Question:
Does my child really need a passport? I called and was told they only need a birth certificate or I.D.
Answer:
Yes, we require that each student must have one because with the size of our groups it makes our border crossing easier.
*For Chicago, please send a passport OR a government issued ID.

Click here for the site that can help you get a Passport

Question:
We don't have enough time to get a passport.
Answer:
You can expedite a passport in just three days; it just costs a little more. Contact your local Post Office for more details.
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Question:
Where do you go on outreach?
Answer:
Reynosa, Mexico right over the border from McAllen, TX for regular SST's.
Chicago for Phase 2
 

Question:
Are there hospitals in Mexico?
Answer:
While in Reynosa we are minutes from an American hospital.
 

Question:
Where do you stay on outreach?
Answer:
In Mexico we stay at a private camp owned by the church we have worked with for the last seven years. There are two dorms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
*In Chicago we will be staying at a Christian school.
 

Question:
Will my child be able to call me from Mexico?
Answer:
We stay at a private camp outside of the city that doesn't have any public phones. It is possible for them to call you when they are in town one day. A phone card must be purchased in Mexico. The easiest way to find out how your child is doing is to call our SST office (903-509-5360). The leaders of that outreach will be checking in with us and giving us reports frequently.
 

Question:
How do you travel to Mexico and Chicago?
Answer:
We rent charter buses and also use YWAM's fleet of vans.
 

Question:
How long in Texas/Mexico?
Answer:
A week is spent in each location.
 

Question:
Is the water safe to drink?
Answer:
We purchase bottled water.
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Question:
Do you pick up in Dallas?
Answer:
No we do not. A shuttle service is available which costs $60 each way.
They have group rates as well. Call 1-888-405-8022 for more information.
An SST staff person can pick your child up free of charge at the Tyler airport.
 

Question:
How will my child recognize who is picking them up?
Answer:
Our SST staff will wear a shirt that says SST Staff. They will also have an ID tag.
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Question:
Does my child need shots?
Answer:
There are no special shots needed to go into Mexico.
 

Question:
Does my child need malaria pills?
Answer:
No.
 

Question:
Do I need to go to the doctor and get a prescription in case my child gets diarrhea?
Answer:
No. Over-the-counter medicines work fine and we keep those in our fully stocked first aid kit that we have with us at all times.
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Question:
How much spending money should my child bring?
Answer:
There is a restaurant and snack shop at YWAM Tyler and there is also a shopping day and times to buys snacks in Mexico. Most parents send about $50 - $100.
 

Question:
What should my child pack?
Answer:
Our Admissions Department will send you a list once they have been accepted.
 

Question:
Can my child wear tank tops?
Answer:
In Texas, YES! But no spaghetti straps please!
In Mexico AND  Chicago, NO!
 

Question:
Are tankinis allowed?
Answer:
Yes, But they MUST cover the stomach or we will ask the girl to wear a tank top over it.
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Question:
How long does it take for me to know if my child is accepted after I send in the application?
Answer:
As soon as Admissions has ALL the parts they can make a decision very quickly.
 

Question:
Do you accept students without insurance?
Answer:
Yes, But if you like, you can purchase travel insurance through a travel agent. We do not require it though.
 

Question:
Do I need to send in the tuition money?
Answer:
You can if you like but we will have a registration day when they arrive when they can turn in their money.
 

Question:
What does tuition include and not include?
Answer:
It does include housing, transportation to Mexico, and food while in Texas and in Mexico.
 
It DOES NOT include transportation to our training center in Texas, or spending money.
 

Question:
Do youth pastors/workers need to fill out an application and pay a registration fee?
Answer:
Yes.
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Question:
What is the student/staff ratio?
Answer:
5 students to 1 staff
 

Question:
Who works with the SST?
Answer:
Youth With A Mission missionaries who have had one year of missions training as well as the intense training required to staff SST's.
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Question:
Is there a way to reach my child in case of emergency?
Answer:
The best way to reach your child is to call our SST office. If it is after 5 p.m. you can call and leave a message at 903-509-5360. The machine is checked every hour.
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