Long Yoga Training Courses (3mths+)

Hi guys,

I am going to go to India in about a month’s time, and I am planning on spending 6 months in Rishikesh attending daily classes with a well-respected Hatha yoga teacher that I have gone to previously.

I consider this a preparatory stage, and after that I would like to do some type of training course that is 3 months in length at a minimum, but ideally I would wish for something closer to 1 year long. While the priority is personal development, I also wish to turn yoga into a profession, or at the least into a key part of my profession (I wish to work in the health sector).

I was previously recommended the 9-month Yoga Diploma course in Kaivalyadham, Pune. However, I have read online that the quality of the education there has deteriorated in recent times, which has left me unsure if that is the way to go.

I’ve also seen that Bihar School of Yoga is offering a Diploma in Yogic Studies that runs from Aug 2014 - May 2015. But I cannot find any further information, or testimonials from people who have previously done this course. I have read mixed reviews re: the 4-month Gurukul course offered by them.

While there is an overwhelming amount of information available on 200 & 300 hour courses, I haven’t seen a thread that discusses the merits of the different longer (3+ months) full-time courses available. It would be great to get a discussion going on this front, or to be directed to the relevant thread if this is a topic that has already been extensively covered.

Also, while my own interest is to pursue such a course in India, I think it would add to the discussion to mention full-time courses available in other countries.

Hope to hear from you guys, any input would be truly appreciated!

One other thing I would like to add is that I have also heard of S-VYASA, as an organisation that offers many courses. However, once again a quick search online has had me reading plenty of horror stories about mismanagement, so I am also wary of choosing this institute!