How to Find the Best Yoga Teacher Training for You
Introduction
If you want to embark on the journey to becoming a Yoga Teacher your first step is finding the best Yoga Teacher Training for you. Your training will require time and money both of which you want to spend wisely. Here are some questions you need to consider when deciding which YTT program best fits your needs.
What are you hoping to achieve with your YTT?
If you are looking to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RTA) then you are looking for a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training that is certified by Yoga Alliance (this is a global certification saying the program you completed was legit). This is generally considered the minimum certification to be qualified to teach.
If you are just looking to improve your personal practice you can also complete a 200 hour program but a 100 hour program may be more suitable for you. Just know a 100 hour program won’t qualify you to teach others.
The 300 hour YTT programs are for those who have already completed their 200 hour YTT. This is a more advanced program for those who are already Yoga Teachers or advanced practitioners. Once you complete this course you are considered to be a 500 hour RTA.
What style of yoga are you interested in?
There are many different styles of yoga you may be interested in. Luckily, a lot of 200 hour YTTs are multi-style where you learn about a wide range of styles. This can help you decide which you prefer and would want to teach. But, some schools may also offer specified YTTs like Kundalini or a Vinyasa YTT. Be sure to think about what types of yoga interest you and what you want to learn. I personally think Multi-style is the way to go as you’ll be able to teach different styles.
Do you want to do your YTT online, locally or abroad?
Online:
You can find a YTT program taught online that is registered by Yoga Alliance. Some can be completed at your own pace and others include following a set schedule that includes joining live classes. This is a good option if you need flexibility with your time or if your city doesn’t offer YTTs.
However, it is a much less immersive experience and less hands on than in-person training. I’ve also heard it can be much harder trying to find jobs if you complete your training online. This may be the best option if you are just completing your YTT for your own personal practice but not looking to teach others.
Locally:
A lot of cities offer YTTs, if they have one in your city you can complete your training locally. Local YTTs typically last for a few months and you’ll be dedicating a few hours every week, maybe 1 to 2 classes weekly. This can be good if you are the type of person who needs time to digest information and if you aren’t in a rush to start teaching. If you have a home studio with teachers you love who are offering a YTT it may be perfect for you! It can also help you make relationships with other teachers in your community and may help you find teaching jobs after you’ve finished your YTT.
However, it takes the longest out of the three. Many local YTTs have all their classes on the weekends. So it could mean giving up your weekends for a few months.
Abroad:
You can find YTT programs all over the world. If you are looking to complete your 200 Hour YTT the program typically takes 20-25 days. So they are completed at a much faster pace than local training. This is good if you are looking to teach ASAP and want training that won’t take months.
However, you’ll have to be able to have the time to travel abroad. But in my option it is the best option if you are looking to fully immerse yourself as you’ll be in a completely new environment with nothing to focus on but your training. This was the type of training I decided to do and if you want to hear about my experience you can read my blog post My Yoga Teacher Training Experience: Abroad in Bali.
If abroad, where do you want to go?
Some popular YTT training destinations are Bali, India (specifically Rishikesh), Costa Rica and Thailand. To find yoga teacher trainings around the world I like to use the website BookYogaRetreats. This is how I found my YTT and it can help you see what’s out there as well as compare prices. You just filter by ‘Type of Retreat’ and select ‘Yoga Teacher Training’.
It’s important be aware that during your three-ish weeks completing your YTT your days will be packed full of classes and you won’t have that much time to explore. If you are looking to sightsee you’ll have to add a few days onto your trip to make that work. Most schools do offer a few outings or activities so that may be enough for you.
What is your budget?
Completing your Yoga Teacher Training may seem like a big upfront cost. But, this is an investment in yourself and your future. The cost of YTTs can vary vastly and are very dependent on where you are looking to complete it. Some schools offer payment programs so you can pay it slowly instead of upfront. From my research this is more common for local YTTs than abroad YTT. The stats I’m using for cost are rough estimates because the price can range drastically.
Online YTTs are typically the least expensive starting at around $350 USD but can go up to $2000 USD. This goes for all YTTs but if you are looking to complete it online I would be sure to read reviews and make sure the school is reputable! Especially if they are charging as much as in-person training. And a reminder it may be harder to find work if you do your training online so be prepared for this risk before spending lots of money.
The price of local YTTs are dependent on where you live. They can range anywhere from $1000 USD to $5000 USD. It’s hard to give you a set price, you will have to do research on the cost in your city. Also remember to factor in the cost of transport. Whether you’ll be paying for public transport, ubers/taxis, gas or parking.
Abroad YTTs can vary from $500 USD to $5000 USD. This cost will cover your training, accommodation, meals and sometimes activities. But, of course you have to also factor in the cost of flying and other travel costs (insurance, vaccinations, etc.). The price range will vary on the location (ex. India is typically quite inexpensive compared to places like Costa Rica). But, the price will also depend on the room type and amenities. Schools typically offer shared rooms or private rooms, private rooms usually being much more costly. Also, some schools may be very luxurious while others are quite basic. You just have to make choices on what is most important to you.
Conclusion
The perfect Yoga Teacher Training for you is out there! I hope these questions have given you a way to narrow down what you are searching for. I wish you the best of luck! And if you want to hear about my experience you can check out this post My Yoga Teacher Training Experience: Abroad in Bali.
