Top 10 Yoga Teacher Training in Europe: 10 Schools to Consider in 2024

With so many options for yoga teacher training in Europe, where to begin?!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Criteria to choose any Yoga Teacher Training
• List of the 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Europe in 2024
• 10 Top YTT in Europe in Details
• Conclusion

Introduction

Attention aspiring yogis! 

If you've made the choice to pursue Yoga Teacher Training in Europe, it's essential to proceed with caution. Our expert guide will help you select the ideal YTT program tailored to your requirements.

Each year, the number of available yoga teacher training courses increases, with numerous countries worldwide offering a wide range of choices—often more than a dozen. However, Europe continues to be a popular choice due to its convenience, natural beauty, and exceptional instructors. If you're considering pursuing yoga training in Europe, this article is a must-read!

To help you avoid unexpected difficulties, we've compiled the crucial factors to think about when choosing a YTT. Before we dive into our Top 10 List, we suggest you grab our comprehensive guide and checklist. They will assist you in making a well-informed decision regarding your yoga teacher training.

In Europe, there are hundreds of available Yoga Teacher Training programs!

This can feel quite overwhelming.

So, the big question is: How do you find the ideal Yoga Teacher Training School that truly fits YOUR needs? It's a common experience for our 200-hour YTT students to navigate through uncertainty before discovering Alpha Yoga School.

But there's no need to worry! We've done extensive research and personally selected the top 10 programs in Europe, and we're excited to share them with you right here!

Before getting right into it, we must come clean.

We did the tough work so you don’t have to, as our task was to identify flaws in the 10 best schools in Europe. It can be difficult to search through the online presence of these schools, but its value to you may be priceless. Also, it's essential to clarify that we don't consider these schools to be bad in any way; in fact, we believe they are fantastic. We simply wanted to provide you with a window into what we as yoga teacher training professionals look for. Who knows, you may discover something you hadn't thought of.

We call these "Things to consider", and we hope they'll be a lightbulb moment for you.

But hold on, there's more! On our journey, we stumbled upon one school that ticked all of the boxes. And that exceptional school is... (drumroll, please)... our very own Alpha Yoga School. Yes, we're pretty confident. However, we invite you to challenge us! Try to spot anything unclear about our school. It's like a real-life game with valuable lessons. If you do discover something, share it with us in the comments below. Your input means the world to us. Seriously, our thirst for improvement is boundless, and your feedback could be the catalyst we need. So, please, make our day!

The 200-hour course is designed as a foundational program that suits yogis of all experience levels. It revolves around two essential yoga styles: Vinyasa Flow Yoga and the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method.

The primary focus is on achieving proper alignment, honing teaching skills, and mastering physical assists. If your aim is to grasp the correct and safe approach to practicing yoga independently and you aspire to become a confident, sought-after yoga teacher, then this course is perfectly tailored for you.

Moreover, our training is conducted at serene seafront retreat centers nestled within the stunning Greek Islands. This environment sets the stage for relaxation, immersing in the tranquil vibes of Greece, and enjoying leisure time by the beach or poolside.

Things to consider

• Our training isn't a multi-style yoga program where you're exposed to a wide array of "yoga" types. Recognizing the time constraints of yoga teacher training, more information isn't necessarily the solution. Instead, your learning will be concentrated and targeted.
• You'll engage in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice to enable self-practice. This foundational knowledge empowers you to independently and accurately practice yoga without relying on other instructors. Through the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method, you're sure to enhance and deepen your practice.
• Equal time will be spent on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga.
• Alongside sessions on applied yoga anatomy, yoga philosophy, and engaging themed classes and workshops, this combination will greatly enhance your skills while also expanding your career prospects.

Founded in 2007 by Ganga Devi,you'll experience a genuine and comprehensive approach to yoga at the Himalayan Yoga Institute. They apply their asana training to the styles of Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin. They delve into the profound realms of higher yoga and meditation. Through their program, you acquire a diverse array of tools and skills to foster personal growth as a yogi/ni. They claim to include teaching practice early in the course, empowering you to teach others with self-assurance and expertise.

Things to consider

• HYI advertises small class sizes of 8 students. Limited class size is great because you are close to your teachers. They can provide you with a more personalized approach. Very small class sizes can limit your growth as well. Remember that your fellow students are also your teachers. A TTC is a great place, often the only place, where you have the opportunity to receive constructive and informed feedback on your teaching and practice.
• The curriculum description indicates that students do not start practicing teaching until the second half of the course. This may work for you, especially if you are not interested in teaching right away. Otherwise, this indicates that their focus is not on teaching skills, and you may miss out on valuable practice and feedback to prepare you for real-life teaching experiences.
• The course also advertises teaching to children, prenatal yoga, etc. Yoga Alliance standards allow for some wiggle room in terms of hours, and it is up to the individual yoga schools to decide how to fill that time. Options include asana labs, ceremony and ritual, Thai massage, workshops, etc. Be sure to follow up and decide if these activities are valuable to you. Teaching to children and prenatal yoga are excellent but they are courses all on their own, and you will not become an expert in these, or qualified to teach this, in a standard 200H course.

Green Yoga International has its roots in India, the motherland of yoga and lead teacher Atman. Expanding and moving its base to Mallorca, Spain, Green Yoga International brings the traditional yogic philosophy to Europe and offers a unique combination of ancient knowledge and modern styles of teaching. In just 21 days, this comprehensive and intensive course aims to lead and empower yoga practitioners on the path to becoming highly professional and qualified yoga teachers. 

Things to consider

• GYI advertises a good ratio between practice and theory. You don’t want to be exhausting yourself with too much asana at the expense of practicing the other limbs of yoga. You also don’t want to spend too many hours on theory, getting bombarded with information, without having the opportunity to integrate it with practice. GYI seems to balance these things very well!
• Some teachers are hard to find on social media, and we didn’t find much in terms of classes or content online. 200 hours is a long time to spend together. There are many teachers out there, make sure they are the right ones for you. Try to practice with the lead teachers before you sign on to be sure that their practice and teaching style resonates with you.
• Beware of any multi-style training. Is it clear what style of yoga the school trains you to teach to others? In the myriad of yoga styles that the school may choose for you to practice, there should be one style that you learn to teach to others so that you leave with the confidence to teach it and your teaching is not scattered.

The school offers very traditional yoga teacher training in India. You will study with experienced Indian teachers with a long heritage of 5 generations. You will learn 170 asana poses among everything else. They have been in business since 2009 in a traditional system with a modern approach. 

Things to consider

• They have 3 hours of teaching practice every day, which is a good amount of time to spend, especially if you want to become a Hatha Yoga teacher. But maybe this could get a bit tiring. 
• Always check the location in Google Maps first and be sure you know where you are going. Be aware that the official address of the school may not always correspond to the actual location of the training.
• This will be a more traditional training experience. If this is something that appeals to you, that is amazing! Do make sure that you are ready for this, as it will not feel like a luxury retreat and this can put some people off.

Wild Warrior Yoga is an esteemed Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training School offering courses in the picturesque locales of southern Spain, Europe, and the UK. Their focus lies in delivering top-notch, professional, and yet affordable 200 and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. Their accredited courses are registered with Yoga Alliance, catering to aspiring teachers seeking to expand and enrich their existing knowledge and passion for yoga. Their small class size allows for an intimate training experience. 

Things to consider

• They offer the option to teach from a template, as opposed to being required to design your own flow. This option can be a very good way for those wishing to focus more on Ashtanga or for those who are less confident with speaking English when they teach.
• The location of this training is beautiful, but keep in mind it is not on the beach, but a short walk away. The dorm option is great to keep the course affordable, but the dorms do seem basic. With a training which is quite long (4 weeks!) you will want to enjoy some comfort, soak in the area and have a place to retreat and get some R&R after all of that yoga.
• Are teachers experts in the modules they teach? We didn’t find info on their certifications on the website. It is always important to check up on the teachers’ experience and practice. Be sure that they have developed expertise, and are not just doing this as a hobby.

Embraced by the beauty of nature, this yoga school offers a serene setting just a short walk away from the ocean. From mastering the essentials of yoga to the art of teaching, their program ensures both learning and enjoyment, complemented by the opportunity to forge new friendships. Nydum firmly believes that yoga is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of prior experience or ability. Their supportive and welcoming environment serves as the ideal sanctuary for you to explore and unlock the profound potential of yoga.

Things to consider

• Is there a dedicated shala? There are many pictures outside, which look beautiful, but you always want to have a shala that offers weather protection (sun, heat, wind, mosquitos, etc) and a quiet and peaceful space to practice and learn. You will want to have a place to study, practice teaching, relax, etc without worrying about the rain, sunburn or mosquito bites. Yikes!
• This school has robust reviews, written and on camera. This is the mark of an excellent school when you see many alumni willing to share their experiences and support the school.
• Their trainings run into late December, so be sure to check the weather before you go. Many people think Spain: HOT…but it may be a bit chilly in the later months which may or may not suit you.

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of yoga practice and philosophy through Samyak Yoga Institute's intensive and transformative Yoga Teacher Training Courses. With a focus on Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga, these courses blend time-honored wisdom with professional execution. If you are passionate about deepening your practice and aspire to share the gift of yoga by becoming a teacher, this course offers a great pathway for you.

Things to consider

• They have trained more than 2000 students from 80 nationalities!  
• Samyak takes a traditional approach in their course, so you may want to have a well established daily practice to be ready for 24 days in an ashram setting
• It is great that Samyak offers both foundational and advanced courses. Advanced trainings require more experienced teachers. More experienced teachers are better at teaching to mixed ability groups. They can catapult the practice of advanced students and support novice students simultaneously.

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth through yoga as you venture into the enchanting town of Palairos, a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque Ionian Sea in Greece. Their meticulously crafted program is designed to challenge and elevate individuals of all levels. The 200hr course specializes in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, placing a strong emphasis on the harmonious union of breath and movement, empowering you to achieve a heightened sense of connection and flow in your practice.

Things to consider

• The shala looks to be an open space with no mosquito net or temperature control. Get a sense of how ready you are for the extreme heat of Greece in the summer, paired with pesky mosquitos which love to come out around sunrise and sunset - peak practice and photo time!
• Always get to know your teachers. Who exactly teaches the courses in Europe, what are their qualifications, practice, experience, etc?
• We see a lack of reviews on their site, particularly video reviews. This is not necessarily a bad sign, but it is very helpful to hear from real students who you can relate to. Watching reviews of previous students can help clear things up, remove doubt and give you peace of mind that the training you sign up for is the right one for you.

With a special focus on nurturing the aspirations of future yoga teachers, the school empowers its students to follow their passion and become skilled instructors. Nestled in the breathtaking island of Amorgos, known for its remarkable terrestrial magnetism, Aegialis School of Yoga provides a serene and inspiring environment for yoga enthusiasts to embark on their transformative journey.

Things to consider

• Vacation or vocation? The cost of the training, relative to other European schools, is quite high. This location looks stunning, and the amenities are luxurious, but the focus of the yoga training should be to improve your practice and make you a confident yoga teacher. Will you have time to enjoy the amenities between practice and study?
• We struggled to find the styles that are practiced here, what you learn to teach, and how much time is spent on the various modules. Make sure this is clear before you go, that the course is focused and that the styles taught resonate with you.
• Greek weather doesn’t disappoint but keep in mind that it gets cold and windy in December when there is a course running. Pack warm clothes!
• No Yoga Alliance USA accreditation

Embracing an array of activities, from Yoga, MMA, Functional Training, Ecstatic Dance, visual arts and music, Hari-Om strives to foster a sense of unity and belonging, transcending boundaries and differences. Their strong belief lies in actively engaging with society while being dedicated to environmental preservation and ethical values. Their mission doesn't seek to favor one particular practice over another; instead, it advocates for a way of living that embraces harmony and inclusivity in all aspects of life.

Things to consider

• Can 200 hours be covered in a two-week training? Technically, yes. Would that work for you? That’s another question. Make sure that the money you save doesn’t come at the price of your education, or wellbeing.
• Hari-Om doesn’t impose any specific style on its students. Instead, it encourages individuals to cultivate a yoga style that resonates with their authentic selves, drawing inspiration from an array of diverse disciplines and arts. While the sentiment is nice, it suggests that the school is not focused. It is fun to explore different styles of yoga, but on a 200H course you want to develop expertise in one thing, not vague familiarity with many different things. Consider if it is best for you to explore the style(s) of yoga that resonate with you before spending thousands of dollars on a YTT.
• This is a beautiful space, and the school seems to be very community-minded. No doubt you would make great friends here and have a wonderful, wholesome experience with memories to last a lifetime!

Conclusion

It's absolutely vital to pick the best yoga teacher training in Europe for your personal growth. We're aware it can be an exhaustive process, considering the significant investment of your time and resources. Don't gamble with it!

If there's a sea of questions bubbling inside you, you're not alone. Wouldn't it be great to have an expert by your side, removing any doubt? Good news - we've compiled a comprehensive guide with responses to the top most commonly asked questions about yoga teacher training in Europe. Use our guide to dodge common pitfalls and choose your path confidently.

At Alpha Yoga School we're passionate about helping you to practice yoga safely and correctly. Our training program is designed to give you a solid foundation in yoga, so you can build your practice with confidence and ease. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga, which is why we're committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment. With our guidance, you'll be able to practice yoga anywhere, anytime, and without the need for outside assistance. And who knows, one day, you might decide that you want to inspire others to follow in your footsteps!

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