Things to know | YWAM Skien

GOT QUESTIONS?

So, you've decided you're going to do a DTS.

You're excited, on edge, thrilled, maybe a little anxious and also curious.

You probably have many questions too?

WHERE DO I LIVE?

YWAM Skien is in an old prison that was built in the late 1800s. It's been greatly renovated, but still has a lot of the original feel and elements. Students live together in shared rooms throughout the building and here you will get to join our family-style community and fellowship along with your classmates in the DTS and other schools here at YWAM Skien.

There are shops that are only a 2-minute walk from the base and a large shopping center 15 minutes walk away, so most things that you don't have are usually available here in Skien.

WHO IS THERE?

YWAM Skien is like a big family that highly values generosity and hospitality. We have staff and students from every corner of the world. We all enjoy learning about the variety of cultures that come to our international base.

The number of students in your DTS can vary from year to year and school to school. Past years have been from 5 to 25 students.

Currently, we have about 30 staff, that either work with schools, admin, practical things or other ministries at the base.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For traveling on outreach it is compulsory for students of all nationalities to have travel insurance. The insurance provider is your choice, as long as it covers travels up to a minimum of 60 days and covers health care and home transport in serious cases.

If you are an EU citizen you need to bring your EHIC card: https://helsenorge.no/foreigners-in-norway/who-is-entitled-to-a-european-health-insurance-card. If you are from outside EU you would need travel insurance that covers for your stay in Norway + outreach.

DO I NEED A VISA?

If you have citizenship from a country within the Schengen area then a visa is not required. If that’s not the case, please continue reading:

To do the Spring DTS or the DBS you would not need a visa to come to Norway as long as your country is on this list: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visit-and-holiday/to-visit-norway-without-a-visa/, and you fulfill the other rules on this list: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visit-and-holiday/to-visit-norway-without-a-visa/.

If your country is not on the list or you don’t fulfill the requirement, please contact us so that we can look at options for your specific situation.

To do Explore DTS, a 90 days tourist visa to Norway is not enough. So after you have been accepted into the DTS we would help you with the paperwork to apply for a more suitable visa. No need to worry, we will help you through the process! As always, the earlier the better. The processing of a visa application depends on a lot of factors – it may take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2-3 months.

WHAT DO I BRING?

As you will spend the lecture phase of your DTS here in Skien, there are things that you can bring to make your life here more like home.

Toiletries
Bible/Notebooks/Journal
Swimwear
Rain Jacket
Warm winter clothes (0° to -15°)
Casual Clothing
Sleeping Bag
Non Permanent Decorations

Note: There are multiple opportunities to dress well during your DTS, for opening dinner, parties, events, and graduation. So smart casual or formal wear will come in handy.

Note: Norwegians love wool! As all DTS schools experience winter, it pays to stay warm. So any wool clothing is highly encouraged (socks, gloves, sweaters, scarfs and beanies)

Note: Bedding Sheets/Duvet Cover can either be rented from the base or bought in a store for about 150 kroner (15 USD).

PACKING FOR OUTREACH

OUTREACH is where we get to step into a new culture while we learn and share in wild, big and different locations. However, there are packing tips that can help you prepare for your DTS.

Shorts (Covers Knee)
Flip Flops/Sandals
Long Sleeve Shirts
Quick Dry Shirts
Long Skirts (to cover ankles)
Hat
Sun Lotion
Sun-glasses
Inflatable Mattress/Pillow
Mosquito Net
Waste pouch (for valuables)
Hiking Shoes

CLICK AND DRAG THIS 360 TOUR OF

THE SKIEN TOWN CENTER

WHAT'S MY ROOM LIKE?

As a DTS student, you will be sharing rooms with students of the same gender. Depending on the size of your class, usually, you will share with 3 to 5 others in your room. You are provided with a bed (bedding sheets/duvet covers not provided) and some storage space for your clothing and equipment.

Note: Not all students from abroad that come to YWAM Skien are familiar with 'Duvets', If you find yourself in this position then it's probably worth a Google. Finding a duvet cover at home or in Skien will make things easy for you.

Rooms in 2nd floor