3 Tips for teaching yoga in a different culture

Kathy Cook

Certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher

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3 things I learned as an expat teacher 


I have had the great opportunity to travel the world and live for extended periods of time out of my birth country. I have experienced and learned different cultural traits and mindsets.
Here are some of the important things I learned over the years.


🧡  It’s important to observe different body types and challenges. This will help you to be a better teacher. Get to know your students, their weaknesses and strengths, and how you can guide them.


🧡  It is important to be aware and respectful of everyone’s culture. For instance, certain cultural norms may have different ways of communicating between the teacher and students. You might find some students more reluctant to ask questions. In a situation like this, you can provide alternative, and more private ways of communications, such as emails or after-class private chats.


🧡  Work with local teachers and integrate with the community, share ideas, learn from their experience and rituals. You will find a richness within each culture that will help inform your teaching.

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