Spring 2009 Teacher Training
Deadline February 28th! Space is limited - Register Today!

Training FAQ

How many students are in a teacher training session?
We have space for almost 700 students -- the biggest and most beautiful yoga room in the world!

How much money should I budget in total for teacher training?
In addition to the tuition (US$6,600) and room/board (US$3,900), other expenses that should be considered:

• Airfare from your home to Acapulco, Mexico
• Airport transfers at home
• Airport transfers in Acapulco (Shuttle service is available for US$15, taxi is US$25, approximately)
• Weekly expenses for 9 weeks: Most students found about $100 a week allowed for a comfortable experience. However, many subsisted on $50 or less/week. It is a personal decision to determine what is best for you. Some costs to consider:
• Laundry
• Food for dinner each day, snacks, nutritional supplements
• Outings (weekend dinners out, tourist activities, etc.)
• Phone calls home
• Personal services (haircuts, pedicures, waxing)
• Medical services, if needed
• Any items you may purchase to bring to training

What should I bring to Teacher Training?
Everyone is different, so you should plan for your own personal needs and requirements. However, on a basic level, here are things everyone will need to bring:

• Yoga Mat
• Yoga Clothes (11 classes/week; laundry service is available)
• Clothing for lectures/posture clinics. These clothes should be comfortable and allow you to execute postures modestly in a group setting.
• Water Bottle - Many students found they needed a larger water bottle, initially, then they typically use at home. Also, getting an insulator to keep water cold was also popular.
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Electronics - Many students bring laptops, iPods, cell phones and cameras. Some found bringing a power strip afforded ample outlets for both people in the room.
• Notebook/Journal - Notebook for class, journal for personal writing.
• Sun Wear/Gear - Bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, etc.
• Clothing for weekend outings, if desired
• Outfit for graduation, if desired

What are the Check-In and Check-Out times?
Check-in time is 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 14th and check-out time is Sunday, November 16th at 11 a.m. If you are interested in spending time before or after training in Acapulco, please contact Antonia@bikramyoga.com to make arrangements.

What is the ATM situation?
There is an ATM onsite at the hotel for accessing local currency. Credit cards are taken at the hotel and most local stores. Your typical international bank fees will apply.

What is the alcohol/drug/cigarette policy?
During training, all trainees are required to commit to a no-use policy around all drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Usage can result in dismissal from training without certification. The staff is available to help and offer to support to anyone who is in the process of quitting the use of these items. Further, students who are part of 12-step programs are free to set up a weekly meeting time, and the staff will assist by providing a space for that meeting.

Is the hotel safe? Is it safe to travel around Acapulco?
The hotel has security at the front gate as well as on the grounds. When exploring outside the hotel grounds, it is always wise to travel with another person and use common sense. One option to be considered is the hotel cab drivers, who are available for hire as a drive/guide for your outings (approximately US$50 for 4 hours).

Is the water safe to drink?
The water at the hotel is filtered and is safe for drinking. Many students drank tap water throughout training. Some brought portable water filter pitchers, some opted to flavor their water with local lime juice, and still others chose to buy bottled water each weekend for the week following.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean?
Yes, unless you have an open wound, in which case it's recommended to stay out of the ocean and pools until it has healed.

How are roommates assigned?
There are two students per room at the standard room/board rate of US$3,900. The staff arranges roommates generally by age range, though not always. You will be informed of your roommate's name at check-in. Roommate requests are possible and should be included in your application. It is not possible to change roommates once you are at training. For an additional fee (US$8,000), you can choose a single room. If you have a specific health condition that should be considered in your roommate assignment (i.e., severe nut allergy, CPAP machine, etc.) please include that information with your application. Any questions in this area should be emailed to: shelly@bikramyoga.com.

What will my daily schedule be?
Each student should plan to be in active training evolutions (either yoga class, lectures, posture clinics, etc.) from a minimum of 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The daily schedule can change based on Bikram's wishes. Some days will end significantly later than 11:30 p.m., particularly if Bikram is lecturing. Outside of these hours, dialogue study and practice will need to take place. Saturday, one yoga class will take place at 8 a.m.; after that, you are free until Monday morning (Sunday is a day off).

What if I'm late, or I miss an evolution (yoga class, lecture, etc.) of training?
All students must attend every evolution of training to graduate. Sign-in is required by 5 minutes prior to the beginning of each evolution. Missing a sign-in will result in the assignment of an extra yoga class (either a second class on Saturday, or attending on Sunday). If you miss an evolution completely, you will be required to attend an interview with a staff member to discuss your continued participation in the program. If a special situation exists, prior arrangements can be made in extreme cases to miss an evolution (a make-up plan will be agreed to). Any questions in this area should be emailed to: shelly@bikramyoga.com.

How much sleep should I expect to get?
Sleep is a premium at Bikram Teacher Training, and some nights are very short when lectures end late. The best way to ensure optimal time for sleep is to learn your dialogue completely before arriving at training. While some nights will be unavoidably late, reducing the need to stay up late or get up early to study dialogue will greatly add to your amount of sleep.

What if I don't learn my dialogue before training?
You will very likely complete training successfully, however, you will likely get much less sleep as study of dialogue typically needs to occur outside of the training day schedule of 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Further, students who knew dialogue also were able to relax and/or explore more of Acapulco on the weekends.

What should I expect of the staff?
The staff is onsite to support you in your training path. It is their job to ensure your safety, enforce policy/rules, and to help you to successfully graduate the program. Staff will expect you to take full responsibility for yourself and your actions, and thus will also be on-hand to help you recognize your own patterns/struggles that may be inhibiting your success at training.

All staff members are hand-selected by Bikram to serve. None of the staff are compensated (other than room/board) and each one has dedicated their time to give back to the Bikram Yoga community. Further, each one is a certified Bikram Yoga teacher and has gone through training as a trainee.

What medical services are available/provided?
Bikram has a complimentary nurse on staff throughout the training to answer your questions and advise you on ailments.

Additionally, there is a local medical doctor onsite at the hotel. The charge for a typical doctor visit is approximately US$150*, and is to be paid directly to the doctor in cash only (ATM onsite). Basic services such as IVs, shots, etc. are available in his office. If requested, a detailed bill can be provided for submission to your insurance carrier. Many students found reimbursement was possible once they were home. An ambulance is also onsite for any needed transfers to local hospitals (fees apply*).

While no dentist is onsite, the doctor can recommend a local, English-speaking dentist for any dental issues that arise.

*Fees vary based on services provided.

Why is my medical history/list of medications required?
We require this so that if any health issue arises, we are aware of your history and current medication listing. Please include this information on your application as requested. Plan to take all your typical medications as directed by your physician throughout training.

Is Bikram onsite the whole time?
While Bikram is onsite for a very significant portion of training, due to his busy schedule, he typically has some other obligations during the session. While he's away, the staff and visiting teachers keep the momentum going with a full schedule of posture clinics (dialogue) and guest lectures.

Who teaches the yoga classes?
You will be taught classes by a range of teachers throughout training. This affords you the opportunity to see the different styles of class you can offer while still adhering to the dialogue. Bikram teaches (typically) once a day when he is onsite. Senior teachers, visiting teachers and staff teach the rest of the classes.

Will towels be provided for my yoga classes?
Yes, each student is allowed up to use two towels for each yoga class. They are available at the Yoga Room. The towels in your hotel room are to remain there.

Will I be able to practice yoga on my day off, Sunday, if I choose?
Yes, one class is offered on Sunday mornings that you are free to attend.

How many total yoga classes will I do at training?
The total required number of classes is approximately 100. Your first class is Monday evening, so Week 1 there are only 10 classes; the rest of the time there are 11 classes required per week.

Will I need adapters to use the electrical outlets in my room?
Outlets in Mexico are typical North America style outlets (USA/Canada). If you are coming from outside those areas, you will need to obtain adapters.

Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
Check with your carrier to see what options you have for international usage. Often there is a plan with a small monthly fee that drastically reduces the per minute cost of each call.

How can my family/friends reach me at the hotel directly?
Many students use online options such as chat, and services like Skype for inexpensive communication. To call the Fairmont Princess Hotel from the US: 011-52-744-469-1000. For other countries, note that the Mexico country code is 52, and the city code is 744, and the hotel number is 469-1000.

What is the time zone in Acapulco?
The time during Standard Time is GMT-6 hours. During Daylight Savings Time, it is GMT -5 hours. Daylight Savings Time runs from April 6 - October 26, 2008.

What are my options for Internet usage?
Some rooms have Internet access in the room, while others can access wireless Internet service in the main lobby. It is recommended that all trainees join the Fairmont President's Club in order to access free Internet for the duration of your stay.

Can I take photos or video?
Photos are permitted unless otherwise noted; videos are not permitted in any evolution of training.

What are my options for laundry?
There are three main options for laundering your clothes:
1) The hotel offers laundry service at an extremely reduced rate for students, with daily drop-off/pick-up at the yoga room. There is a 24-hour turn around, and the service is not available on Sunday. On average, students taking this route spent approximately $10/week.
2) Laundromats outside the hotel are nearby. They require you use your free time, but typically cost only about $3/week.
3) Hand-washing. Many students opted to hand-wash their yoga clothes in particular, and only periodically employed the hotel service. This cost is the lowest.

Laundry detergent is readily available at the nearby Wal-Mart or Mega grocery store. However, if you have special needs (allergies, for example), you should bring your own.

What is the food like?
The daily brunch buffet is offered after morning yoga class, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. It is very comprehensive and includes Mexican favorites, as well as a continental array of foods, including but not limited to: Quesadilla Station (made to order), Egg/Omelet Station (made to order), Refried Beans, Rice, Chilaquiles, Scrambled eggs, Bacon, Chicken dishes, Fish dishes, Pork dishes, Fresh fruit, Salads, Guacamole, salsa bar, Desserts/baked goods, Bread selection, Soup, Cereal/Granola/Nuts, Peanut Butter/Jelly/Jams, Juices, Milk, yogurt

The specific preparation of the meat dishes, soups and salads rotate daily.

Are special diets accommodated on the buffet?
Most special diets are accommodated in the buffet including vegetarian, vegan, wheat/gluten-free, and raw food. Further, food can be purchased on the weekends at the local grocery stores.

Since only one meal is provided, what about food for the rest of the day?
Most students typically do not eat before morning yoga class or have something small to eat/drink in their room. Brunch is provided immediately after class. Purchasing and having snacks on hand for the afternoon/evening sessions is a personal decision, but recommended. For the dinner/evening meal, you are on your own. There are many options including:
- Room Service - This option is the most expensive but also the most convenient. Many students would use this option once or twice a week as a convenience.
- LA Café (onsite) - The Deli in the lobby makes made-to-order sandwiches, serves soup, coffee and pastries
- Groceries - Many students would purchase food at grocery stores on the weekends for the evening meal. Most would treat dinner more like 'lunch' and make sandwiches, crackers, cheese, nuts, soups, salads, etc.

Note: Hot water is available at the LA Café for making instant soups, oatmeal, and tea.

What other special nutritional support should I consider for training?
Most students find that they need additional nutritional support and take electrolytes either as capsules, tablets/powders added to water, or Pedialyte. Pedialyte is available in the hotel sundries shop, Wal-Mart and the Mega grocery store. Further, additional vitamins and minerals may be needed. Protein powders are also very popular among trainees as a nutritional supplement. Check with your doctor or nutritionist for individual advice.

One item lacking in the area are any sort of power/nutritional bar. Only simple granola bars are found at the nearby stores. Therefore, if you would like to use nutritional bars (Power Bars, etc.) as a regular snack, consider bringing enough for your 9-week training.

Also note that the availability of organic/natural foods is also limited. If you have something specific you will need, again, consider bringing it with you. Note that bringing produce from outside of Mexico is not permitted.

What is available at the nearby stores?
With the new fees for extra baggage many airlines are now charging, consider purchasing some of your items in Mexico as away to lighten your travel load.

You can get nearly any common item you need at the Wal-Mart and Mega grocery store, both located just minutes from the hotel and accessible by the provided free shuttle service evenings and weekends, or for a US$5 cab ride. Both have everything from food, house wares, clothes, swimwear, deli, bakery, etc. However, if you have a very specific item or brand you require, it is best to bring it with you. Again, the availability of organic/natural foods and nutrition bars is limited.

The hotel requests that all food brought in from local stores is concealed, as the typical policy is "no outside food or drink" and they make an exception for trainees. Therefore, most students use luggage or backpacks to transport their purchases through the main lobby.

What services are available nearby?
The hotel has a full spa that offers typical services such as haircuts, massage, nail care, and waxing. There are special negotiated Bikram rates for trainees for these services. Outside in the plazas adjacent to the hotel, there are similar services offered for lesser cost.

Can I have packages sent from home?
Yes, packages are best sent through priority mail. From the US, you can send an international box for approximately US$25 that will take about 3-4 weeks to arrive. Almost all packages sent via FedEx, or other similar carriers, are stopped in customs and returned to senders.

May I have a guest come to visit?
Guests are welcome but are strictly forbidden from staying in student rooms. Guests will need to make their own arrangements for accommodation at the hotel (please contact Antonia@bikramyoga.com).

When is a good time for a guest to come?
This is a very intensive training, and most trainees find their weekends are very full with studying. Keep in mind that Friday night sessions can go past 11:30 p.m., and your free time begins after the Saturday 8 a.m. yoga class, and ends Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. Dialogue study is completed by Week 8, making the end of training (Week 9) a time with less outside homework. Further, the graduation ceremony is something guests may enjoy as well if they come at the end of training.

Can guests take yoga classes?
All Bikram Yoga classes are free to anyone who is a guest of the hotel. For those people who are staying at a different hotel, the cost is $20/class.

Does everyone who completes the program receive the Bikram Yoga Teacher Certification?
Certification is not guaranteed simply by attending the Teacher Training program. You must pass the anatomy tests, attend and participate in all posture clinics, lectures, be able to deliver the Bikram Yoga dialogue for each posture to Bikram's satisfaction, as well as demonstrate proficiency in the Bikram Yoga postures.

Approximately midway through training, staff will identify those students not meeting certifying standards and additional help will be available to them. At graduation, those students not meeting certifying standards may be afforded additional opportunities for practice and certification. Every effort is made to ensure a successful completion for each trainee.

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