Frequently Asked
Questions

The total number of students varies, however the maximum number we accept in an in-person cohort is 30.

You may miss up to 10% of the total program time. You will need to cover the content missed by completing homework or worksheets provided.

Yes, we have developed a very useful and complete Code of Ethics. There are classes devoted to discussing the ethical aspects of teaching yoga. All MMI-trained teachers are to sign a receipt that they have read, understand, and will make their best effort to live up to this ethical code of conduct. Upon acceptance into the YTT program, students must have read and signed our Code of Ethics agreement.

You will need to practice a key component of yoga: self-discipline. During the YTT 200 Summer Intensive, classes begin at 5:30 am and end at 8:30 pm. You may choose to go to bed soon after class is over.

You do not have to do anything. You need to learn about it and why we do it. In some cases, you may want to learn how to teach something which may not be a part of your daily practice. Not all the ṣhat karmas are suited for everyone.

Our goal is to offer instruction to you on how to teach the postures that you would lead in your classes. Even a very simple posture may be challenging to a beginner. We ask you to use a beginner’s mind as you approach the asana. During the daily practice classes, many options are offered for all levels of challenge.

While all postures and ‘flows’ may prove challenging for some, we do not focus on teaching what are often labeled “advanced poses”. We focus on the basics that you need to teach a well-rounded and safe beginning level yoga class which includes asana and more.

Yes, commuters pay a daily fee for facilities use and meals.

Online classes are scheduled on extended intensive weekends that start Thursday evening and all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday once a month to accommodate students’ work commitments. Many students maintain work and complete the program successfully.

However the YTT 200 Summer Intensive and other select in-person courses are designed such that the program schedules would likely conflict with a standard work schedule.

Please refer to your specific program page for dates and schedules.

Merit based scholarships are offered on a limited basis; inquire with an admissions counselor for more information.

Enrolled students may choose between monthly or trimester split payment plans.

The most affordable meals and lodging rates are available to all Mount Madonna Institute students (lowest tiered pricing for overnight stays).

You do not need an undergraduate degree to start or complete the programs in the School of Yoga.

There are a number of dedicated, experienced yoga practitioners who serve as faculty and guest teachers for Mount Madonna courses and programs. Please refer to faculty spotlighted for the program in which you are interested.

We do not provide student visas. All international students must enter the country with a tourist visa. International students are especially invited to participate via distance learning.

Mount Madonna offers a number of online distance learning opportunities, including short mini-courses, weekend workshops, and longer term certificate programs in Yoga and Ayurveda.

Mount Madonna Institute is located on 380 acres of mountain-top redwood forest and grassland overlooking Monterey Bay, between Santa Cruz and Monterey, on California’s Central Coast. About 45 minutes from Santa Cruz, 30 minutes from Watsonville, Morgan Hill or Gilroy, 75 minutes from San Jose and 2 hours from San Francisco and Oakland.

From San Jose Airport – about 1 hour and 15 minutes; From San Francisco Airport – about 2 hours.

We start each academic year every January with program start dates landing throughout the year. Please check each program page for the next start date. Mount Madonna Institute programs follow a trimester calendar with each trimester running 15 weeks followed by a 10-day break in between. Weekend workshops are periodically offered to the public throughout the year.