YGSF 200 hour Advanced Studies/Teacher Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for participating in the AS/TT?
There are no educational requirements, however, prospective students should have a regular yoga practice of one year, and a solid foundation in the basic asanas. The 200-hour program will cover fundamental aspects of asana, vinyasa, pranayama, philosophy, meditation, and teaching methodology.
What styles of yoga are taught in this training?
Our mission is to empower you to embody the teaching of yoga beyond style. We will teach asanas using the principles of Iyengar yoga, vinyasas and breath-based movement rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, and a range of approaches to movement that have developed through modern yoga. This training is designed to give you the tools to understand how to teach the poses effectively and how to sequence the class for a desired result. The style you adapt will naturally come from the experience of your own practice and the perspective of understanding yoga as an evolving form of embodiment.
Will I be ready to teach after completing the YGSF 200-hour AS/TT?
You will begin teaching early in the program. We want to give you the experience of growing your teaching from a place of practice, with curiosity and confidence. Upon completion of this program, you will have a toolbox of techniques and methods for teaching asana and pranayama. The practice teaching sessions will provide you with a highly experiential process of learning how to effectively communicate the information to others, finding your teaching voice, and developing language that is authentic and unscripted.
What if I don’t want to teach yoga? I just want to deepen my practice. Do I have to practice teach?
Not if you are uncomfortable doing so. However, when we articulate what we know to others, we learn what we really know. We find that the method of practice teaching one another with consistency helps any practitioner deepen his or her understanding and experience of yoga as a path of self-knowledge. We encourage a teaching environment that inspires and fosters curiosity in each of us as students through compassionate and constructive criticism and support.
Do I need to be certified to teach yoga?
Most yoga studios, health clubs, fitness centers and holistic centers require a minimum of 200 hours of certification. Yoga Garden’s 200-hr AS/TT certification is registered through Yoga Alliance.
Yoga Alliance® is the largest nationally recognized professional association for yoga teachers and schools. Yoga Alliance® maintains standards for both 200-hour and 500-hour level certification programs. Once you have completed your 200-hour level training, you can apply for registration through Yoga Alliance®, upon which you can use the title RYT® (Registered Yoga Teacher).
I already know that I want more than 200 hours of teacher training. What is the next step?
Once you have completed Yoga Garden’s 200-hour foundational training, you can further your education through continuing education programs in your chosen area of interest: Ashtanga Vinyasa, Therapeutic Yoga, Prenatal, Children and Teens, Ageless, and Restorative, for example. In 2011, Yoga Garden will offer several 100-hour and 300-hour advanced trainings, which you can apply towards certification through Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.
How many students are enrolled in the training?
The maximum number of students per training is 22. This capacity allows us to work closely with each student, insuring excellent quality of student-teacher interaction, individualized attention, and intimate group dynamic.
How much time will I be expected to spend on homework?
In the month-long course, you will have a working lunch break to review the material covered in the morning sessions and prepare for the practice teaching sessions in the afternoon. There will be reading and writing assignments given throughout the course. In addition to the scheduled course work, you will have five hours per week of homework in the 28-day program, and an average of two hours per week during the 12-week program. The program is intensive, with the understanding that yoga is a lifelong pursuit of study.
Are books included in the tuition?
The books required for the training are available at a discounted price of 15% when you purchase them through Yoga Garden. You may also try ordering these books used through Amazon, or used booksellers. Yoga Garden embraces a green education! We will provide a number of digital downloads of articles that will accompany your training manual, which is included in the course.
What if I need to miss a class or a weekend?
It is important that you attend the first two weeks of the 28-day program or the first four weeks of the 12-week program.
If you miss a class session up to 20 hours, you may schedule a private session (or group session) with program faculty or their designated assistant within 2 weeks of the missed session. A one-hour private session equates to one to four hours of missed class time. There is an additional charge for a make-up session (see Tuition and Fees). The maximum number of private make-up sessions is five.
I am pregnant. Can I still participate in the training?
Each situation will be evaluated according to the individual’s prior yoga experience and overall health. If you become pregnant while in the program or feel your participation is compromised by your pregnancy, you may continue the program at a discounted rate at a future date.
I have an injury. Can I still participate in the training?
Again, each student’s situation will be considered individually, and evaluated based on your yoga experience and your general health.
I am coming from out-of-town, or out-of the country. Can you suggest accommodations in the area?
San Francisco is a city that supports long and short-term visitors. Please visit our accommodations resource page for suggestions and more information.
What type of Visa do I need to take your program?
Intensive programs complete in 30 days, and could be taken under a tourist visa. However, YGSF does not participate in SEVAS and does not certify F-1 Visas at this time. Over 36 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program and no visa is required. Check with U.S. Immigration for visa requirements.
How do I pay for the course once I have registered?
The tuition is $2,950. A deposit of $500 will hold your space at the time of registration, and the remainding $2,450 is due 14 days prior to the program start date. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Amex, cash, and check. We are happy to create a payment plan for you. Visit our payment and policies page for more information.
Do you offer scholarships or work-exchange programs?
There are a limited number of need-based scholarships and work-exchange opportunities. You may apply for them here. Applications for scholarships and work-exchange will be considered after a student has applied for the course.
Can I attend classes for free at Yoga Garden during the training?
Yes! During the training, you can attend 1 class per day of regularly scheduled weekly classes at Yoga Garden.
When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?
We have a rolling admission into the Yoga Garden Teacher Training programs. Once you have filled out the application online and paid the deposit, you will be notified within three business days of your acceptance into the program.
How do I apply?
Click More Information to contact us for more information or speak with a Teacher Training Associate.
