Taking a class in yoga teacher training is much more than simply teaching others how to do Yoga. Many have said that this type of training is truly transformative, allowing them access to their inner selves and experiencing growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to themselves and their practice as well as to others throughout, as this is a path of continual learning and growth that can lead to an amazing and fulfilled life. Some people may go into Yoga teacher training for specific reasons, but many find that it ends up being one of the most rewarding things they have ever done in their lives.
The most important thing to remember in your search for the best location is that there is no one “Perfect Destination.” The perfect location for you to do your teacher’s training is going to be contingent on so many different factors, including your personal goals, your personality and style, your budget, and the type of experience in which you’re interested. There are destinations where you can practice Yoga on the beach, learn the old ways of Yoga in India, or have a true Nature immersion during your training.
Here are five of the world’s most popular destinations for yoga teacher training and what makes each one special.
1. Bali, Indonesia: A World-class Yoga Destination
Bali continues to be one of the most popular places in the world for yoga. This is because there is something special about the energy of this island that attracts people who are looking for healing, guidance, and transformation. The spiritual energy can be found everywhere you go. As soon as you arrive on the island, you will notice that there are daily offerings, temples, and a sense of culture and tradition in every little area, thus making it easy to be mindful and present in your daily life while you live, work, and play!
In addition to Ubud, which is recognized around the world as a well-known centre of wellness and where participants can take classes in yoga and healing, there are also several lesser-known areas, such as Nusa Lembongan, that offer a more relaxed and intimate experience away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud
If you want to find a location where you can relax and enjoy a stunningly beautiful location, a sound mind/body/spirit wellness culture, as well as be provided a nurturing learning environment, there is no better location than Bali.
Our Recommended School: All Yoga Training Bali is one of the premier places to take a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nusa Lembongan, with knowledgeable teachers, small class sizes, and a wealth of hands-on teaching experience.
2. Costa Rica: Perfect Destination for Connecting with Nature
Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica is perfect for people who want to connect with the world around them through nature.
Costa Rica is also famous for the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, which promotes living a slower pace of life and appreciating nature. The combination of being able to wake up to the sounds of tropical birds, practice yoga with a view of the jungle, and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean makes it hard not to appreciate life in Costa Rica!
Most of the yoga schools located in Costa Rica offer a holistic view of wellness; the students will learn about yoga philosophy, anatomy, and teaching techniques, but also have the opportunity to learn about mindfulness, sustainability, and personal growth.
If you are looking for an overall retreat experience in your yoga teacher training, then the beauty, the peacefulness, and the serenity of Costa Rica would be a fantastic option for you.
Recommended School: School Yoga Institute has been providing transformative teacher training experiences in Costa Rica for many years, as they blend ancient yoga traditions and concepts with modern spiritual growth and self-discovery.
3. Thailand: Inexpensive Beauty & Unlimited Opportunities
Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for travel, and it is also one of the most well-known places for training as a yoga instructor.
Accessibility is one of the main reasons for Thailand’s popularity with students and yogis. The overall cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in most Western countries, giving students the ability to participate in a quality yoga instructor training program without breaking the bank.
The deep-rooted history of Buddhism within the culture of Thailand provides the perfect environment to enhance one’s yoga practice. Throughout Thailand, you will find temples, meditation centers, and spiritual practices that allow you to explore and learn about being present in the moment and having greater self-awareness.
Koh Phangan has become one of the most recognized yoga communities in all of Southeast Asia. Areas around Sri Thanu have numerous yoga studios, health and well-being cafes, meditation facilities, and communities that foster a more conscious way of living. Therefore, most students will continue to be inspired by their support system during their training as an instructor.
Chiang Mai presents an alternate environment for anyone who enjoys the cooler weather and picturesque mountainous surroundings. The old-fashioned approach of Chi Chi leading a less frenetic day-to-day lifestyle, along with the numerous sacred temples throughout the city, plus its booming wellness market, makes it an alternative option to study yoga there, as well.
Recommended School: All Yoga Training, which offers an in-depth 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course in Thailand, specializing in teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa and Rocket Yoga with the guidance of accomplished, highly-trained international instructors.
4. India: A Connection Back to the Roots of Yoga
Many people who practice digit yoga dream of training in India. The other reason that India is such a popular place for yoga teacher training is that India is the home of yoga, so it is a very special chance to train in the environment where yoga started thousands of years ago. It also offers a completely different experience from learning yoga in any other part of the world. Ideally, India views yoga as a way of life and not just a physical practice. Students will be encouraged to learn about yoga in other ways – looking at yoga from the perspectives of philosophy, meditation, breathing, ethics, and spirituality, as well as the physical postures.
There are many places in India that are popular for yoga teacher training, but one of the most popular locations would be Rishikesh, which has been called the “Yoga Capital of the World.” Rishikesh is located in northern India on the banks of the Ganga and is surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a destination to which people come from all over the world to participate in yoga teacher training.
Rishikesh is such a spiritual place. On a daily basis, people will chant, meditate, perform puja (a type of sacred ceremony), and study ancient yogic texts.
Mysore is a famed location for Ashtanga yoga practitioners. It is highly regarded for its emphasis on traditional methods of teaching, as well as being inextricably connected to the authentic lineage of yoga.
Recommended School: All Yoga India offers a well-rounded teacher training program that incorporates philosophy and alignment, as well as physical practices such as anatomy, breathwork, and alignment. The environment for learning is serene.
5. Portugal: European Yoga Teacher Training’s Emerging Giant
People do not usually consider yoga teacher training programs in Portugal; however, this country has become an incredible new wellness destination in Europe. The beautiful coastline and friendly culture add to the great environmental conditions for both focused study and personal wellness.
Training facilities in the Algarve Region of Portugal are known for their geographical features, including dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches; the warmth of the climate all year long adds to the many great environmental conditions for concentrated yoga practice (yoga studio).
Another factor contributing to Portugal’s increasing popularity as a place to practice yoga is the modern approach that many yoga schools have taken. The majority of these schools incorporate both traditional teachings and contemporary disciplines into their courses of study, such as with regard to trauma-informed teaching methods and mindfulness, embodiment practices, and mental health/wellness concerns.
For those looking for a peaceful yet accessible European destination with a strong sense of community, Portugal has something for everyone.
Recommended School: Awakened Spirit Yoga offers Yoga Alliance-approved teacher training programs focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and conscious teaching methods while utilizing breathtaking nature locations across Portugal to host these programs.
How to Pick a Yoga Teacher Training Program
With so many incredible options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding where to go.
Instead of focusing on which destination is considered the “best,” focus on which one feels right for you.
- What do I want to get out of this experience? (Spiritual growth? Professional development? both?)
- Do I do better in the outdoors, by the ocean, in the mountains, or in a cultural area?
- What is my budget for travel and lodging?
- What style of teaching feels most authentic to me?
Your answers to these questions will help you to limit your choices and find a place that fits your goals. Remember, Yoga Teacher Training is not just about your certificate, it’s also about starting a new chapter in your life and learning more about yourself along the way!
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what location you decide to attend for teacher training, make sure you find a training program and a training environment that will help you grow. Be true to yourself, do your due diligence, and choose a location that truly excites you.
Choosing the right teacher training program has the potential to greatly affect how you perceive yourself, your practice, and your world. And for many of us, it ultimately begins with the decision of where to go for training.