An immersive, in-person, 200-hour yoga teacher training in India, the homeland of yoga is attractive to many. If you can take out the time to do a residential yoga teacher training, you will find that the experience is life-changing and transformative on so many levels. It is, however, important for you to do your research on the school and curriculum, and get an understanding of what it will cost you. Some schools will have unique offerings that will enhance your experience, some might be set in the middle of jaw-dropping, stunning mountains or beaches, and some will have a blend of quality facilities and outstanding courses that make the cost of a 200-hour yoga teacher training in India worth it. So, let’s look at what it costs to do a quality 200-hour yoga teacher training in India?

IDENTIFY YOUR GOAL AND BUDGET

Before you begin your research identify what is your goal for doing the 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Are you looking for an intensive 200-hour yoga teacher training course (YTTC) where accommodation and other offerings are not your priority? Or, are you looking for quality, comfortable accommodation in a beautiful location where, along with studying, you will meet like-minded folks and make friends for life? Once you know your goal, you will be able to decide on a budget and what works for you when doing your research.

TAKE TIME TO RESEARCH

The yoga teacher training fees in India can vary greatly from school to school. The wide price range might be confusing to you, but while researching take the time to read up on what the fees include. What kind of accommodation is the school offering during your yoga instructor training course? Are all meals covered and what kind of food will be available? Where is the school located? What does your 200-hour yoga teacher training course syllabus cover? Will you receive a manual, along with a few reference books? Who are the teachers and how many years experience do they have?

Take Sampoorna Yoga School for example. Sampoorna Yoga offers state-of-the-art accommodation in the beautiful city of Goa, in South India. With clean, cozy and comfortable rooms and tranquil sea-view shalas that sit close to the beach, students can spend time at the swimming pool, or the seashore, take a walk in the lap of nature or watch the sunset during their time-off. Our 200-hour yoga teacher training in Goa is designed to equip you with yogic knowledge and practices that will make you a confident and credible teacher. All this while also having a calming experience away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The residential course empowers you to let go of everything external, go inward and have a true yogic experience.

Keep in mind that the majority of the cost is dependent either on the accommodation and location of the school and/ or the syllabus and yoga teachers you will study with. Consider all these factors during your research and you will know whether the cost is justified.

Our recent graduate, Nicole Sepehri, from Sweden, said, “It’s been intense, vulnerable, beautiful and challenging. You get to teach from the first day, which is scary, but I loved it. It helps build confidence. Because it is an intense experience, having amazing teachers is helpful. All the other things like the beautiful surroundings, nourishing and tasty food, and someone to always help you on the journey.”

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

While you might have set a low budget for your 200-hour YTTC, ensure you check on various details to avoid an unpleasant experience. Enquire who your teachers will be and how much experience they have. We highly recommend finding a school with at least three experienced teachers in their 200hr YTTC program, because the more teachers you have, the better. You will be exposed to different perspectives and more knowledge which will contribute to your learning curve. You can also find out if you have teachers who specialize in certain subjects. For example, some yoga teachers specialize in anatomy and physiology, while others might be yoga philosophy experts.

“My experience was great. It’s a perfect location. We are near the beach. You can just cross the street and you’re at the beach. So you can just go for a swim after classes. It’s beautiful. The place itself is great. The food is amazing. There is something different everyday! And the teachers are great. I love the classes. There is so much to learn. It’s a really great experience,” says Caroline Adams, our recent 200-hour YTTC graduate.

MORE THE MERRIER IS NOT BETTER

Some schools might have lower costs because their batch sizes are way too big. During your research write to the school to find out how many students they intake for every batch. If the groups are big, find out if there are assistant teachers or trainees along with your main teachers. This way, despite a large group, you will get enough personal attention and support.

Why choose Sampoorna Yoga School for your YTTC? Take a look.

SURPRISE COSTS

Before you sign up for a 200-hour YTTC, check on whether there will be additional costs or surprises along the way. If three meals and snacks, coffee, tea, water are included, or how much will you be charged for additional snacks or beverages you order? Research on local restaurants around the yoga school, so if you choose to go out on weekends to explore, how much will you spend on a meal? Take into account shopping, and emergencies too. If you need to visit a doctor, factor in an approximate cost of 15-20 USD for a medical consultancy. While the cost may not be too high when you convert it from Indian Rupees to USD, you still need to account for it.

Looking into the cost of a YTTC in India can be a tricky subject. Take your time with research, write to schools, look up testimonials and even try to reach out to previous students. This is the beginning of your yoga journey so take your time to find a 200-hour YTTC that will provide you with an enriching experience.