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YWAM Sendai Guide

General Eligibility

Summary

Section titled “Summary”

YWAM Sendai welcomes applications from people in different roles, including students, long-term staff, short-term teams, and visitors. All applicants must meet a small set of general eligibility requirements before any role-specific process is considered.

This page covers the general requirements that apply across the handbook. Individual roles and schools may have additional requirements.

What are the general eligibility requirements?

Section titled “What are the general eligibility requirements?”

The general eligibility requirements for YWAM Sendai are:

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old, or 17 if they will turn 18 during their time with YWAM Sendai
  • the applicant must have functional proficiency in either English or Japanese
  • the applicant must be able to participate responsibly in the life, communication, and expectations of the community
  • the applicant must meet any additional requirements for the specific role, school, or visit they are applying for

What does the age requirement mean?

Section titled “What does the age requirement mean?”

Most applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time they begin their program, visit, or service period.

YWAM Sendai may also consider applicants who are 17 at the time of application if they will turn 18 during their time with YWAM Sendai.

What language ability is required?

Section titled “What language ability is required?”

Applicants must have functional proficiency in either English or Japanese.

This means the applicant should be able to:

  • understand instructions and important communication
  • participate in community life
  • ask for help when needed
  • engage meaningfully in the program, role, or visit they are applying for

Some roles may have stronger language expectations. For example, long-term staff are expected to pursue deeper Japanese language development over time.

Are there additional requirements for specific roles?

Section titled “Are there additional requirements for specific roles?”

Yes. Some roles and programs have additional requirements beyond the general eligibility listed on this page.

Examples include:

  • long-term staff applicants must have completed a YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS)
  • students must meet the requirements of the specific school they are applying for
  • teams or visitors may need to meet timing, communication, or logistical requirements depending on the nature of the visit

Does meeting the general eligibility guarantee acceptance?

Section titled “Does meeting the general eligibility guarantee acceptance?”

No. Meeting the general eligibility requirements means an applicant may be considered, but it does not guarantee acceptance.

YWAM Sendai also considers factors such as:

  • suitability for the role or school
  • readiness for community life
  • alignment with the purpose of the visit or application
  • references, interviews, and discernment where applicable

Where can I find role-specific requirements?

Section titled “Where can I find role-specific requirements?”

Use the pages below for more specific guidance:

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