evenings differ for each school but may include community meetings, Prayer and Worship evenings, family hang-out times or are free to rest or do homework.
There are about 12 – 16 hours of teaching time in class, but learning often happens outside of the classroom as well.
This depends on the course. In the DTS there are some books to read and report on, plus weekly journals.
The second-level schools have more assignments that will take diligence to work through (they are university courses!).
Yes – we all put our hands to keeping our campus tidy and clean, and meals cooked and cleaned up! Work duties are about 10 hours a week.
Depending on which accommodation you are in, there may be shops within walking distance. There are also frequent van trips to shopping centres.
You are welcome to bring your own car if possible.
Yes, we will have a self-serve breakfast that would include cereal and toast etc.
Some days there is morning teas as well.
Lunch is a variety of meals from soup, sandwiches, quiches, pies etc.
Dinner is the main meal in NZ and will usually include protein and veggies.
Yes, we can usually cater for dietary restrictions and have done so for gluten and/or dairy free, and for allergies. If we cannot, we will provide you with cooking facilities.
You can have mail sent to:
*Your name*
YWAM Furnace NZ
PO Box 15-134
Tauranga 3144
New Zealand
There are healthcare facilities in the community and we and help you find what you need. There is also a large hospital in the city.
Not at the moment!
Generally, weekends are free except we encourage you to attend a local church.
We also expect you to use the weekend time to work on assignments, book reviews, research and journaling (depending on your school’s assignments).
One or two weekends may involve day trips to see another part of this amazing country and specific track training (for DTS).
If you have your own car, you’re welcome to leave the campus on weekends or during any free time in the schedule.
Here are some tips on what to bring, and an example packing list.
Please do not overpack! Only bring what you can personally carry or wheel around. If you can’t carry it, don’t pack it. Suitcases are fine, however, we do recommend backpacks (60-80L) as some outreach. locations may require them.
Packing Checklist:
- House slippers or a couple of pairs of warm socks - if you like warm feet
- Walking/active shoes
- Jandals (flipflops/thongs/slippers/slides)
- A coat or jacket - waterproof/resistant is recommended
- A water bottle
- Travel mug – if you like hot drinks
- Modest bathing suit (or togs as we call them in NZ) - one-piece for girls and swim shorts for the guys (no bikinis or speedos)
- Towel and facecloth
- Dressy/smart clothes - girls bring at least 1 knee-length skirt/dresses, guys bring a pair of trousers and a button-up shirt.
- Clothes for sports
- Backpack for day trips
- Bible and stationery
- Toiletries
- Personal Medications
- Headlamp/flashlight – optional
- Journal – optional
- Camera – optional
For outreach specifically
- Sleeping bag
- Large backpack
And remember – NZ does have shops – so we can always find what you need.
On the YFNZ campus, you will meet and live with people from many different cultural backgrounds. What is considered appropriate in one cultural context may be inappropriate in another. So, for this reason, we want to be above reproach and value modesty in how we dress. It is important to YWAM Furnace NZ that you are aware of this and are respectful to those around you when choosing your attire.
In certain outreach locations, this is a MUST in order to respect various cultures and have an effective outreach. Our outreach locations vary in climate and terrain. You will find out your outreach location during the first few weeks of your schools so you will have plenty of time to get it sorted by either buying items here or shipping them from home. In the past, we have sent teams to the Pacific Islands, and parts of Asia.
You might experience all four seasons, sometimes within a day, here in New Zealand! Average summer highs are in the 20-26C/70-80F range, while winter lows sit in the 4C/40’s F more often than not (We are in the North Island and don’t have snow).
During the January Quarter, it will be summer going into the autumn season. The days are warm (16-24C/65-75F) and the nights are cooler. By the end of February going into March, the temperature cools down a bit as we move towards autumn (9-18C/55-68F).
The June Quarter is during the winter and spring seasons and then turns into the start of summer when you finish outreach. The temperature in winter ranges from 4C/40F to 15C/59F. It’s vital to pack layers such as a thick coat and warm sweater because most New Zealand houses and our dorms do not have central heating, only single heaters.
It is spring turning to summer for the September Quarter which may mean warm sunny days or rainy day, depending on the year. For sure bring your walking shoes to get out and enjoy the blossoming nature.
Keep in mind, you will need to bring suitable clothes for both your training phase, as well as the outreach (if your school has one).
All bedding is provided including pillows and duvet, but you may want to bring a travel pillow for outreach. Please bring your own towel.
Travel Insurance:
It is our policy that all participants are required to and MUST have their own travel insurance for the entire duration of the school, including outreach – which has specific requirements below. Please send confirmation of your insurance before you come to New Zealand by uploading here in the enrolment pages or emailing registrar@yfnz.org.
NOTE: New Zealanders and Australians do not need insurance during lecture-phase, but will need it for any overseas outreaches.
If you do not have a regular travel insurance provider you may consider Talent Trust Insurance as they specialise in mission trips. Note: The cost of travel insurance is not included in the school fees.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that your insurance covers you for any pre-existing medical conditions, plus any ‘higher-risk’ activities you are planning to engage in e.g. bungy jumping or scooter/moped driving.
Mandatory Requirements for Outreach Travel Insurance (in USD):
Policy Limit: $1.5m
Emergency Medical Evacuation: $5m
Life & Accidental Death or Dismemberment: $20,000
Terrorist Cover: (yes)
Return of Mortal Remains: $15,000
Medical/Additional Expenses: (yes)
Cancellation or Curtailment: $1,500
Keep in touch! Let us know how can be praying for you.
Please also ensure your finish the enrolment process – the link to which is in your acceptance email.
Upload or email your travel documents as you get them.
For in New Zealand
We do not have any required vaccines to do a school with us in New Zealand.
For Outreaches
While we are not requiring students or staff on school to be vaccinated, the choices for your outreach locations may be limited if you are choosing not to be vaccinated for any reason.
The outreach locations will be announced in the first couple of weeks of school and there will be time to get vaccinations here in New Zealand.
However, it may be much easier (and cheaper) to get the common vaccinations before you come. In either case, please acquire and upload your immunisation records on the last page of Enrolment – believe us, this will save a lot of hassle and time later on!
Common vaccines that often are recommended for most locations are Tetanus and Hepatitis A+B (Twinrix), plus all standard childhood vaccines, e.g. Polio.
Yellow Fever is required for many nations in Africa. Other recommended vaccines can be Typhoid, TBC, and Dukoral.
If needed, we will take you to get a doctor’s consultation once the outreach teams are announced to get any missing vaccines.
If you choose not to vaccinate, we will respect your choice, however, it is important you read the ‘Vaccine Waiver’ in the following pages.
Common outreach locations include:
- New Zealand
- The Pacific Islands
- East Asia
- South Asia
Less common:
- Africa
- Middle East
Buying a Plane Ticket:
You will have to arrange your own flights to and from New Zealand since this cost is not included in the school fees. Per New Zealand Immigration there are specific requirements that you must follow in order to adhere to the visitor visa regulations.
Students who receive a 3-month visitor visa MUST have a departure ticket within 3 months of their arrival. Therefore, you will need to reschedule your departure ticket for after graduation once you are in New Zealand.
YWAM Furnace is located in the city of Tauranga, which has a regional/domestic airport (Code: TGA). From Auckland, NZ’s largest city and most common arrival city in the country, it is a 40-minute domestic flight.
From Auckland to Tauranga:
International students will want to fly into Auckland International Airport (AKL) and you can choose to book an ongoing flight to Tauranga (TGA) or travel from Auckland by bus (5 hours), or shuttle, or you might know someone who can drive you (3 hours).
For shuttle drop-off, or if you are driving to YWAM Furnace NZ use the address below.
We will let you know the house you will be staying at. Or we are based at the Abundant Life Church at 36 Sutherland Rd, Judea, Tauranga.
Shuttle Options:
Apollo connect shuttles: www.taurangashuttles.co.nz
Luxury Shuttles: www.luxuryairportshuttles.co.nz
Bus Options:
- InterCity: www.intercity.co.nz
Please choose “Tauranga” bus stop
We can pick you up from:
If busing we can arrange to pick you up from the central Tauranga bus stop.
If you are flying into Tauranga we can pick you up from the airport.
*Note:
- The arrival day is Sunday. If you arrive in Tauranga before Sunday, you can check if we can host you, however, you may need to make your own housing arrangements (check out a backpackers or an Airbnb) if we cannot.
- Your graduation will be on the evening of the last day – so plan to travel the day after the school’s completion.
As soon as you know your travel arrangements please upload your itinerary to the upload page of the enrolment process.
For our Kiwi participants, we also need to know your travel arrangements, even if you are driving here on your own.
You will need either a Visitors Visa, or if you meet the criteria, a Working Holiday Visa. We are not a registered education provider so you cannot apply for a student visa.
You will need either a Visitors Visa, or if you meet the criteria, a Working Holiday Visa. We are not a registered education provider so you cannot apply for a student visa.
Please contact our team services for this information…Contact Us page.
Yes you can if you meet the visa requirement (eg 3-months on a vistors visa/6months for UK citizens) but please note it can be tricky to extend visitor visas.
You will need to be in direct contact with the school leader. The first weeks are very important times for connecting with your classmates and campus so are only missed on a case-to-case basis.
No you cannot work on a visitor’s visa. There is no time for you to work when you are a student. If you have a family member with you who is not doing the course, they can if they have legal right to (i.e. correct visa or are a Kiwi or Aussie). But is it not really recommended and we encourage families to be fully involved with what is happening on campus. Our housing is also prioritized to those who are on courses or in our YFNZ team.
This depends on your visa. If you are wanting to come onto our team or do another course then we will work with you on how to do that within visa guidelines.
Getting a Visa:
You will need to have a Visitors Visa to enter New Zealand. Please go to www.immigration.govt.nz to determine which visitor visa you will apply for. Simply click “Get a visa or NZeTA”, then select “Visit”. There is a lot of important information about visiting NZ.
Under “Exploring Visa Options” follow the instructions and it will show you the available visitor visa options and the criteria needed to obtain a Visitor Visa.
Visa Waiver Countries:
Search for the list of “Visa Waiver Countries” to see if your nation is there. If your country is on this list, and you meet the criteria, you will still need to apply for the NZeTA before leaving home, and then can receive a ‘Visa Waiver Visitor Visa’ upon arrival.
Please note: your return flight will need to be before your visa expires. However, if you are going to outreach, you can change your return flight home once you have entered NZ.
If your nation is not on the list of Visa Waiver Countries, please email registrar@yfnz.org and they will advise you on what steps to take to obtain a New Zealand visa.
Conditions for a Visitor Visa:
- You must hold a valid departure ticket to a country to which you have the right of entry.
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (school fees etc., NZ defines this as $1250 per person per month.)
- You must hold a passport valid for 3 months beyond the date of departure from New Zealand after your school is completed.
Note: We highly recommend that you read all of the information on the page “About this Visa/Visitor Visa.” Including, Conditions, and Criteria.
If you are from Australia you will NOT need a visa to enter New Zealand.
IMPORTANT:
NZeTA:
As of 1 October 2019, New Zealand Immigration requires everyone travelling from a visa waiver country desiring a visitor visa on arrival must apply for and hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) BEFORE LEAVING YOUR NATION.
Can be applied for at www.immigration.govt.nz ($23 NZD) or you can download their app ($17 NZD).
Valid for multiple visits and up to 2 years.
Allow up to 72 hours for processing, but it could take as little as 10 minutes. If you don’t have it when you check-in for a flight you will NOT be allowed to board.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
You will also have to pay a Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs $35 NZD and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.
Also valid for multiple visits and up to 2 years.
Check New Zealand’s immigration website for more information.
We will likely keep sending you back to the Immigration Website which should walk you through the process…but you are welcome to ask us questions.
Some applicants may need an invitation letter to assist them in their visa application – our registrar team will help you with this if needed.
Absolutely! We would love to meet you and for you to meet us! Just message us on the contact page.
We have open meetings at different times during the week. The change in the different seasons on campus – but often includes Monday Community Meetings at 7 pm. And the various Prayer Room times during the week (check FB for details).
To visit at other times please contact us to make sure there will be people there to greet you!
Potentially, but at the moment we are very limited in available rooms, but if we can we would love to host you. Email us: communitylife@yfnz.org
Again, it will depend on the room availability. However, we have hosted many teams for a week or two at a time. We have great connections with Ignite Six:8 and other local ministries to get involved in.
