In the ever-growing landscape of Yoga courses, it can  be increasingly difficult to know what really makes a good Yoga studies or Teacher Training course. 

We offer some points of reflection to help you.  

6 things to consider to help you make the right choice… 

1. Does it feel like the ‘right fit’ for you?

You’re going to be spending quite some time with these people, possibly up to 12 months, it’s important to ask yourself: ‘Do I feel connected with the teacher, the centre and their values?’. You may find it useful to talk with previous students or meet in person with some of the faculty.

You can also engage the principle of pramana, from the Yoga Sutras, which speaks of the function of mind, often referred to as ‘right knowledge’.

Do I believe that what this school teaches is authentic to the tradition of Yoga? Which leads to…

2. What is the source of this course?

It’s not enough just to ‘like’ the teacher, it is important to ask yourself: ‘Does this course offer a authentic and reliable source of Yoga knowledge? Are they known as an agama (primary source of value)?’

If you’re going to drink from the river, know what’s up stream! Who was their teacher?

You can read more about our lineage here.

3. Is it registered or recognised within Australia?

Currently (and scarily, we think), registration is not yet a ‘legal’ requirement in the Australian yoga teaching profession, but that could change anytime, as it already has in other health related fields. Many of the most reputable Yoga studios will only hire teachers that are registered with Yoga Australia. It is important to decide whether or not this is a deal breaker for you.

There are many wonderful courses that provide a personally enriching experience, which have enormous value. However, they don’t all meet professional training requirements for registration in Australia.

There is only one recognised governing body for the Yoga teaching profession in Australia: Yoga Australia.

Does the course enable me to become a registered Yoga teacher within AUSTRALIA? Be wary of courses that claim to be “Internationally Certified” – there is no such thing! When reviewing course recognition and registration information, ask the question ‘What does this actually mean?’

4. Does it give me enough time to digest?

Enquire into how the course is structured to ensure it allows you to ‘integrate’ your learnings. The first teaching in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (the Heart of Yoga), refers to the importance of learning Yoga through anusasanam (your own personal experience of it). Often, this takes time. It needs to be digested and embodied, on all levels of our being, Rarely, can that happen in a few weeks or a month.

Consider, ‘Does the course structure allow time to apply the knowledge, tools and techniques I learn to understand their effects experientially, and embed that knowledge into my daily life?’

Short, intensive courses can be exhilarating and deeply-moving, but may not equip everyone with the capabilities to be a safe, confident and effective teacher.

5. Will I receive the care and support I need?

Not only can a Yoga studies or Teacher Training course bring about wonderful growth and experiences, it can also bring up hidden triggers and memory of past experiences, which may be challenging. Will I have a mentor, someone who can help me integrate what I learn into my personal yoga journey and support me in my own experience?

And, does the course give me the knowledge and skills to become a competent and confident teacher?

If you think you might want to progress to Post-grad studies, is this organisation or course provider able to support me to grow? What kind of ongoing support, one to one mentoring and community can they provide after my initial training is complete?

6. Do the practicalities work for me (time, location, cost)?

Now, down to the admin. All of the other points are vital to consider. However, these more practical things are perhaps equally important. Does this course fit in with my other commitments?

Is the course offered on weekends, weekdays, or online? If I miss a day, how much flexibility does it allow me to catch up?

We have deliberately structured our course to be part-time so that it integrates into your real life. You have time to really process learnings from the classroom, to reflect, read, study and practice  between lessons.

Ask yourself if you are really willing and able to give a few hours each week to your yoga studies, on top of classroom hours with our faculty.

And of course, what is the cost Vs the value? A course may seem ‘cheap’ but is it providing you with the depth, skills, support and experience you are looking for? Understand what you’re getting for your course fees and how well the course structure suits your schedule.

Naturally, a course of 500 hours will cost more than a shorter course. We encourage you to compare our offering with others, to see what it may cost if you choose to eventually reach 500-hours of training in a piecemeal fashion with other training providers.

Need help with your decision?

Call us for a chat on 0477 021 219 or email anytime: teachertraining@yogainstitute.com.au.

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