10 Tips While Applying For YTT in India

MANOHAR PRASAD NAUTIYAL

Choosing a yoga school in India for your yoga teacher training certification can sometimes be an overwhelming task. India being the birthplace of yoga is home to thousands of yoga schools, academies, and ashrams which makes the decision more confusing. That being said, you can select the right yoga school for your YTT by looking for the right qualities.

In this blog, we list out the basic 10 pointers that you must keep in mind while researching for your yoga teacher training centre (YTT) in India.

Yoga philosophy

The best organizations are guided by a philosophy and the same is true for yoga schools as well. Look at the mission and vision behind the yoga foundation. While some Indian yoga training centres are founded solely to train and create yoga teachers, others are trying to work towards a larger goal such a perpetuation and propagation of a spiritual school of thought. Join a yoga teacher training facility that aligns with your goals, be it mastering yoga poses or achieving philosophical and spiritual knowledge.

Team

Yoga teacher training lasts for many weeks to many months and your time will be spent with your fellow classmates and teachers. That’s why it is important to make sure that your yoga school has experienced teachers who are genuinely passionate about teaching yoga. A good team of yoga teachers will not only help you master your yoga poses and manage related complexities but also share vast their knowledge which they have gained from their own practice.

Location

Yoga is not just about learning some asanas and bending your body in different ways. It is about finding the balance of body and mind. Connecting with your inner self is aided by peaceful surroundings and presence of natural beauty. This is the reason yogis go to hills to practise yoga and explore spirituality. So, it would be an advantage if you pick a yoga school or ashram that is located in a pristine environment and surrounded by natural beauty.

Amenities

Because your stay won’t be for just a couple of days, it is best to know about the amenities that will be provided along with the YTT. Most yoga schools in India serve vegetarian food. Accommodation, on the other hand, varies from school to school. Hence, it helps to confirm beforehand all the amenities that will be provided during your stay.

Budget

India is home to thousands of yoga schools and institutes, and all of them have a different fee structure. While some charge a premium fee for facilities provided, others charge a rather reasonable amount to train aspiring teachers in the ancient art of yoga. So, explore various options before making your mind. A useful tip, try not to pay separately for accommodation and meals. Top yoga training institutions have this covered in the entire fee for the course for the convenience of the students.

Recognition

Only those yoga schools and academies can endow yoga certifications that meet the minimum criteria and are registered with or have recognition to provide certification. Since yoga training has evolved into an industry over the past 10 years, there is a fair chance that there are unauthorized training centres operating out there. So, confirm the legitimacy, before joining a yoga teacher training centre in India. If you are keen on a Yoga Alliance certified TTC, do check if the institute is certified.

Reviews

Every major yoga teacher training centre has an online presence, and everything that’s online has a reputation. Check Map listing, Facebook page, and other places that offer the option of reviewing a business. Going through the student reviews and testimonials will help you in making the final call about your yoga school in India. It will also help if you get feedback from existing students or teachers at the school.

Form and style

Most yoga schools specialize in a yoga form. Hatha Yoga, Astanga Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga are some of the most popular yoga forms in the world. Hence, it is important to confirm whether your chosen yoga school offers the style of Yoga that you want to master. In case you are not sure about the forms and styles, we recommend reading about different forms or consulting an experienced yoga teacher.

Class size

Group learning is effective but not if the group size is too big. To make sure that you get personal attention from trainers and facilitators, become part of a YTT that has a smaller batch size. Something less than 15 would be perfect. Surely you will learn in a class bigger, but your interaction with teachers would be limited.

Payment and refunds

If you are travelling India from a far-off place, you will surely plan months in advance. While you are all ready to join the YTT, unforeseen circumstances may force you to reschedule or even cancel your trip. This is why you must opt for a yoga school that offers friendly payment and refund policy. Choose a yoga academy that takes a small percentage of the course fees to book a seat and also offers a refund (after small deduction) on cancellation. Since there is no standardization in the market, check with refund and cancellation policies with the school.

In addition to above tips, your yoga school should also have the capability to handle medical emergencies and should be able to provide any necessary assistance that is required. Selecting a yoga school is as difficult as choosing a college after high school but with the right approach and insights, you can make the right decision.

Manohar Prasad Nautiyal is the founder of Ekattva Yogshala (Spiritual Punditz) and has been practicing yoga and studying spirituality since the age of 5. He founded the yoga school to introduce future teachers to the real traditional values of yoga practice. He oversees 200-hour yoga teacher training sessions and retreats at the Ekattva Training Center in Rishikesh, India. Email him at [email protected]