Is Tijuana safe?
We give student safety a high priority. Our campus is looked after by a local, onsite caretaker, and we are located in a safe, middle-class neighborhood. We have an evening curfew and some basic rules to promote safety and build a healthy community...
There is crime in TIjuana. However, this has had little to no effect on the many international ministries that operate in and around Tijuana. Links to more information:
- Our director Ryan Sorensen’s letter on safety
- A short video explanation from one of our deans of students, Dan Silver
Testimonials from parents who have visited our campus:
I felt like this was a safe, friendly, and welcoming place to bring my teenage child. I would have brought any age child, really. - mother visiting from Astoria, OR, March 2009
My daughter felt led to come to BBS and my first thoughts were to forbid her to go. Problem is, she is an adult and if God calls her to go somewhere, she needs to go.
I came with her to see for myself. I had heard all the terrible things on the news about Mexico and we, as parents, were very concerned! So, we came knowing the Lord is with us always!
As a parent, I personally saw no evidence of what has been running on the news channels. Nothing to alarm me, worry me, or cause any fear. I feel fine with my daughter or any of the other young people returning to Tijuana. - mother visiting from Auburn, WA, March 2009
What about housing and parking?
All students (with rare exceptions) live on campus in our newly-constructed dormitory building and eat meals together on campus. Because of our limited parking, students may not bring vehicles. Public transportation in Tijuana is excellent and inexpensive. We ask students to travel in groups and give them basic training in using public transportation.
What kind of accountability does Baja Bible School have?
Baja Bible School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of California. We have relationships with many ministries in Tijuana, and we have been supported financially and by volunteers from diverse evangelical churches...
We are also organized as a Mexican non-profit organization. Information about our boards of directors is available
here. Both boards hold bi-annual meetings, and actively oversee institutional decisions.
Is Baja Bible School accredited?
Baja Bible School's one-year program provides an environment where students can learn to follow Jesus, learn about service, study the Bible, study Spanish, and experience cross-cultural life and ministry...
Our program does not grant academic credit, but some universities may accept credit for time spent here. Students who leave our program have completed significant Biblical study and three weekly hours of Spanish study. They have learned about and seen cross-cultural life and ministry modelled, and they have spent time observing and volunteering with ministries in Tijuana. Students inquiring about credit for our program at other institutions should request curriculum details to pass on to the receiving institution.
Starting in the 1990s, many U.S. universities began recommending a deferral year or a "gap-year" to incoming freshmen. A gap-year is a year spent in intentional learning or service. Students benefit from a gap-year by entering college with a greater sense of focus, a higher level of maturity, and a stronger résumé. Read more about the benefits of gap-years at Interim Programs (a gap-year consulting organization).
How much does the program cost? Are there payment plans?
We believe in keeping our costs as low as possible for our students. We've done everything possible to provide affordable tuition. We encourage students to develop at least a few supporters who will commit to supporting them financially and in prayer during their time at BBS. Payment plan options are available to students. 
Download Payments and Fees PDF
Is health insurance provided?
Baja Bible School does not provide health insurance. Private Mexican health insurance and international health insurance plans are available online...
If you choose to purchase insurance, we recommend purchasing a high-deductible plan since the out-of-pocket costs of basic medical care in Tijuana tend to be very low (approx. $25 dollar for an office visit). Local doctors that our U.S. staff members have used are very competent and many speak English well. There are several hospitals and clinics near our campus.
U.S. students who are eligible to remain under their parents’ health insurance have easy access to the San Diego health system since our campus is located only two miles from the U.S. border. However, in case of emergencies, we ask all students to sign a waiver authorizing Baja Bible School to secure services for them, either in Tijuana or the United States, depending on the urgency of the situation.
Several of our staff members are certified in First Aid/CPR and we have written protocols in place for medical emergencies.
Does my son/daughter need a passport or visa?
Students need to bring a passport and a driver’s license or other photo ID. Visas necessary for their stay in Tijuana are covered by tuition and are obtained after arrival. Students outside North America should apply at a Mexican consulate in their country to obtain a Mexican FMT visa and should include a photocopy of the visa in their application packet.
