Yoga has swept the globe, with millions of people all over the world turning to yoga for physical and mental wellbeing. As such, it is no surprise that many professionals are looking to earn a living by teaching yoga and New Zealand is certainly no exception.
With a range of different stances when it comes to allowing overseas teachers in the country, this blog post aims to provide insight into whether or not New Zealand needs foreign-based instructors coming in to teach locally.
We will discuss what factors may be influencing this decision and look at both sides of the argument before arriving at our own conclusion as well as offering advice on how potential students can decide what’s right for them personally.
So read on if you want to learn more about whether or not internationally–trained instructors have something special to contribute in Aotearoa!
The yoga teaching landscape in New Zealand has evolved significantly over the past decade. More and more people are interested in practicing yoga, resulting in a surge of creative and innovative approaches to teaching it.
From traditional hatha classes, to specialized programmes such as vinyasa flow; workshops on topics such as discipline and love; sound healing with crystal singing bowls integrated into a practice—yoga teachers across New Zealand are continually emerging with new ways to bring yoga to life.
With countless unique styles of teaching available, students can experiment with different methods until they find one that resonates with them on an individual basis. It’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone when it comes to practicing yoga in New Zealand.
When overseas yoga teachers come to New Zealand, practitioners benefit from a variety of advantages. By inviting international teachers, local studios open their student’s eyes to different forms and ideas than they may not encounter in this part of the world.
They also gain access to teachings that have the potential to deepen and broaden their knowledge, allowing them to explore new directions in their practice. In addition, overseas yoga teachers often teach in creative outdoor spaces; these picturesque environments can encourage practitioners to think differently about their practice while also taking part in some spectacularly beautiful surroundings.
Finally, having someone new come into our market can add excitement and energy into the area; students may be more likely to attend classes regularly or try something new when they have an expert teaching it!
Recruiting and hosting overseas teachers can be a powerful way to introduce new cultures and perspectives into the classroom, but there are potential challenges that need to be taken into consideration before making such an arrangement.
One of the biggest challenges is communication. Ensuring reliable translators for meetings or important documents is essential for successful collaboration between teachers and students, as well as parents.
Another issue often encountered when recruiting teachers from abroad can be cultural differences; different educational systems may not have aligned expectations, techniques, or assessments used by each party. If teacher and student do not share a common language then even further access issues arise, requiring special software and extra time invested in contact with local languages.
Fortunately however these challenges can easily be overcome if proper research and resources are in place before bringing in foreign teachers.
New Zealand is a unique and beautiful country with an abundance of natural resources and culture, however without an infusion of international teaching talent, New Zealand’s schools are in danger of missing out on a valuable educational resource.
Overseas teachers offer a wealth of knowledge in the form of cultural insight, understanding different methods of instruction, and access to global teaching through online learning platforms. International teachers can provide creative approaches to problem-solving and analytical thinking while inspiring New Zealand students to explore different perspectives both locally and abroad.
Such an exchange not only provides essential instruction for the classroom but also more broadly gives the invaluable gift of cross-cultural understanding that could benefit both local and overseas students into their future.
Yoga, an ancient practice with roots all around the world, can be incredibly beneficial to communities of all sizes. By bringing in international yoga talent to local institutions, locals could open themselves up to an incredibly positive and lasting experience. International teachers bring with them a unique energy and perspective on the practice, one much more diverse than what a small community would typically have access to.
Doing so reinforces the idea that different perspectives can coexist peacefully and productively together. Bringing in experts from abroad also bolsters organizations’ offerings as a whole, allowing them to expand their reach further into nearby markets as well as attract students from across the country.
Additionally, it creates interesting conversations and networking opportunities between cultures, providing invaluable cultural exchanges that can lead to long-lasting relationships built on mutual respect. Local yoga institutions and studios stand much to gain from incorporating international Yoga teachers into their cultures; not only will it add life and growth to both local and global perspectives on Yoga but it could open up entirely new possibilities for both travelers and locals alike.
Moving to New Zealand to teach yoga is a big step, which is why having an effective preparation plan in place will make the process much simpler. Prior to arriving in New Zealand, prospective overseas yoga teachers should do their research and have a good understanding of the area they plan on teaching in. It’s also important to become familiar with local laws and regulations related to public health and safety. Furthermore, having a certain degree of knowledge of the language spoken in the region can be helpful for making connections with locals. Last but not least, it’s always beneficial for overseas yoga teachers to embrace the cultures and customs of New Zealand for a more comprehensive experience. With proper preparation, teaching abroad can be both incredibly rewarding and an unforgettable journey!
In conclusion, the teaching of yoga in New Zealand is certainly evolving. With more international teachers selecting New Zealand as their destination for Vedic philosophy and teaching, there is an advancing opportunity to benefit from different areas of expertise as well as with creativity and innovation. At its core, yoga has the potential to offer many health benefits; however, if taught wrongly it can also be more harmful than helpful.
With so many possibilities for both nāmaste tourism and for experienced yogis to help lead education in New Zealand, hosting teachers from overseas seems a valuable endeavor. Prospective teachers should consider researching the qualifications and certifications accepted in New Zealand under its regulatory standards.
It may be wise to get informed on any unique requirements local businesses may have prior to commencing teaching or entering into a contract with them. If you’re wanting to bring your experience abroad, then booking a paid consultation with us is the best way to get started!
