6 Best Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training Abroad 2023

There’s no doubt that doing a yoga teacher training abroad is an incredible life changing experience. What could be better than exploring an exciting new destination and coming home as a certified yoga teacher!

Whether you want to change your career and start teaching yoga, or just want to deepen your yoga practice, there are many reasons to do yoga teacher training (YTT) and you’ll learn so much from the experience on so many levels.

As the birthplace of yoga, India was once the most popular option for aspiring yoga instructors, but nowadays there are yoga teacher training retreats all around the world.

In this article we will cover the advantages of doing a YTT overseas and the best yoga teacher training destinations for 2023.

Reasons to do your Yoga Teacher Training abroad

A 200 hour yoga teacher training course is the basic requisite to becoming a certified yoga instructor and being qualified to teach yoga. Doing an intensive yoga teacher training program overseas is one of the most popular options. 

A YTT is a big investment of both your time and finances and doing your yoga teacher training abroad is often a more affordable option.

Many intensive yoga teacher training retreats abroad take between 2 – 4 weeks to complete and most yoga schools include accommodation and food in the package.

The cost starts from around $1000, depending on the destination. But don’t forget you’ll have to take into account the cost of flights, and possibly entry visas, into your budget too.

As well as twice daily yoga classes, a 200 hour program should include pranayama and meditation sessions as well as yoga philosophy, anatomy and alignment, teaching methodology and practice teaching. Always make sure any course you consider is with a registered yoga school and approved by Yoga Alliance.

You’ll also be immersed in the yogic lifestyle, develop healthier habits, make new like-minded, life-long friends and get to explore an exciting destination. Many YTT’s are held in yoga hotspots and spiritual destinations so you can also explore temples, ancient sights, stunning nature and beaches. 

We recommend allowing time after completing your training to travel and explore as intensive YTT’s are just that – intensive.

Although some yoga schools do accept beginners, we recommend having about 6 months of regular yoga practice to be ready to do a yoga teacher training.

This is because doing a YTT is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging and can be a spiritual and truly transformative experience. You’ll find it alot more enjoyable and less overwhelming if you are used to a regular practice and have a basic knowledge of yoga.

Another advantage of doing a yoga teacher training abroad is that you’ll get to take time out of your normal routine to really reconnect with yourself and your body as well as taking your yoga practice to another level. 

The Best Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training Overseas in 2023

Now you know the benefits of doing yoga teacher training abroad, here are the best destinations for 2023. 

Many of these places are yoga hotspots with a huge variety of yoga retreats, spas, healthy cafes and other healing therapies available as well as a vibrant community of yogis.

Ubud, Bali

India may be the birthplace of yoga, but Bali is without a doubt the best place to do yoga teacher training in the world! 

Bali, Indonesia, is known as ‘the island of the gods’ due to the plethora of temples. It’s a deeply spiritual island and is the world’s biggest yoga destination. Even before ‘Eat Pray Love’ people have been flocking here in search of healing and spirituality.

Bali is a Hindu island, so it follows the same religion as India and is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the ancient practice. But Bali offers a cleaner, calmer, easier and more comfortable experience than India. It’s much safer for solo female travelers too. 

Ubud, is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island with a long history of healing. Ubud is home to stunning temples, rice terraces and a sacred monkey forest, as well as countless yoga studios, affordable spas and an amazing raw vegan food scene. Off the mat there’s plenty to do and a lovely community of like minded people to meet. 

Yoga Union offers one of the most comprehensive 200 hour YTT in Ubud. Focusing on Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow, this world class Yoga Alliance approved yoga centre has been running courses for over a decade, delicious vegan and vegetarian food are included in the package and there is a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The shala is located in a peaceful spot with views over in the rice fields.

Bali offers the biggest selection of YTT’s in the world. If you prefer to train by the beach you can also find programs in places like Canggu, Ulu Watu and on the island of Nusa Lembongan. For a more detailed look read our guide to Yoga in Bali.

Rishikesh, India 

As the place where both Yoga and Ayurveda, it’s sister life science, originated, India is still a popular option for those looking for an authentic YTT.

As well as learning traditional yoga from teachers for whom the yogic lifestyle is a way of life, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture, religion and traditions from this fascinating and deeply spiritual country that invented yoga!

One of the most popular places for yoga teacher training in India is Rishikesh. This holy town situated on the sacred Ganges river in the foothills of the Himalayas is known as ‘the yoga capital of the world.’

There’s a huge array of ashrams, yoga schools and temples in Rishikesh. Even The Beatles famously came here in the 1960’s to study meditation with their guru. You can still visit the ruins of the Beatles ashram or go rafting on the Ganges River in Rishikesh.

You can also do a YTT in Mysore, the birthplace of ashtanga yoga, or Dharamshala – the home of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile. Those looking for a beachside locations should consider Goa or Kerala in the tropical south. Check out this comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training in India for more.

The cheapest yoga teacher training programs are found in India. However, facilities in yoga schools in India can be a bit basic and traveling India can be challenging, especially for solo female travellers. Sadly not all yoga gurus are the real deal and the style of teaching is often quite strict and regimented.

If you are considering a YTT in India, check the real reviews from previous yoga students on a website like bookyogateachertraining.com first. This advice goes for everyone considering a yoga teacher training abroad, but even more so for India.

If you want India vibes but aren’t sure about visiting India itself, consider neighboring Sri Lanka or Nepal for an ‘India lite’ experience. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the very best places to do yoga teacher training abroad with many courses being held in luxurious eco friendly jungle retreats. The abundant positivity and nature makes it the perfect place to connect to mother earth through your yoga practice.

This Latin American country is famous for it’s incredible biodiversity, natural beauty and commitment to sustainability with stunning, unspoilt rainforests, national parks, beaches, volcanoes and vibrant wildlife.

When you do a yoga teacher training in Costa Rica you’ll be immersed in the ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy. Pura Vida means the pure life or the simple life. This attitude means Costa Ricans have a deep sense of contentment (like santosha in yoga) and are some of the happiest people in the world.

Some of the best yoga teacher training retreats in Costa Rica are held on the unspoilt beaches of the Guanacaste Province and Nicoya Peninsula. When off the mat there is a vibrant yoga and surf scene to explore in cute beach towns like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Monteverde.

Spain

Spain is the best place for yoga teacher training in Europe with great weather, beautiful beaches, lively culture, amazing doo (tapas anyone!) and a huge variety of courses to choose from across this stunning country. 

Some Indian yoga schools even offer authentic YTT’s in Spain – perfect for those from the UK or Europe looking for a yoga teacher training abroad without having to spend too much money on travel.

From urban trainings in cool Barcelona, to island escapes, there’s no shortage of yoga trainings in Spain. The Balearic islands, including the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, are one of the best places for a YTT in Spain.

Far from being just a party island there’s another spiritual side to Ibiza which makes it an amazing place for yoga training. Don’t miss sunset at Es Vedra, the spiritual heart of the island.

The Canary Islands are closer to Africa than mainland Spain and offer year round warm weather and sunshine. This means islands like Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the best place for a winter YTT in the sunshine.

Charismatic Portugal and the stunning Greek Islands are also good options for yoga teacher training in Europe.

Thailand 

With gorgeous beaches, islands, fascinating Buddhist temples and tropical weather, Thailand is a great choice for yoga teacher training abroad. 

‘The Land of Smiles’ is a Buddhist country with friendly people and a Zen like vibe. It’s also an easy and affordable country to explore, even for solo female travelers.

There are yoga centres in the jungles and mountain of northern Thailand near the cool and cultured city of Chiang Mai. Or, if you want to do your YTT on a paradise island, Thailand is your best choice with plenty of options on Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

The island of Koh Phangan is the best place in Thailand to do yoga teacher training. This island is famous for the Full Moon party but has another spiritual side. The many yoga retreats and tantra workshops in Sri Thanu has led the island to become one of the world’s best yoga hotspots. 

Check out our guide to yoga in Thailand for the best studios, retreats and YTTs.

Mexico 

Mexico’s yoga scene has also exploded in recent years making this colorful and vibrant country a worthy addition to this list of yoga teacher training destinations. 

Mexico is such a fun and fascinating country to explore with ancient ruins, colorful colonial towns, lively feistas and amazing food. Some courses in Mexico also offer the chance to experience traditional healing therapies like cacao ceremonies and temazcal (traditional sweat lodge ceremonies) 

The best yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses in Mexico are held on the beautiful beaches and islands of the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya and Baja California, with Tulum and Sayulita being the biggest yoga hotspots. You can also find yoga centres in the jungles near ancient ruins.

Guatemala, Peru and Nicaragua also deserve a mention. There are some incredible spiritual yoga teacher training retreats held at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, in the Scared Valley in Peru and on the beaches of Nicaragua that are often more affordable than the courses in Mexico.

Tips for doing yoga teacher training abroad

Yoga instructor training is a significant time and financial investment, so it’s important to do some research to ensure you pick the right course and destination for you. 

How to choose the best Yoga Teacher Training course

Choosing your ideal yoga destination is one thing, but choosing which school and which course to do is the hard part. 

One of the first things you should check when considering a YTT is that it’s a registered yoga school approved by Yoga Alliance. This means that the school’s curriculum meets all the basic requirements and that you’ll be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher upon completion. 

All 200 hour yoga teacher training programs should cover yoga philosophy and history, alignment and anatomy, meditation and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques and exercises), teaching methodology and include plenty of teaching practice.

When choosing your destination, consider which yoga styles you most enjoy and want to teach. For example, a traditional Hatha yoga training in India will differ alot from some of the more modern Vinyasa yoga styles taught in places like Thailand or Mexico.

You’ll also want to check the reputation of the school, the qualifications of the yoga teachers and what sort of accommodation and food is included.

Even if approved by Yoga Alliance, the standards and facilities of yoga centers can vary alot. A good way to know what to expect is by checking real reviews from previous students on a site like bookyogateachertraining.com

For more help deciding which course to choose read – How To Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program.

When to go

Your own schedule will determine when is the best time for you to do your training, but you should also check the weather seasons for your destination if you plan to do your yoga teacher training abroad.

Many tropical locations have monsoon or rainy seasons which may negatively impact your experience. Doing a YTT in the hot season might also be too challenging. Generally the best time to visit tropical destinations is usually in the cool, dry, winter season.

As well as the weather, you need to be aware of cultural differences in the country you plan to visit and pack accordingly. 

For example, India is still a conservative country and wearing tight leggings and crop tops could be inappropriate and attract unwanted attention. Long, loose, light clothing is best to cover up and beat the heat of India. Read more tips for female travellers in India here.

But also be aware that it’s not always hot in India. If you plan to visit Rishikesh or Dharamshala in the winter take warm clothing as mornings will be pretty chilly and buildings there generally don’t have heating. 

Other destinations don’t require you to cover up so much but you may still need a shawl or something to cover shoulders and knees when visiting spiritual or religious sites like temples or churches.

If you’re unsure what to pack, have a look at our complete yoga teacher training packing list. 

Flights, Visas and Travel Insurance  

The cost of flights, visas and travel insurance will also have to be taken into consideration when planning to do a yoga teacher training abroad. 

Traveling outside of the peak tourism season can help you to save money on flights, but check the weather first! We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights. You can search for the cheapest dates and airports which will help you find the best deals.

Also check if you need an entry visa to enter the country. Most of the places on this list don’t require visas, but India is one place that everyone will need to obtain a visa in advance of traveling. You can get an E-Visa online but remember to do it before you travel.

And make sure that you take out travel insurance that covers you for yoga and any other activities you might do during your trip.

An even cheaper way of getting your yoga certification is with an online yoga teacher training course. These are great if you don’t have the money or time to take off and do an intensive course but fall short of an in person YTT in many ways. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of doing yoga teacher training online.

We hope this article gave you some tips and inspiration for where to go to do yoga teacher training abroad.