So, you want to do a YWAM discipleship training school (DTS)? Now that you've decided to answer God's call and step into the future He has laid out for you, it's time to pick which DTS you'll apply for.
YWAM has hundreds of locations across the globe, each with its own unique features and beautiful location. At YWAM San Diego/Baja, we believe we have one of the best YWAM DTS locations of all! While our headquarters are in sunny San Diego, California, our DTS students will stay at either our San Antonio Del Mar (near Tijuana, Mexico) or Ensenada (just outside Baja California, Mexico) campuses.
Ensenada is tucked just an hour and a half south of the U.S./Mexico border. Only a couple of minutes walk from sprawling beaches and ocean views, this campus is in the heart of a local community. Staying at our YWAM DTS location in Ensenada gives you the unique opportunity to spread both your DTS lecture phase and the outreach phase at an international location.
We know you have a lot of YWAM locations to choose from, all with varieties of discipleship training schools, but we truly love our YWAM location in Ensenada and we think you will too! Here are 10 reasons why.
1. Hands down, the food
From tacos, sushi, ramen, and falafel, to basically any other kind of food you can think of, it’s here. And it is so good. All over Ensenada and within walking distance of our YWAM bases, there is an abundance of little restaurants and food stands with unbelievably delicious and cheap food.
If you ask any staff or former students what they like to do in their free time, you will probably hear a majority of them say that they love to go out to eat with their friends. It’s basically our biggest hobby and we are so proud of it.
My personal favorite is any taco stand that I can find and Nigori Sushi. This quaint sushi restaurant has a classy dining room and offers all the standard rolls you love to eat at home as well as some unique dishes that put a local twist on the cuisine.
2. The Coffee shops
From amazing aesthetics to cheap prices on specialty coffee and amazing chai, there are so many different coffee shops to enjoy in Ensenada.
There is one to match whatever type of mood you are in and the majority of them have really great coffee! One-on-one, small groups, friend outings, DeVos, reading, and studying are all the perfect excuses to pop into your favorite cafe, get comfy, and enjoy yourself.
Coffee shops are my love language so if you join us, you can find me in one multiple times throughout the week.
I go to Black Coffee so often that they've opened a tab for me. Seriously. But who can blame me? Their creative, house-brewed coffee creations are irresistible and they also have a range of tasty treats on the menu, such as the ice cream-filled chimney cakes.
When I want a comfy spot to crash, I go straight for the couches at Cafe con Leche. Don't forget to try a brownie while you're there, but I'll warn you - once you have one, you'll have to keep coming back for more!
3. The Ocean
The most popular beach in Ensenada is a whopping 30-second walk from our YWAM school. It is fittingly named, Playa Hermosa, or Beautiful Beach.
It is perfect for walks, surfing, sports, swimming, hanging out, runs, introspection, or whatever you like to do outdoors. It also isn’t the only beach in Ensenada. There are tons of other beaches open to the public within walking distance.
My favorite thing about the ocean here is that no matter what beach you are at, you are guaranteed to catch an incredible view at sunset. There have been countless nights when our entire staff will stop what they are doing and walk down to the beach just to watch and document the sunset.
We have all traveled to multiple destinations and seen tons of different sunsets around the world, but most of the staff here would agree with me when I say nothing compares to an Ensenada sunset!
4. The Mountains
Along with the ocean, we have a beautiful background of mountains surrounding Ensenada on the opposite side. They make for great views of the city, but if you prefer hiking and foliage over sandy beaches, then this location is for you.
At YWAM San Diego/Baja, we have taken it upon ourselves to put a cross at the top of our most popular hiking route as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The mountains complement the ocean beautifully, and Ensenada would not be the same without them.
5. The Fish Tacos
Ensenada is the birthplace of fish tacos...and they are amazing.
‘Nuff said.
6. LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES
A lot of the staff here at Ensenada attend a church called Horizonte and we love it.
They have a bilingual service with amazing worship, preaching, hipster vibes, and a coffee shop. What else could a traveling young person want or need?
In all seriousness, we all love getting out of our little bubble on the YWAM campus to take part in another Christian community. Many of our staff also help serve in the church. My YWAM San Diego/ Baja experience definitely would not be the same without Horizonte, and I think a lot of other staff here would say the same!
7. The Chill Vibes
The skate and surf culture, the ocean air, the beautiful views, and the relaxed Mexican culture, all combine to create the best atmosphere for your lecture phase free time.
Ensenada is such a laid-back city, and you'll have the space and time to adopt that mindset as your own. A chill environment is also the perfect cultivator of self-reflection. When your world is quiet, your mind can be as well, so you can focus on listening to the message God is sending to you, and spread that to others in a more effective way.
I am all about vibes, so the relaxed, go-with-the-flow culture here has really helped me feel comfortable even though I'm far away from home!
8. The People
A huge part of a city is the people. I absolutely love meeting the locals in Ensenada.
From the modernized and hipster “Ensenadans” in the coffee shops to the indigenous people in the mountains, they all bring such a beautiful aspect of Mexican culture to the city and our YWAM location.
They show the diversity between urban and rural, and modernized and conservative that this city encompasses so well. Walking between cultures and meeting new people is a critical part of DTS, and living in Ensenada is the first step for our students to meet these goals and practice what they learn in the DTS classroom.
9. We can walk everywhere
One thing I love about Ensenada is that there are a lot of places that are close to each other and within walking distance. I love that I can walk to a grocery store, the beach, the base, a coffee shop, an OXXO (a Mexican convenience store), or any of my friends’ houses from my place.
Most of the time, the weather is amazing for a walk, which is so good for the soul. Let’s also not forget the physical and mental health benefits of walking, and the environmental benefits as well. Hello, healthy body, clear mind, and a cleaner Earth!
10. The YWAM Base (obvi)
The YWAM San Diego/Baja campus is obviously the biggest part of our experience in Ensenada.
Here lies the majority of our intimate friendships and community. This is where we do life together, encourage one another, and keep each other accountable. One of the biggest reasons Ensenada has a huge hold on my heart is the people on the base.
No matter where I am in the world, I know I have a close-knit community to come back to that loves, supports, and is always there for me.
How to Choose Your DTS Location
All of YWAM's DTS programs will bring something to your life. However, choosing the YWAM community that is best for your personal goals and will allow you to deepen your faith to the greatest level is just as important as the missionary training itself.
A good way to find the best DTS locations for you is to make a list of what is important to you in your DTS. Factors on this list could include:
YWAM DTS cost
World missions destination
DTS elective offerings
Where God calls you to go
What different cultures appeal to you
It's okay to take time to think it over. We understand it's a big decision! If you're feeling conflicted about where to do your DTS, speak to one of our staff today. They can provide you with information about both our YWam San Diego/Baja locations, including everything we love about Tijuana, and connect you with resources on other YWAM locations.
Do a YWAM DTS Today
Want to experience Ensenada in all its glory? Join us at our Ensenada campus for a discipleship training school or one of our secondary courses for DTS graduates through the University of the Nations, or DTS for older students such as the Crossroads DTS.
Ensenada is waiting for you. Don't miss your chance to live in this breathtaking location - Apply for YWAM San Diego/Baja today.