What type of yoga do you teach?
Will I be able to teach when I finish the course?
Is there an exam?
What happens if I fail the exam?
How much experience do I need in order to take the course?
Do I have to be very flexible?
Will I be able to work as a teacher after the course?
Is there any free time?
What is the weather like?
Are there any additional costs?
Can I have visitors during the course?
Are there laundry facilities?
Should I bring linens and towels?
What items do you recommend me to bring?
Will I have internet access?
What information should I give as contact information?

Will I be able to teach when I finish the course?
Yes. The course is designed to enable you to teach a basic hatha yoga class when you finish. You will have some teaching practice time during the course. The course is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level

What type of yoga do you teach?
Our course is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda who taught the "yoga of synthesis" meaning that all aspects of the different branches of classical yoga practice are included. In practice this means that in addition to the practices of asana (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) we do devotional practices (mantra chanting, prayer and worship), meditation practice, study of scripture (Bhagavad Gita) and selfless service (Karma Yoga).

Is there an exam?
Yes. The course concludes with a three hour written exam that covers all the different aspects of the course.

What happens if I fail the exam?
If your exam answers are not considered satsfactory you will be given the opportunity of an oral examination with the teachers. If this does not prove to be satisfactory you will be given a certificate of attendance at the course, but not a teacher's certificate

How much experience do I need in order to take the course?
There is no prerequisite as far as yoga practice is concerned, you can even take the course as a beginner in yoga. We do recommend that you visit one of our centers to take classes in order to gain some idea of our practice. Openness to new ideas and willingness to learn are important.

Do I have to be very flexible?
No. You will be taught how to move into, hold and come of the different postures but you will not have to reach any special level of attainment in the postures in order to pass the course.

Will I be able to work as a teacher after the course?
Yes. Our certificate is well recognised internationally and registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level.

Is there any free time?
You will have a little free time each day between classes, however, you will normally find that your time will be take up with everyday tasks. On one day each week there is free time between the end of the morning satsang and the beginning of the evening satsang, with the exception of karma yoga tasks you have been allocated.

What is the weather like?
The weather varies greatly, but the nights are generally much cooler than the days. We recommend that you check the weather report when you are ready to pack in order to ascertain current conditions. If you are planning to tent, you might want to bring an extra few layers with you.

Are there any additional costs?
The course fee includes your accommodation, tuition, meals and uniform. No transportation is cinluded. You will need to buy the required text books. You will need money for any personal expenses during your stay.

Can I have visitors during the course?
As your free time is restricted there would be little point in having any visitor except during the free day.

Are there laundry facilities
The ashram provides laundry services at a cost of $4 per load. Laundry can be done as frequently as desired, and trainees can share loads. Clothes are cleaned, folded, and finished usually within a day or two. You are also free to hand wash and line-dry your clothing.

Should I bring linens and towels?
You will be provided a set of sheets, a blanket, a pillow and one towel.

What items do you recommend me to bring?
It is recommended that you bring a flashlight, shoes that are easy to slide on/off (as shoes are not worn inside) and a clock or watch. Bring strong shoes that can be used for walks in the wooded areas. Bring a swimsuit to wear inside the sauna (nudity is not allowed)

Will I have internet access?
There is a computer with Internet connection for all trainees and guests to use. As demand is generally high we ask that you limit your time on the computer to 15 minutes.

What information should I give as contact information?
Because you will be in classes most of the day, the best time for guests to call are during meal times: 10-11am or 6-8pm. Please ask them to call you on the pay phone at 845.434.9242. In case of an emergency, your contacts can reach our office at 845.436.6492. Mail and packages can be received at: P.O. Box 195, Budd Road, Woodbourne, NY 12788. The physical address is c/o Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch, 33 Yoga Lane, Woodbourne, NY 12788 for courier deliveries.