How To Choose Your Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program
There are lots of variables to consider, and I’m sure you’re either waffling with the idea of doing a YTTC program or you’re deep in the throes of research. Choosing a yoga teacher training program is an important decision and I’m glad you’re considering it. My YTTC changed my life, and I’m sure yours will as well.
Duration
Do you want your YTTC program to last 10 months take place on the weekends or do you want to do a month long intensive program?
If you go the 10 months route, you’ll still be able to work full time and you’ll be able to complete it in your own community, which means forming lots of connections. Which means that it might be easier for you to find work after you obtain certification. Being connected to other yogis in your area could lead to jobs, jointly taught workshops, collaborations, and even maybe organizing a local yoga festival or activities. Something to consider, at least.
If you’d rather complete your training in a month then definitely consider looking abroad. Doing a month long intensive in your community may be an option, but those are harder to find locally as they require your schedule to be completely open for a month – as in, you likely have to be unemployed. The intensive programs are hard on the body, as it’s hours a day, but it’s also incredible to see the progress you can make in a single month in terms of flexibility and strength. The month long route also deepens your connection to yourself and to yoga, in a powerful way.
Location
When choosing a yoga teacher training program, I’m sure Rishikesh, India is on your radar as it has worldwide notoriety for it’s yoga trainings and community there. Definitely consider time of year because summer there can hit uncomfortably hot highs, not ideal for doing hours of yoga every day. India is the birthplace of yoga and you can find any and all kinds of YTTC trainings there. It can be expensive and full of Western comforts or it can be maybe around $800 and bare-bones in it’s accommodations and comforts, but intensely and austerely rooted in the heart of Yoga. Nepal is more of the middle-way, balanced between comfort and stringent YTTC. Nepal has a more calm energy, and can be less expensive than India. Costa Rica and Bali should also be on the table, but you can expect them to be much more pricey. They can be luxurious experiences, full of all the Western comforts you could possibly desire. I’d recommend perusing yogaretreats.com. They have an expansive list of all the options and make sure to read reviews!
Cost
Fun fact, both options may end up costing you the same amount of money. My month intensive program in Kathmandu, Nepal including food, accommodation, and airfare was the same price as doing a 10 month program in Iowa City. Both options totaled in around $3,500. Expect to budget a couple thousand at least, this is a certification after all!
Instructors
When looking at YTTC programs make sure to read up who your instructors will be. Find them on Instagram and see if you’re impressed by their asanas and by their commitment to their practice. Read up on their background and trainings and see if that would be someone you’d like to learn from. Your instructors will be your gurus and will enormously impact your own learning and development.
Philosophy + Spirituality
Yoga philosophy and spirituality are also important factors to consider when choosing a YTTC program. Yoga is a foundation for spiritual growth. No, it’s not a religion. But it is a lifestyle and a path of connection to the self and to the world around you. Decide if you want to have a spiritual experience or if you’d rather just snag your certificate and treat yoga as exercise, that’s fine and dandy. Just make sure to devote a bit of your decision on what yoga means to you and how you want to work it into your life.
