5 Tips That I’ve Learned Teaching Yoga Abroad

Teaching yoga abroad was an amazing experience that not only allowed me to expand my teaching, and connect with new students, but it also allowed me to extend my trips and make them more financially beneficial for me as a yoga teacher. Finding yoga teaching opportunities abroad can be more difficult than finding them in your hometown, however, the risk is worth the reward and can provide you with incredible insights into yourself and the local culture around you. 

1. You have to put yourself out there

Trying to find an opportunity to teach yoga in a country that is not your home country requires putting yourself out there. You have to be willing to ask around, to talk to strangers and studio owners, and to trust in your own gifts as a teacher. If you are not an outgoing person who normally has no issue introducing yourself and asking for opportunities then travelling and trying to teach abroad will definitely help you to hone these skills. It can be scary to put yourself out there but the worst thing that can happen is that you will be told no. 

2. You have to know what you bring to the table

When trying to teach abroad you are going to have to sell yourself and when doing that you have to know what you bring to the table. It’s important to find what you love teaching and what you are good at teaching and be able to show and speak to that in an eloquent manner. You might plan on bringing your yoga resume, certifications, and even a sample video of you teaching to help prove your points and really show new studio owners what you bring to the table that they currently don’t have. 

3. Not every opportunity is going to be perfect

This tip really goes for anywhere you choose to teach, but can be even more pertinent when you are teaching abroad and in a foreign place. Not every opportunity is going to be perfect, but it is important to figure out if the opportunity is worth sticking with or walking away from. 

4. You are allowed to walk away

Just because an opportunity teaching abroad may have been hard to come by does not mean that you have to stick with it if it is not serving you. If the space does not feel safe to teach in or is not continuing to serve you there is no shame in walking away from the opportunity in search of something that will help you grow as a teacher and as a person. 

5. Allow yourself compassion in your experience and your growth

Teaching abroad can be a challenging situation, and even though it is incredibly rewarding and life changing, it may test you at times. It is important to allow yourself to experience the highs and lows and to try and offer yourself compassion as you grow and learn. This compassion for yourself through your learning experiences will allow you to also gift your students more compassion and love and make you a better person and teacher overall.