How can I apply for the 200-hour yoga teacher training program? 

 

Applications for the 200-hour program in Costa Rica are now open. APPLY ON LINE NOW! 

 

We recommend copying down the questions and completing the answers in your own time so that you can submit the form in one sitting. Online forms cannot be saved. 

 

Do I have to be an expert at yoga, or be able to do really advanced poses? 

 

In our eyes, the most important qualification in pursuing a yoga teacher training course is your dedication to and passion for yoga. There is so much more to yoga than the asana (physical postures), so an advanced practice is not required. We recommend that you should have a minimum of one year of consistent, dedicated yoga practice before applying to the program.

 

You can expect approximately 6 hours of physical practice per day (2-hours yoga class each morning, plus techniques training and practice throughout the day), so please come prepared for that level of physical effort. 

 

How long is the program? What if I have to miss a day or two? 

 

The 200-hour immersion program runs from November 21 to December 12, 2020 inclusive. Due to the in-depth format of the curriculum, you will need to attend all days of the program in order to be eligible for certification. There may be additional study requirements after the program is complete, including online lessons, homework assignments, and book reports. 

 

In the event that you need to miss a few hours during the course of the immersion, we can arrange private makeup sessions with lead trainers (up to a maximum of 3 condensed hours). These will incur an additional cost at the rate of $100 (USD) per hour. 

 

How do I place my deposit and make payments? 

 

Once you’ve been accepted to the program, you’ll receive a link to place your non-refundable $500 deposit by PayPal or bank transfer (US accounts only). Your spot is only confirmed once we’ve received the deposit. 

 

The balance is due in full by May 1, 2020, and can be made in installments via PayPal or bank transfer. Depending on your method of payment, you may incur additional payment processing fees.

 

When making a payment, please specify your name in the notes/memo section what the payment is for. 

 

I heard that Yoga Alliance standards are evolving. Does the Mind. Body. Joy teacher training program align with current or future standards? 

 

In 2019, Yoga Alliance issued updated core curriculum standards based on years of research and feedback from members. 

 

While existing Registered Yoga Schools have until February 2022 to meet the new core curriculum standards, Mind. Body. Joy. decided to immediately enhance our curriculum to reflect the latest update. You can read more about the common core curriculum on the Yoga Alliance website.

 

Do you offer any scholarships or financial support? 

 

If you prefer to pay your tuition fees in installments, please let us know once you’ve been accepted into the program and we can create an interest-free payment schedule with you. 

 

In addition, we are pleased to partner with Vida Asana to offer a needs-based scholarship to support the accessibility, affordability and representation of the wellness community. In order to apply for a scholarship, you must first apply for and be accepted into the program. Scholarship applications must be submitted by December 1, 2019 and final decisions will be made by January 1, 2020. The successful applicant(s) will be required to confirm acceptance of the scholarship by February 1, 2020.

 

Once you’ve been accepted into the program, please email mindbodyjoyytt@gmail.com to request the scholarship application form. 

 

Up to $3500 (US) towards the cost of tuition is available as either a full or partial scholarship. 

 

The scholarships have no cash value, are non-transferable, and can only be applied towards the November 21-December 12, 2020 training program. Flights and required textbooks are not covered under the scholarship.

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Lastly, we are open to offering a partial work/trade exchange with a professional photographer and/or videographer. If you're interested in this opportunity and you've been accepted into the program, please email mindbodyjoytt@gmail.com to discuss a possible exchange.

 

How do I get from the airport to the venue?

 

Vida Asana is located 90 minutes from San Jose Airport (SJO), just outside of Jacó in beautiful Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Group airport transfers to/from the airport are included in the cost of your tuition, provided that you arrive and depart within the specified timeframe on November 21 and December 12.

 

If you are unable to join the group transfer, you will be required to make your own way to/from the venue by taxi. 

 

What’s the weather like?

 

“Green season” begins around the end of April and continues until mid-December. It is a beautiful time to be in Costa Rica as the lush tropical vegetation is in full force. During the green season, the rain generally, with exception, does not begin until late afternoon or evening.

 

What should I bring? 

 

All yoga props and mats will be provided, but we recommend that you bring your own mat if that makes your practice more comfortable. You’ll also want to pack proper clothing and toiletries, a refillable water bottle, notebooks, pens, pencils and select textbooks from the required reading list.

 

Bring clothes for active daytime, such as hiking sandals/shoes, yoga clothes, beachwear, swimwear, flip flops and casual wear such as; shorts, sundresses, tank tops and anything made of a light gauzy material. The nights are cooler, so a light jacket or a loose-fitting long sleeve top and light pants are recommended. We also recommend a rain jacket or poncho during green season.

 

We will provide a comprehensive packing list to confirmed attendees as the date of the training approaches. 

 

What’s the local currency?

 

Costa Rica’s official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate averages between 590 – 610 colones to the dollar. However, US dollars are generally accepted in all areas save for some smaller pueblos. If you do spend US dollars, keep in mind that you will receive your change in colones. It is recommended that you bring denominations of $20 or less as higher denominations are often not accepted in local shops and markets. It is not recommended to change money at the airport.

 

There are secure ATMs in the nearby town if you do not want to travel with cash, and many local businesses accept credit cards.

 

For extra excursions or massage treatments, credit cards are accepted at Vida Asana, with a 3.5% processing fee. Cash is the preferred method of payment. 

 

What’s there to do during breaks or on the day off? 

 

Short break periods are offered throughout the training days, giving you a chance to rest and restore, whether than means taking a nap, going for a swim in the pool or going to the beach. 

 

Vida Asana is located close to Playa Hermosa and bicycles are available free of charge should you wish to go to the beach or head into town. 

 

You will have at least one full day off during the course, that you can spend however you’d like! 

 

Can I drink the water at Vida Asana?

 

All water on the property goes through five filters before reaching the rooms and kitchen and then continues through a diverse filtration process complete with restoring any beneficial minerals pulled out during the filtering, before reaching our water station.

 

There is no need to buy plastic bottles of water, just bring your favorite water bottle and refill at the filtered water station. 

 

Are there visa and passport requirements?

 

Guests traveling from the USA and Canada (and many other countries) do not need a visa but will need to provide a return ticket or evidence of onward travel. Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining to enter the country.

 

Are there travel insurance requirements?

 

We strongly recommend that you secure travel and health insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. You are solely responsible for your health and safety for the duration of the program.

 

What’s the time zone? 

 

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (GMT-6). Daylight begins to show around 5:15am, with sunrise 5:30am and sunset beginning around 5:30pm.

 

Do I need to bring a power adapter?

 

The country uses 120V, 60Hz current, and the same for wall outlets. This is the same as the US and Canada, so guests from those countries will not need adaptors.

 

Is there Wifi?

 

Wifi reaches every guest room on the property, and all common spaces, with the exception of the Yoga Shala. Wifi strength/connectivity may vary depending on the location and the use of the network. 

 

Can Vida Asana accommodate special dietary needs?

 

The menu at Vida Asana was created with food sensitivities in mind. Their kitchen staff is fully versed in many types of foods and special dietary needs and can accommodate any special request. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs upon acceptance to the program.