Life moves fast, and yoga is one of the few places left to slow down and come home to yourself. If you already practice, or you are ready to start, a Yoga Teacher Training is a natural next step. But with so many programmes out there, choosing the right one takes real thought. Here are five things worth considering before you commit, especially if Bali is on your shortlist.
1. Choose the right training format – either standard or intensive
Intensive trainings usually run for four to six weeks of focused, uninterrupted practice, with the school handling meals, classes and logistics so you can stay immersed. It suits people who can take a solid block of time away. If an extended leave is not possible right now, a standard format spread over several months lets you train while keeping your regular life going. Neither path is better than the other; it comes down to your schedule and how you learn best. Yoga Alliance has more detail on how the two formats differ if you want to dig deeper.
2. Check which curriculum & style the training follows
Every school teaches differently, so it is worth exploring a few styles and teachers before you decide what resonates with you. Some students fall in love with one style; others blend a few together, and that is completely fine. What matters more is the substance behind the training: ask what the curriculum actually covers, not just how many hours it totals. A well-rounded 200-hour programme should include asana, anatomy, pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophy, taught in a way that connects the practice to the teaching, not just the poses to a checklist.
Read more: How to Prepare for Our 200-Hour YTT in Bali
3. Location
Plenty of trainings happen in beautiful settings, and it is easy to be swept up by the scenery alone. Bali in particular has long drawn yogis from around the world, and there is something about the island's rhythm that shapes the whole experience. Still, the setting should support the training, not distract from it. Think about the kind of environment that helps you focus and feel grounded: a quiet beach town, a lively city, mountains, wherever you actually do your best learning. Getting that right turns the trip itself into part of your growth, not just a backdrop for it.
4. Check if the institute providing the training is accredited by Yoga Alliance
To register as a certified yoga teacher, you generally need to graduate from a school registered with Yoga Alliance, or another recognised body such as the British Wheel of Yoga or Yoga Australia. Accreditation is not just a badge; it is a signal that the curriculum, teaching hours and faculty qualifications have been reviewed against a recognised standard. Before you enrol, it is worth asking a school directly which body they are accredited with and what that accreditation actually covers.
5. Cost & credibility of the programme
Before you commit, look closely at what the price includes, not just the headline number. Does it cover accommodation, meals, manuals, or are those extra? Are payment plans available, and is there an early-bird rate for booking ahead? At Power of Now Oasis, for example, our 200-hour YTT is $2,950 at the standard rate, with a $2,450 early-bird price for those who book in advance, and it is worth asking any school you are considering for the same level of clarity. Beyond the number, take time to read reviews from past students, or better yet, speak with a few directly. A well-established school with a real track record will usually be happy to connect you.
Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training is a personal decision, and there is no single right answer for everyone. Take your time, ask questions, and trust the process. It will lead you exactly where you need to be.
Read here about what to look for in a high-standard yoga teacher training in Bali.