FAQs

Yes. Most of our students are international, and every course is taught in English with hands-on practice from the first week.

Yes — but start practising as soon as you get home. The more you practise, the more confident you become.

If you do not practise, it is very likely you will forget what you learned. That is true of any course, and it is truer of anything you learn with your hands.

Sixty to ninety minutes, though a lot depends on the pace you settle into.

Yes. You receive a certificate from the school at the end of the course.

Every country has its own licensing procedure. In the UK and parts of Europe, boards such as CIBTAC set their own examinations — you would sit theirs to become a licensed massage therapist, and our certificate is valid alongside that licence.

The United States licenses state by state. If you are adding Continuing Education hours, our certificate counts towards CE hours.

We publish country-by-country guides on the blog rather than a single reassuring sentence, because a single sentence cannot be honest about all of them.

Yes. The fee covers the course manual, and the oils, massage tables and sheets you use during the course.

Saturday is a half day, 10 am to noon, and Sunday is off.

The Aithein Healing Massage course is the exception — both Saturday and Sunday are off.

Some students go to the beach, explore, practise what they have learned, or simply rest. You do not need to fill every free moment — after a full week of learning, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all.

Not really — the last day finishes around 7 pm. Fly the following day at the earliest.

Two extra days is better. An intensive course takes a little while to settle.

Yes. Many students arrive with no previous experience of massage or Ayurveda.

We teach the techniques step by step, beginning with the fundamentals, and give you plenty of time to practise. We are not interested in creating a competitive environment — we want you to become comfortable with your hands, your body and your own way of working.

Most of our international students arrive without knowing anyone.

You arrive as individuals from different countries and walks of life, and slowly — through learning, practising, eating and spending time together — a community forms. Some of the friendships made here continue long after the course has finished.

The courses are taught in English, so you need to understand and communicate well enough to take part. But your English does not need to be perfect.

We have students from many countries and every level of English. What matters far more is your willingness to communicate, ask questions and take part.

You are allowed to have that, and we think it matters.

A month of learning, meeting new people and being emotionally open can be beautiful, and it can also be intense. You do not have to be social all the time. There is space to walk, sit by the sea, rest in your room, read, or simply be by yourself. Learning to listen to your own needs is part of the journey.

Our courses include conversations about emotions, self-awareness and personal experience. When people slow down and begin paying attention to themselves, emotions naturally come up.

There is no expectation that you share anything you do not want to. We make space for people to be heard, and we respect personal boundaries. You can take part at your own pace.

Then please ask us. We would rather have a conversation than have you decide on the basis of an email.

Aithein is not the right place for everyone, and that is all right. We want the people who come here to feel they are in the right place.

Aithein accepts Indian rupees only.

You will need rupees for eating out, buses, rickshaws and small local purchases. Most restaurants take international cards.

One on Agonda beach, and another in Agonda village three kilometres away — five minutes by motorbike or rickshaw. Most machines are in Chaudi, the nearest town, ten kilometres and about thirty minutes away.

They accept most international cards. The daily withdrawal limit is usually ₹20,000, sometimes more depending on your card.

Bring notes in your own currency and change them at one of the exchange shops nearby, or swipe a card there — they charge 3% to 5% and hand over rupees.

This is a small village, so it does occasionally happen that the exchange shops are out of money and the ATM is down at the same time. If that happens, a taxi to the next village solves it.

No. India is safe for Western visitors and poses no particular problem for women travelling alone.

Goa is well used to tourism, and it is one of the few places in India where a woman can wear a short skirt or shorts without being stared at.

None beyond English. India’s official language is Hindi and English is widely used — you will manage perfectly well.

The local language here is Konkani. Learning a few words is not necessary, but it will make you popular.

The opposite of a European or North American winter. From October to May it is warm and dry, with daytime temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees.

Nights drop to around 20 degrees in December and January, and the humidity makes that feel colder — bring a jumper and long trousers for the early practice. Expect blue skies every day from November to April.

The courses run from October to April. October, March and April are the warmest; November, January and February are cooler and, to our mind, the best months to be here.

A yoga mat, if you would rather have your own — you can also buy one in Agonda or Palolem.

An adaptor plug: India runs at 230–240V. European two-pin plugs work; UK and US plugs need a converter. Power cuts are normal and rarely last long, so a torch is worth having — also for the crabs darting across the wet sand on a night walk.

Your driving licence, if you want to rent a scooter or a car. Sunscreen and sunglasses — the sun is strong, especially if you are arriving from winter. Mosquito repellent if you are the sort who gets bitten.

Flip-flops or sandals. Most people here live in them, and you will probably only need proper shoes for the flight.

Less than you think. A beach towel or sarong, swimwear, vest tops and t-shirts, loose yoga trousers, shorts, and a jumper for the evening.

In December and January the nights and early mornings are cool. In the heat of the day you may find long sleeves and cotton trousers more comfortable than less.

Goa is a liberal state and used to Western visitors — you do not need to cover your shoulders and arms except in a church or temple. Leave space in your bag: clothes, scarves, jewellery and blankets are cheap here, and the laundry service means you need not pack much.

And clothes you do not mind getting oil on during massage practice.

Most of what you will need is in Agonda, Palolem or Chaudi. Toiletries, postcards, books and snacks are all in Agonda; the pharmacies in Chaudi and Palolem are well stocked and carry things like contact lens solution and tampons.

Chaudi market is worth a morning for fruit, vegetables and fish. The markets at Anjuna and Arpora in North Goa are the famous ones — we can organise a trip if you want to go.

Agonda is nearly empty and Palolem is close by — both are made for long walks and runs. Sailing, ocean kayaking and kite-surfing are offered at other beaches.

And swimming, obviously. The sea is clean, with no jellyfish or other unpleasant surprises.

Surfing conditions depend on the season and the waves on the day, so if surfing matters to your trip we can point you at the local options once you arrive.

Generally yes. Agonda has many restaurants and cafés catering to different diets, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, and there is a restaurant on the school premises.

If you have a specific allergy or dietary requirement, tell us before you arrive so we can guide you properly.

You do not have to. Agonda is a small but international beach village, and the restaurants offer Indian and international food alike.

If you would rather keep it simple, fresh fruit, vegetables and basic groceries are available nearby.

That is completely understandable, and you do not have to change everything about the way you eat the day you arrive.

There are shops and local markets for fresh fruit, vegetables and basic groceries, and you can choose simple meals while your body settles into a new environment.

Not necessarily. The school, the beach, restaurants, cafés and everyday necessities are all within the local area, and many students manage without one.

If you enjoy exploring and want more freedom to travel around South Goa, a scooter is convenient. We can point you at local transport options once you arrive.