FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions from our applicants and students. See if your question is answered here. If not, don’t hesitate to ask us.

General Questions about yoga

How is yoga different from other styles of fitness exercises?

Unlike other styles of fitness regimens, yoga focuses on wellness of complete human body
encompassing mind, body and soul. It not only brings about agility and fitness in the body but also channels their energy.

Is yoga a religion? Will it interfere with my spiritual disposition?

Yoga is neither a religion nor it aims to prove itself supercilious to other forms of spirituality. It is a vedic science put together by ancient gurus and sages of India which aims to unify the mind, body and soul for overall feeling of physical, mental and spiritual awareness and wellbeing.

My body is no longer flexible – can I still learn yoga?

Yes! Flexibility is not an impediment to learning yoga. Our patient and empathetic teachers will work with you to make you flexible and fit.

About our yoga training

Do I need to be a trained yoga professional to join the course?

It is highly recommended that students have basic knowledge of yoga. You can take up a course at a local school to get attuned to yoga terminology and basic asanas. This will enable you to pick up the more rigorous asanas of RYT 200 and the other activities of daily schedule comfortably.

What style of yoga will I be learning?

Yoga has varied styles, each having its own significance. And we teach 3 main styles:

Traditional Hatha Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Iyengar based Therapeutic Yoga
Vinyasa Flow

Exposure to different styles will allow you to decide which style you would like to pursue more deeply.

Will I be qualified to teach when I graduate and at what level?

Students who pass the course – by attending all the classes and completing the home work- receive certificates on course completion and can start teaching. It is recommended that they apply for Yoga Alliance certification first to improve their chances of getting a better paying job.

I want to join the course to deepen my practice and not teach. Is this fine?

Absolutely. Many students come to us to get more intensive yoga training. Although these courses are meant for yoga teacher training, they emphatically cover deeper, more complex asanas and meditation levels.

About yoga certification

What is Yoga Alliance?

Yoga Alliance® is an education and support organization for yoga schools and is a non profitable
organization. In order to become a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) you must adhere to a very clear set of standards in terms of curriculum, planning, training, and qualification. In the Yoga industry, Yoga Alliance has become the standard certification backing for any yoga training school, and most studios will expect it from their teachers. Yoga Alliance has more than 3K registered schools and more than 37K registered teachers worldwide.

Is Mahi Yoga certified by Yoga Alliance?

Yes. All Our Yoga courses are Yoga Alliance accredited at the 200 or 300 hour levels. We are RYS200 and RYS300.

Will certificate issued by Mahi Yoga work in my home country?

Yes, our center has an excellent reputation internationally and we have trained students from more than 50 countries, but more importantly, our Yoga Alliance USA registration is the international standard
for teachers everywhere and they have 37K registered teachers worldwide in almost every country.

Will I need to apply for Yoga Alliance International separately?

Yes. The certification you receive from us on completion of the course will allow you to apply for Yoga Alliance International certification. It is not mandatory to apply for Yoga Alliance certification but it significantly improves chances of getting good jobs in yoga teaching as most fitness institutes and yoga centres demand Yoga Alliance International certification.

Before the course

I am travelling to India first time, can you help me?

Upon registration we will pass you the contact details of our Course Manager. He/She can be contacted any time. Feel free to communicate with them to have answer to all your quarries.

Can you arrange aiport pick for me?

Sure we can. Please let us know your flight schedule and we can make the necessary arrangement as long as you inform us in advance.

What is included in the course fee?

The course fee includes course tuition and stay at the retreat along with all three vegetarian meals from Monday-Friday. Filtered drinking water and hot water (Dharamshala only) is included. Airport pick is also included from Dharamshala Airports only depends upon where you are attending. The retreat doesn’t provide any towels, clothes or toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet papers etc. to the students. You can bring along or buy from local market.

How many students are there in one class?

We have maximum of 28 students in one Yoga Class to give proper attention.

What do I bring with me?

You should bring comfortable clothing for your practice along with essentials that you carry with you while travelling. Also please bring towels, and toiletries like soap, shampoo etc. You can also carry notebook and pen, natural mosquito repellent, alarm clock, an open mind, carry rain coat or umbrella and some warm cloths and most importantly, a sense of humor. 😛

What vaccines do I need?

Vaccines are not needed for travel to India. Consult with your local Doctor and try to get them before you come if you really need one based on Doctor’s advice.

What are the electricity details and plug used in India?

Indian Electrical Power is 230 Volts, 50 Hz. Electricity connections use two or three pin plugs.

During the course

What happens if I miss a class?

Students need to have 100% attendance to receive the certification. If, however, for any reason you are unable to attend a class, you can spend extra time with the teachers to complete the requisite training hours. Note: this facility is only for students who have serious reasons – like illness – for missing the class.

How much time will I need to spend on homework?

You will spend approximately 1 hour daily on homework which will also include written assignments. You will get guidance from the teachers in doing your homework, where required.

Will I have free time?

Yes. Daily, you will get some free time between the Asanas and courses. Also, later parts of the evenings are generally free. Other than that you will also get time off on weekends.

Are weekends off?

All Sundays are off. On Saturday we have only morning classes. But there are occasions when we do have Saturday full day class. During this day we do provide all the 3 meals.

Do you have students from different cultures and backgrounds?

We accept students from any ethnicity, religion and country with open arms and much love. In fact, most of our students come from foreign countries. Some of our teachers are also not of Indian origin but are great yogis.

I have not taken my meal/meals on particular day; can I get refund for that?

No it’s not refundable. We have arranged special yogic vegetarian meals and do not encourage you to eat out. But if you wish to, you can but the amount paid for your meals during your stay is not refundable.

I have special meals requirement and allergies to nuts; will you be able to take care it?

As long as you inform us in advance, we should be able to take care. Please do let us know before booking your course and will let you know. So far we have taken care of special requirements of Vegan, No-Gluten, and No-Nuts etc.

How to have meals during the weekend and how much it costs?

There are lots of choices with-in 5-10 min. of walking distance from our centre. An average meal will cost around INR200-400/person (USD4-USD8).

Is there any refrigerator in the room?

No, there is no refrigerator in the room. However kitchen has one, in case you would like to store anything there.

I want to get local SIM card, how long will it take and what documents are required?

In India SIM can’t be activated so fast. Minimum time required is 24 hours after submitting all the documents. You will need to submit copy of your passport and passport size photo.

Is credit card accepted in the market?

Most of the shops accept cash only in INR currency. But there are few money changers around to change the currency.

Do you have WiFi Internet?

Yes, we do have it in all our centres. In Dharamshala it’s available at Yoga Hall and Forest Hill Residency only. Also take note that because of the Hill Station sometime internet is not available due to heavy rain or bad weather.

Are there any ATMs nearby?

Yes, there are 2 ATMs in Bhagsu and couple of more in McLeodgang. But daily withdraw limit is INR10K.

Is it safe there for females?

Dharamshala is much safer than rest of India. But we recommend you to go out in groups if possible. Sometime you are late at Yoga Hall due to WiFi usage; please ask Course Coordinator or Forest Hill Staff/Owner to accompany you up to your room. Someone will be there 24/7 and more than willing to help you.

I am a blogger and have my own blog. Can I write about my experience with Mahi Yoga?

Yes, of course you can. Feel free to share your thoughts and if you need photos, you can get them from our Facebook page. We will appreciate if you can share the post with us once you have posted it.

Cancellations and refunds

If I’m unable to attend the training, will I get a refund?

Students need to pay the USD 300/- as advance to book a seat in the course of their choice in Goa– this fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Rest of the fees will only need to be paid on the day of joining. If due to any unforeseen circumstances a student has to leave a session midway, they can join back any time (with prior notice) in the next two years but fee is non-refundable. In the event you have to leave the course half way and joining us back again for rest of the course, you will need to pay for your accommodation and airport pick up. We will provide you the meals for the number of missing days from first instance and entry to the course.
If you have paid the advance and booked the dates but not able to make it, you MUST inform us minimum 2 weeks in advance to re-schedule your course with us within next year. If you failed to inform or are informing within one week of course date, you will need to bear the 50% of accommodation charges (around €100).

Can I get the refund on medical grounds?

We are really sorry if you get injured or sick, but the deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE.

I just found out that I am pregnant; can I get the refund?

We are happy for you but deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE. However if you inform us 3 weeks in advance we are more than willing to extend the period by when you can join.

What if the course is postponed or cancelled?

So far we have not cancelled any of our courses. Due to unforeseen circumstances if we need to cancel our course, we will issue you 100% refund of the amount paid to us. You will have option to attend future batch also where we will issue you special discounts.

I hope we have answered most of your questions. If you do have any other questions, feel free to ask them!

FAQ