If you are considering traveling to Colombia for a yoga teacher training, you probably have practical questions that go beyond the curriculum itself. Here are honest answers to the ones international students ask most often.
Will the training be taught in English?
This varies by school, so confirm directly before booking. At IKY, live classes are offered in both Spanish and English, and the school has real experience working with international, non-Spanish-speaking students — so language should not be a barrier to asking this question directly and getting a clear answer before you commit.
Do I need previous yoga experience?
Generally, no — most teacher trainings are designed to build from the basics, though a consistent personal practice beforehand will make the material land more easily. If you are unsure whether your experience level is enough for a specific program, it is always worth asking the school directly rather than guessing.
Where will I stay?
Many residential trainings, including IKY's, include accommodation as part of the program, right at the training location — which removes a significant logistical headache compared to arranging separate lodging in an unfamiliar city. Always confirm exactly what is included before you travel.
How do I get there?
Cali has an international airport (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón, commonly referred to as Cali or Palmira airport) with connections through major regional hubs. Once you have a program confirmed, the school should be able to give you specific guidance on getting from the airport to the training location.
What should I bring?
Beyond the obvious (comfortable clothing for practice, a yoga mat if you have a preferred one, any personal items for an extended stay), ask your specific school for a packing list — needs vary depending on the season, the exact location, and whether meals and materials are provided.
What about visas and entry requirements?
Requirements vary significantly by nationality and change over time, so this is not something to guess based on general information you find online. Check your home country's current government travel guidance and Colombia's official entry requirements for your specific nationality well before booking travel.
What certification will I actually receive?
Ask specifically what registry or certification body the school uses, whether it is recognized internationally, and how you or future employers can verify it. A transparent school will answer this clearly and directly — see our companion article on what yoga certification actually means if you want more context on how certification works industry-wide.
How IKY answers these questions
IKY's trainings are based at Ishka Center in Pance, just outside Cali, with accommodation included for the duration of the program, live classes available in English and Spanish, and certification through RIPEY, IKY's own internationally recognized registry. If you have a question not covered here, the most reliable next step is to reach out directly before you book.
You can see full program details for Teacher Training (Profesorado) and Instructor Training (Instructorado).