Doing your yoga teacher training abroad is becoming more popular than ever. Many people are choosing to study in less expensive, warmer, and culturally rich destinations where aspiring yogis can study intensively over 3-4 weeks with the courses at much cheaper costs. If you are considering studying abroad and learning yoga, there are a few things you should consider first.
The top 5 destinations to study yoga abroad:
- India
- Bali, Indonesia
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Guatemala
In this article on Yoga Teacher Training Abroad, we are going to cover the following:
- How to decide what style of yoga is best for you
- Picking the right yoga teacher
- Deciding on the right destination
- Our top five yoga destinations
What style of yoga is the best for you?
This is one of the most important points to consider. There are so many different styles of yoga to choose from so you need to be sure you choose the right style for you. Take some time to research this thoroughly, talk to your yoga teacher, and try out different classes and styles during your trip.
If you want to study a more generic form of yoga, then choosing either Ashtanga Vinyasa or Hatha courses are good options. These styles are easy to find at studios that offer yoga teacher training, and you can always complete extra training later to specialize in more niche forms.
Picking the right teacher for your yoga teacher training abroad
Before you book a course, be sure to learn more about your teachers. Who they are, where have they worked, what do they believe in, and most importantly – what can they teach you? You will be spending a lot of time with your teachers over the training period so it’s extremely important you have the right teacher who fits your style and spirituality.
Deciding on the right destination for yoga teacher training
You may have a country in mind that you would like to visit, or perhaps you will look for a course first and you are flexible on the destination. If cost is a factor, it’s important to take into consideration the cost of flights as well as the cost of living in that country if you’re on a tight travel budget. For example, India may be one of the cheapest places to do your yoga teacher training abroad, however, if a flight is twice as expensive as one to Costa Rica then it may be financially better to go to Costa Rica. You can also use Skyscanner’s Whole Month Search to figure out the best time to go to your destination of choice.
Many of the top teachers work internationally and do yoga teacher training all over the world. If there is someone you would like to study with, then take a look at their international calendar and price up flights to the different countries. You can use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere‘ search to start comparing the cheapest destinations to visit.
Best destinations for yoga teacher training abroad
1. India
Where better to study Yoga than where it all started in India? Travelling to India is something every yogi needs to do at least once, but not everyone chooses to do their yoga teacher training abroad here.
Doing your training somewhere like Rishikesh or Mysore will provide a more authentic experience. You will also have to forgo many western comforts. Another option, if you want a little more luxury, is to go to Goa in the south of India. You will find an abundance of Yoga Teacher Training courses with varying levels of comfortable accommodation here.
2. Bali, Indonesia
The Oceanic home of Yoga Bali is full to the brim of Ashrams offering teacher training with international teachers. If you have a particular teacher you would like to study with, it’s very likely they will host a Yoga Teacher Training in Bali at some point during the year.
In Bali, you will also have access to courses in more luxurious settings. If it’s luxury you are looking for and have a larger budget, then choose Bali as your yoga teacher training abroad destination.
3. Costa Rica
If you are looking for a teacher training that is a little bit closer to home, then Costa Rica is an excellent option. Costa Rica is the Central American home of yoga, with many of the world’s best yoga teachers regularly offering workshops and teacher training here.
The cost in Costa Rica is high compared to India, however, you can find some excellent flight deals making it a very affordable option. If you do your yoga teacher training abroad here, be sure to take at least one week to do some exploring on either the Pacific or Caribbean coast, or in the luscious rainforest region in the middle of the country!
4. Thailand
Thailand is known for its spirituality which is deeply ingrained in the culture. With an abundance of ashrams offering retreats and teacher training in a variety of different styles across the whole country, Thailand is an excellent option if you want to do your yoga teacher training abroad.
The 200 Yoga Teacher training courses can often be integrated with learning Thai massage, meditation, natural healing, and Ayurveda, so if you are looking for more than just your standard yoga teacher training, Thailand could be the right country for you.
5. Guatemala
I know Guatemala might not be a country you automatically think of as a yoga destination, but I assure you it is. Not only is it a good option if you are on a budget, but Guatemala is a beautiful place to study this ancient practice.
Most yoga teacher training courses take place around the stunning Lake Atitlan surrounded by volcanoes making it one of the most scenic places you can choose to study. With cheap flights from the USA and Canada and a low cost of living, Guatemala is a great choice for those on a budget to do their yoga teacher training abroad.
