Making the decision to take a yoga teacher training is a huge step. But deciding is only the beginning of the journey. Suddenly, you’re faced with an overwhelming list of options, without really knowing what to look for, which key details matter most, or even where to find detailed feedback from past students.
I recently shared a comprehensive review of my own 200-hour yoga teacher training experience with House of Om a few months ago. To build on that article and give you as much value as possible, I’m sharing all the essential factors to consider when choosing the right yoga teacher training for you today.
Practical Criteria for Choosing Your Yoga School
Location and Country
The first decision you’ll need to make before diving into school research is whether you want to take your yoga teacher training in your home country or abroad.
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Locally (e.g., over several weekends for a few months): Ideal for balancing your current lifestyle with training, while building a local network for your future teaching career.
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Abroad (e.g., a 3 to 4-week intensive immersion): Perfect if you want to disconnect from daily life and fully commit to the experience without distractions.
If you choose to complete your training abroad, start by listing your preferred destinations, then evaluate schools using the criteria below.
Training Costs
A yoga teacher training is a significant investment, and costs vary depending on the location. I strongly encourage you to compare training programs at home versus abroad.
For example, several students in my cohort mentioned that even with flight costs included, the total budget for Bali was comparable to training in Europe. However, the immersion experience in Bali was completely unique, condensed into just three weeks compared to several months in Europe. If you’d like to see my full budget breakdown for my YTT in Bali, check out my detailed review here. You can also view the current rates and upcoming session dates for House of Om.
What’s Included in the Tuition
When comparing program prices, make sure you’re evaluating equivalent packages:
- Are study material and training manual included?
- Is accommodation covered in the total cost?
- Are meals provided? If so, how many per day and are days off included?
Format and Duration
The training format usually depends on your chosen location. Local programs often run over consecutive weekends for several months, whereas international trainings are typically condensed into consecutive weeks.
Some schools also offer a hybrid format, combining online self-paced theory with an in-person practical immersion. This cuts your travel time in half, making it a great option if you have limited availability.
Types of Yoga Taught
During your research, you’ll notice that some schools focus on a single style, while others offer a blend. In my case with House of Om, we spent one week on Hatha for the foundations, one week on Vinyasa for a more modern flow, and a few introductory days of Ashtanga during the final week. I really appreciated this diversity and would recommend a multi-style approach to keep as many doors open as possible for your future teaching career.
Note that if you want to be officially certified in Ashtanga, only the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysore, India can authorize teachers. It is a trademarked style, and you can only officially use the name if you trained there. You may see some schools or teachers offering Ashtanga training without an official affiliation—it’s an important detail to keep in mind so you can make an informed decision.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction is a critical factor when choosing your school. If you choose to train abroad, English will most likely be the main language. However, some schools offer programs in other languages depending on demand. For example, House of Om now offers yoga teacher training in Mandarin. It’s definitely worth looking into if you have a preferred language.
Yoga Alliance Certification
Ideally, your school should be recognized by Yoga Alliance. But what does that actually mean? Yoga Alliance is the most recognized non-profit association and registry for yoga teachers globally. Choosing an accredited school ensures your diploma is internationally recognized if you want to teach in studios, gyms, or retreat centers. To hold Yoga Alliance accreditation, a school must meet specific standards and follow a strict curriculum covering anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. It’s a reliable mark of quality that guarantees a solid, consistent level of education.
Key Questions to Ask Prospective Yoga Schools
Group Size and Student Count
During my initial research, I read many reviews advising that smaller class sizes were better to ensure more individual attention from instructors. While that makes sense on paper, having now completed my training in a cohort of 29 students, I can say I was genuinely glad to have such a diverse group.
A yoga teacher training extends far beyond time spent in the classroom, the surrounding community and environment matter just as much. Having so many different backgrounds, stories, and perspectives around me was not only inspiring, but it also gave everyone a higher chance of finding people they truly connected with, which might be quite different in a small group of 10.
Campus Vibe and Atmosphere
Another aspect I hadn’t fully considered during my search was the campus environment. Naturally, I thought staying on-site or booking a room nearby would simply be convenient, having a single point of contact for both tuition and accommodation felt practical.
Looking back, my perspective has evolved. The campus acts as your sanctuary, a dedicated space where you are surrounded exclusively by peers going through the exact same journey, supported by staff focused on delivering the best experience possible. It means students don’t rush home immediately after class. Instead, you share meals, bond with classmates, or gather by the pool after dinner to chat. If I were choosing a yoga school again, a vibrant, supportive campus atmosphere would be a non-negotiable criterion for me.
Instructor Diversity and Backgrounds
This point might go against conventional advice. Many sources suggest seeking out the most traditional school possible. However, the practical reality often depends on where you plan to teach. For instance, in Toronto, where I live, opportunities for purely traditional teaching are limited, as most studios offer contemporary practices tailored to the general public.
This isn’t to say you should compromise a desire for traditional training. Rather, learning from a teaching team with varied backgrounds, some trained in India, others with experience teaching internationally or in modern studios, provides incredible depth. You gain exposure to diverse methodologies, helping you become a versatile and adaptable yoga instructor.
Number of Simultaneous Cohorts on Campus
As I mentioned in my review of my experience with House of Om, some campuses host only one cohort at a time, while others accommodate several simultaneously. This is a great question to ask prospective schools. In my group’s case, many students specifically chose the Melati campus because we were the only cohort there for most of our stay. It creates a slightly more exclusive and close-knit environment, though this may matter more to some students than others.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Even with all the excitement and months spent choosing the right yoga teacher training, life can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs. You may find yourself needing to postpone or cancel your spot. I strongly encourage you to review each school’s cancellation and rescheduling terms in advance. For instance, House of Om allows students to reschedule their training once free of charge, offering valuable peace of mind and flexibility for unforeseen circumstances.
Post-Graduation Support and Alumni Community
One rarely discussed topic is what happens after you receive your diploma. While a lot of attention is placed on choosing a school and completing the curriculum, post-graduation support is often where new instructors need the most guidance. Questions like: Where do I start teaching? Which insurance policy do I need? How do I structure my very first solo class?
Be sure to ask prospective schools if they maintain an active alumni network or offer career-building workshops to support your transition into teaching. House of Om provides this kind of ongoing support, and I’ll actually be joining as a guest speaker to host a session on building and leveraging a professional network, a topic I frequently present to new Francophone arrivals in Canada, now tailored specifically for newly qualified yoga teachers!
My Personal Process: How I Chose My Yoga School
Step 1: Defining the Location Based on My Needs
I knew early on that I wanted to travel abroad. It was a pivotal moment in my life, just a few months prior, I was diagnosed with a chronic condition called lipedema, and I deeply needed a complete break from my daily routine. Logistically, it was also much easier for me to block off three full weeks and commit 100% of my focus rather than attending a program spread over several months. I initially narrowed my options down to Costa Rica and Bali, but Bali ultimately offered a much wider variety of schools.
Step 2: Initial Research
Once I decided on Bali, I did what most people do: a thorough Google search. I listed about ten prospective schools across the island. I didn’t limit myself to a specific region or town, as long as they were located in Bali, they met my criteria.
Step 3: First Contact via Email
Next, I reached out to each school via email, outlining my goals and asking the key questions I shared earlier. I deliberately disclosed my lipedema diagnosis, explaining that this training marked a major turning point in my life and that my ultimate goal was to support other women navigating the same path.
Step 4: The Initial Screening
I carefully reviewed all the email responses I received and immediately ruled out those that felt overly commercial or like a generic copy-paste standard message. Choosing a school was too pivotal a step in my life to select one that felt soulless (though I recognize this is subjective). I understood these schools train hundreds of students each year, but I wanted to feel a genuine sense of warmth, empathy, and personal connection in their communication.
Step 5: Discovery Calls
Many schools offer a free consultation call with their admissions team, which provides a much more human connection than email alone. It’s an ideal opportunity to ask specific questions and gauge the overall vibe. I scheduled several calls, starting with House of Om. The call was originally slated for 30 minutes, but we ended up chatting for 50 minutes. The connection felt entirely natural, and I really appreciated that the team member didn’t abruptly end the conversation the minute we hit the 30-minute mark.
By contrast, another call with a competing school felt distinctly transactional, detached, and blunt, lacking any of the warmth I had experienced earlier. Interestingly, the representative offered one solid piece of advice before hanging up: follow your intuition.
Step 6: Connecting with Alumni
At this stage, my decision was almost made: House of Om felt like the right match. Since they are very active on Instagram and frequently reshare student content, finding former participants was straightforward. I reached out to a graduate whose journey resonated with me and asked two simple questions: Would you recommend this school to a friend, and would you attend again if you had the chance? Her detailed and enthusiastic response completely sealed my decision.
Final Advice for Taking the Leap
While I’ve covered a comprehensive set of criteria to help you choose your yoga school, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind before making your final choice::
- Trust your intuition: Beyond figures, dates, and course outlines, pay attention to how a school makes you feel.
- Take your time: This is a major personal investment, so avoid rushing the decision-making process.
- Ask every question on your mind: There are no silly questions when it comes to your education and well-being.
- Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: If a school makes you feel rushed or pressured to enroll, treat it as a red flag.
I hope this guide helps you find the ideal school to support you on this transformative path. A yoga teacher training is as deeply rewarding as it is intense, and you deserve a program that meets your expectations.
Once you’ve made your choice and are ready to prepare for your journey, check out my dedicated guide: What to Pack for a Yoga Teacher Training!
