Frequently Asked Questions
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Yoga FAQ’s – Programs
Are soya yoga teacher training programs yoga alliance certified?
Yes! Our 200 hour Foundational and 300 hour Professional Upgrade programs are registered with Yoga Alliance (headquarters in USA), which is recognized in 140 countries around the world. As soon as you have completed the 200 hour training program and received your certificate, you can apply for their designation as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200). To apply for RYT500 you must complete the 300 hour upgrade plus have 100 hours of teaching experience since your 200 hour certification.
What is unique about soya teacher training programs?
SOYA is one of the longest standing yoga schools in Canada, with over 25 years of experience training yoga teachers. SOYA offers one of the most diverse and accessible Yoga Teacher Training programs available, with Immersion, Weekend, Online, and Hybrid formats offered in numerous locations. The training is designed to meet the Yoga Alliance (YA), International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA), and Yoga Association of Alberta (YAA) standards.
SOYA training is inclusive of many styles of hatha yoga such as Ashtanga, Sivananda, Yin, Restorative, and Vinyasa while incorporating a very thorough study of yoga philosophy. This outstanding aspect of the SOYA Teacher Training embraces unity in all yogis, regardless of paths and personal styles. Students begin to develop their teaching skills right from day one with practice teaching one-on-one, in small groups, and eventually teaching a full yoga class they themselves have designed!
How much experience do I need to attend the soya 200 hour teacher training?
For SOYA’s 200-hour Foundational training program, we strongly suggest that you have a minimum of one year or more of practice in order to be properly prepared for our training programs. We also suggest students are 19 years of age. If you have less experience than this, or are younger than 19, please contact us to discuss the training in more detail.
Will I be prepared to teach at the end of the 200-hour soya course?
Without a doubt! SOYA 200-hour Foundational programs help students to understand the roots of yogic wisdom while developing teaching skills, business skills and class design. You will graduate with a set of completed and tested lesson plans so that you can begin teaching right away! What is more, if you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you are free to contact your SOYA lead trainers with any questions or concerns you have any time after you complete the training program. We consider all graduates as part of the SOYA family and will take care of you endlessly!
Which is more beneficial, a Weekend training extended over 4 months, the Immersion, Online or Hybrid?
Each format will give you the same curriculum, foundation, knowledge and great experience! The reason that SOYA offers the variety of formats is to provide options for different individual needs. Some students live locally where a Weekend program is held so it works well for them to attend two weekends per month. Others live in more isolated areas and to be immersed over 16 days will work best. Others mya find the Online training is the most economical and best way to study. The beauty of the Hybrid training is you can do half the training online and the other half in an immersion format, so you get the best of both!
SOYA is flexible so students can mold the program to their own individual needs. The best way to decide which is right for you is to consider your finances, location and schedule.
If I take the immersion or hybrid program, do I prepare my own food and do I need to stay on site?
It depends on the location. Some locations have the option to provide some meals, and others do not. Where there is no catering available, students prepare some meals together. Refrigerators are available for you to store your food. We do recommend bringing some pre-made meals to save time on food preparation, and of course bring some snacks.
We strongly advise students to stay onsite for the experience of complete immersion, freeing themselves of life’s distractions. Days are rich and time spent with fellow students builds bonds and growth within the program. If you do choose to stay off-site, there is a facility use fee charged at most locations.
What is the cost of the SOYA 200-hour teacher training and what do the fees include?
The basic fees include the tuition, books, supplies and manual. These are noted on each training page. If you pay in full at the time of registration, you will receive a discount.
Accommodations are additional and vary depending upon each location and if you choose private or shared rooms. If meals are provided, they are at an additional cost.
I have already completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course with another school. Can I attend the SOYA 300-hour training?
The SOYA 300hour Professional Upgrade is open to all teachers who thirst for deeper knowledge and wish to immerse themselves in a traditional yoga lifestyle! Those who wish to upgrade their credentials to RYT500 can have an RYT200 certification from any Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS). We also welcome teachers who are not registered with Yoga Alliance and just want to learn more.
You are also welcome to attend if you are already an RYT500 and want to take the program just to gain more knowledge in the philosophy studies and teaching skills that we offer. Check out the Refresh programs that are almost half the price of the full training. All teachers are welcome!
I understand the 200-hour Foundational and 300-hour Professional Upgrade to RYT500 trainings are held in various locations?
Yes, we have our trainings in Penticton, Prince George, Sorrento BC, Edmonton, Mexico, Costa Rica, Traverse City, Michigan and New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Please check the website for dates, locations, and the formats offered.
Yoga Faq’s – General Questions
I work full time. will I be able to manage both work and soya yoga teacher training?
We have had many students complete the program while maintaining the demands of full-time work or parent-hood. However, it is important to know that the program demands significant time and energy, so be prepared to accommodate this into your schedule.
If I miss a day or weekend can I make up the time?
All training days are mandatory in order for you to gain the knowledge and practice needed to be a successful teacher and to have met Yoga Alliance standards. However, we do understand that unforeseen circumstances do happen. Any missed hours should be prearranged with your Lead Trainer. The content missed must be made up with a faculty member and may incur an additional charge.
How can I prepare for the program?
We suggest that you maintain a regular, consistent practice, which is a must for any yoga teacher. Start a personal practice and if possible, attend different classes to get a feel for various teaching styles. Keeping a journal to track thoughts, experiences, inquiries, and ideas can be beneficial before (and during) the training program.
Is it important that I sign up in advance of the start date for the program?
Yes! Both the 200 hour Foundational and 300 hour Professional Upgrade programs have written assignments in philosophy and anatomy for you to complete prior to arriving on the first day. It is very important that these assignments are done in advance so you can fully participate in the group discussion and grasp the concepts being presented.
If you are attending a weekend or online training, you will only need to have the preliminary assignments complete prior to each session.
If you are attending an immersion training, all lessons must be complete prior to arriving at the immersion as you will have very little time for extra homework. Completing these lessons at home prior to the immersion is part of the training allows you time to focus on your teaching skills and class creation during the program sessions.
What are the dates locations of the programs?
Information on up and coming program dates and locations are also listed on our teacher training pages. Please select the program you are interested in for more details.
What payment plan arrangements does SOYA offer?
Once the deposit is paid, we can offer a payment plan leading up to the start of the training date.
For the 200 hour Foundational Immersion, first you pay the deposit. Then you can outline your payment plan on the registration form. The only requirement is that all fees are paid 35 days prior to the start of the training.
For the 300 hour Professional Immersion, first you pay the deposit. Then 1/3 of the remaining fees are paid 35 day prior to the start of the first module, 1/3 more paid at the start of the training, and the final 1/3 is paid at the end of the first module, which is half way through the training.
For the Weekend, Online and Hybrid trainings, first you pay the deposit. Then 1/3 of the remaining fees are paid 35 days prior to the start of the training, 1/3 more paid at the start of the training, and the final 1/3 is paid half way through the training.
Plan ahead if you wish to spread the payments out over many months.
If I need to cancel what is the cancellation policy?
Should a student decide to withdraw from the SOYA teacher training 36 or more calendar days PRIOR to the commencement of the program, the non-refundable deposit of $650 plus applicable taxes will be retained. Any additional payments that were made will be refunded, less a $100 processing fee.
Should a student decide to withdraw from the SOYA teacher training 35 calendar days or less PRIOR to the commencement of the program, there are no refunds or credits given.
However, if you are unable to attend at your chosen training in the location you registered with, it is possible for you to transfer to one of our other locations and attend the program there (provided you complete the training within the alloted time frame). This way you will not forfeit your time, energy and funds paid and can complete the training.
The full cancellation policy can be reviewed here.
Note: There are no refunds after the immersion or extended course begins.