One of the great things about teaching yoga is that it can take you all over the world. Yoga is enjoyed in many different countries, and you can use this to your advantage by seeing as many new places as possible. If you have decided that you are going to take your yoga business abroad, you need a careful and considered plan to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. With that being said, read on to discover some helpful tips that will assist you when it comes to teaching yoga in another country.
Set an intention – One of the first things you need to do is set an intention. This is something you will have already learnt from your daily practice of yoga. After all, it is important to set intentions so that you can bring ideas into present and clear focus. You should ask yourself some key questions to help you with this. For example, what inspires you? Where in the world do you want to teach? What is your purpose? If these answers do not come to you straight away, make the most of journaling, spending time with nature, and meditation, to get the answers to those questions. Once you figure out what it is that you really want, you can make your visions a reality with persistence, courage, and faith.
Rent before buying – A lot of people go to Asia when it comes to taking their yoga teachings overseas. There is no denying that the likes of the Hong Kong and Malaysia property investment markets are booming at the moment. While the aim would be to buy a property and put down roots in your new location, do not rule out the option of renting first – even if it is for a month or two. This will help you to determine what you really want, as well as the areas that appeal to you the most. After all, you cannot usually get a true feel for this until you are in the country and going about your new daily life over there.
Keep it simple – It can be easy to overcomplicate things and stress yourself out, especially when you are making such a drastic life change. However, it does not need to be this way. Moving abroad can be straightforward, especially as you already have a passion and a job that you want to pursue. All you need is a simple plan and try to avoid expectations.
Be resourceful – Thanks to the Internet, it is easier to find out information than ever before, and this is something you need to use to your advantage. You should also use your network of contacts that you have already built up. You probably have a good number of contacts in the yoga industry, and so asking them for advice is always recommended. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. What have you got to lose? Of course, the Internet is an excellent platform for finding jobs. You can easily look for yoga jobs in any country around the world. You can apply straight away, which is ideal for those who want to have a job lined up before they actually take the plunge and move. It is also helpful for anyone that was not decided what country they want to move to yet, as you will be able to see which countries have the greatest number of opportunities for yoga instructors.
Don’t be naïve to the differences – A lot of people move abroad and they expect their yoga business to run in the same manner as it did in their home country. If you do this, you could be in for a very big surprise. It is important to be aware of all of the potential differences, ranging from cultural differences to the forms of yoga that are most popular in the destination you are considering. This will ensure that you are able to integrate with much greater ease. There are also going to be differences with regards to the way you market and find yoga students for your classes.
Use your overseas status to your advantage – As a yoga teacher coming from another country, you bring a greater depth of knowledge and experiences that you can add to the mix. Your foreign status is not something that should be a disadvantage. Use it to distinguish yourself and show how you are different from the rest.
Be patient – The final tip is to make sure you are patient. Take a breath, give yourself time to settle in, and let go. Moving to a new country is always going to have frustrations and difficulties because you are adapting to something that you are not used to. However, the key is to make sure that you do not let this takeover. Go at your own pace and be kind to yourself. You are going to need some time to adjust to your new environment and your new set of students.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about teaching yoga in another country. If you follow the advice that has been provided above, you can make sure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible. After all, there is no denying that moving to another country, for any reason, can be frightening. However, you will probably find that it is the best thing you have ever done. You just need to take the plunge!
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