Jazakallah khayr to the sisters for being very patient and helpful in this thread. I'd really appreciate it if you could answer some more below:
1. Someone asked what time of year one should go to Yemen, but are there any official term dates or anything? Is it a matter of going whenever you want and just jumping into something? What about taking holidays - are there any fixed times/allowances... will you miss out on studies if you visit home?
2. I'm a bit worried about the freelance style of the studying... does it allow you to understand properly and take sufficient notes? Especially with so many students, it may be difficult to get much attention from teachers. You did say that things get repeated, but how often would that be?
3. This is more of a general question - I assume a lot of memorising of texts in involved, so how does one retain all that knowledge after leaving Yemen? In your experience, have you had much difficulty or anything... have you been teaching etc.
4. About making arrangements to go, if I've got this right, I should do the following (correct if wrong):
- Contact Shaykh Yahya and send him any information as required
- Go about the normal stuff as if going to Yemen for a holiday
- Go to the Masjid in San'a and get a ride to Dammaj.
5. I'm still a bit unsure about the fine upon leaving... will somebody take your passport until you decide to leave the place? Will it be a bigger fine if you stay for longer? Is this what causes people to go back quicker?
6. Lastly, I read there aren't many jobs available there. Does that include teaching English there - is there any opportunity for it, or any other way to earn something to keep going?
May Allah reward you for your help, ameen.