How to Find Your Zen With Yoga and Volunteering

Are you a passionate yogi looking to explore the world while sharing your love for yoga? Volunteering with Workaway can be a fulfilling way to combine your passion for wellness with your wanderlust, and this guide will share how. 

With retreats, workshops, communities and schools all over the world seeking your zen ways, it could not be easier to connect with locals (and your mat!) wherever you go. 

Let’s explore some of the world's most famous yoga destinations and the different ways you can combine your passion for yoga with making a positive impact whilst travelling. 

Solo woman travelling yogi practising jungle studio

10 Reasons Why Volunteering can help find your Zen

Volunteering to enhance your yoga skills can be a fulfilling and enriching experience that offers SO many benefits. Not only will it boost your yoga practice and even your teaching abilities but it will also encourage personal growth, deepen your connection to the yoga community, and allow you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It's a win-win opportunity that brings valuable experiences and a sense of purpose to your yoga journey. 

Still not convinced? Let’s explain…

  • Deepening Your Practice: Forget expensive gym memberships, or pricey online courses. Staying at a Workaway project allows you to consistently practise yoga, deepening your understanding of postures, alignment, and mindfulness techniques. 
  • Teaching Experience: Yoga Teacher Training is tough and expensive. By volunteering first, it provides valuable teaching experience before you commit to a course. Allowing you to test drive your dream career before spending the money or time doing your YTT.  If you’ve already qualified as a yoga instructor, having volunteer teaching experience will improve your ability to guide and assist students in so many ways. 
  • Adaptability: Whether you’re teaching or attending yoga classes, volunteering means you get to experience diverse settings and groups of people. This will enhance your adaptability, as you learn to modify classes for different needs, languages and abilities. 
  • Building Confidence: The best way to boost your confidence is by surrounding yourself with like-minded others who share your passion. Sounds like volunteering, huh? Being surrounded by a yoga community means you can ask questions, share tips and attend or teach class - all of which will allow your confidence off and on the mat to flourish. 
  • Mentorship: The industry is saturated with all kinds of coaches, and courses, so it can feel overwhelming at times. Volunteering creates opportunities for those money-can’t-buy types of mentorship. Best of all, these mentorships soon become friendships when you join Workaway.
  • Networking: As well as mentors, you’ll also be exposed to a network of fellow yoga instructors, practitioners, and wellness professionals, opening doors to future collaborations, communities and fitness friends for life. 
  • Building a Portfolio: Dream of designing yoga studios as an interior designer? Have an eye for wellness photography or blogging? Perhaps you want to become an instructor? Volunteering allows you to build a portfolio of diverse experiences, helping you to stand out in the crowd when searching for paid opportunities.
  • Personal Growth: Taking a gap year can be one of the best investments you’ll ever make. Even if it’s only for a month, volunteering can be a transformative personal journey, helping you develop qualities like compassion, resilience, and gratitude. 
  • Making a difference: Volunteering allows you to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, contributing to their physical and mental well-being. By volunteering, you contribute to making yoga more accessible to individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to practise. 
  • Continued Learning: By volunteering and doing yoga abroad, you’ll be exposed to new approaches, techniques, and yoga philosophies. This will heighten your knowledge of the yoga world and inspire your continued learning. 
Female travel yogis

Best Destinations for Travelling Yogis

Now you’re ready to start your volunteering journey, the question is where to start? With 170+ countries on the Workaway platform and over 3000 yoga projects it won’t be hard to find your fellow yogis in your dream destination!

 However, there are a few stand out countries worth adding to your bucket list:

India - The Birthplace of Yoga

India is undoubtedly the mecca of yoga, where it all began thousands of years ago. From the tranquil ashrams in Rishikesh (also known as “the Yoga Capital of the World) to the bustling yoga scene in Goa, India offers countless opportunities for volunteering as a yogi. 

Bali, Indonesia - Island of Serenity

Bali is renowned for its lush landscapes and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for yoga enthusiasts. Ubud, in particular, is a hub for yoga and wellness retreats. Volunteering here allows you to teach or participate in yoga against the backdrop of picturesque rice terraces and dense jungles. 

Solo woman traveller practicing yoga in the jungle during sunset

Thailand - Tropical Bliss

Thailand's idyllic islands, such as Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, offer a tropical paradise for yoga lovers. Many yoga centres and resorts in these destinations welcome volunteers to help conduct classes and workshops. It's a unique opportunity to combine yoga with the beauty of beaches and Buddhism. Although there are many places to volunteer in Thailand, in particular, head for Pai in Mae Hong Son. It is renowned for being a bohemian backpacking destination with a plethora of yoga, spiritual and meditation opportunities dotted around the area.

Nepal - Yoga in the Himalayas 

Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, offers a unique yoga experience with breathtaking mountain views. Not only is it one of the cheapest countries in Asia, but places like Kathmandu and Pokhara have a growing yoga community. Here you can find Workaway opportunities to teach yoga to both locals and travellers as well as support behind the scenes with digital marketing, photography and more. 

Mountains

Mexico - Yoga on the Pacific Coast

The Pacific coast of Mexico, especially places like Tulum and Sayulita, is a hotbed for yoga retreats and teacher training programs. Whether you support mentors, teach your own classes or simply want to practise in paradise, we have over 500 hosts dotted around the laid-back beach towns here. 

Costa Rica - Pura Vida Yoga

There are so many reasons Costa Rica should be top of your bucket list but the "Pura Vida" lifestyle is just one of them! Emphasising wellness and happiness, the Costa Rican way of life is ideal for yogis. This Central American gem has many yoga retreats and eco-lodges that will welcome your yoga loving ways with open arms. In Costa Rica you won’t just find like minded yogis, but have the opportunity to teach or practise in the midst of lush rainforests and pristine beaches - bliss! 
Male traveller yoga headstand in lake and waterfall

Peru - Yoga in the Andes

Peru's mystical Andes Mountains provide a unique backdrop for your yoga practice. Cities like Cusco and Pisac have thriving yoga communities, and you can find volunteer opportunities to share your knowledge while exploring Inca ruins. This allows visitors to explore their inner selves while taking in the beauty of this ancient Incan capital - an experience not to be missed!

Morocco - Yoga in the Desert

For those interested in volunteering in surfing AND yoga - Morocco is your dream destination. With over 150 hosts dotted around the country, there is ample opportunity to volunteer your skills at retreats, workshops, eco-camps and more. The exotic landscape, warm hospitality and unforgettable memories are a definite bonus! 

Group of travellers yoga tree pose in desert during sunset

Spain - Savasana in the sunshine

Spain offers a Mediterranean climate and a laid-back lifestyle that appeals to yogis from all walks of life. In particular Ibiza, Barcelona, and Mallorca are known for their yoga retreats and holistic wellness centres. From serene beaches along the Mediterranean coast to picturesque mountains and tranquil countryside, many yoga retreats and wellness centres are nestled in these stunning settings. This means there are hundreds of hosts providing a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for volunteers to share their skills.

Greece - Yoga by the Aegean Sea

Greece's islands, like Santorini and Crete, offer stunning vistas of the Aegean Sea creating a beautiful backdrop for wellness centres, retreats and yoga studios. Volunteering here allows you to combine the ancient Greek philosophies with modern yoga teachings in a picturesque setting. With over 300 hosts dotted around the country, you’ll want to nama-stay forever. 

Group of travellers practicing yoga on a boat

Types of Volunteering Projects for Yoga Lovers

Lead or Support Classes: Many yoga retreats seek volunteer instructors to lead daily yoga sessions for participants. This allows you to immerse yourself in a holistic and serene environment while guiding others on their wellness journey. Check out these 12 yoga retreats around the world for some inspiration. 

Schools and Educational Centers 

  • Teaching Yoga in Schools: Teaching yoga to children can help them develop physical fitness and mindfulness skills from a young age. This is why the ancient practice is slowly becoming more popular in modern curriculum. Simply set your host type to school and search “yoga” 
  • Youth Outreach Programs: Volunteering with charities and NGO’s is ideal for those who want to use yoga to empower at-risk youth or in underserved communities. This is usually through youth outreach programs, workshops and more. 
Group of traveller yogis in the mountains

Community Centres 

  • Local Community Classes: Volunteers are needed to teach yoga classes at community centres, libraries, or recreational facilities. This approach ensures that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. 
  • Specialised Classes: If you’re passionate about social impact projects, why not volunteer with specialised yoga classes. These are usually aimed at specific groups like seniors, individuals with disabilities, children or those dealing with mental health challenges.
Solo female practicing aerial yoga

Tourism/Hospitality

  • Youth Hostels: If you want to combine your passion for partying and practising yoga why not volunteer in a youth hostel? Many hostels need support with activities to keep guests entertained. It’s also a fun way to stay in unique accommodation around the world when travelling on a budget. 
  • Glamping/Camping sites: As well as hotels, many camping and glamping sites (like this one in Turkey) offer yoga workshops to guests. They are in need of volunteers who can support these workshops while embracing the unique backdrop of the great outdoors. 
traveller yogi-posing-in front of cute straw house

Behind the Scenes

  • Marketing/social media: As well as the physical side of yoga volunteering, there are many ways to volunteer behind the scenes. Workshops, retreats, teacher training programs and more all need marketing material. That’s where you can help! From photography to blog writing, social media to SEO, your skills on screen could benefit the yoga community by getting word out there. 
  • Food prep/farming: Diet goes hand in hand with yoga. That’s why you’ll find many farmstay opportunities also looking for yogis. A farmstay project is a wonderful way to nourish your soul both inside and out. 
Eat sleep yoga repeat sign

Different Types of Yoga & Where to Learn More

As a fellow yogi, I feel it's important to understand the different types of yoga. By choosing the style that resonates most with your goals and preferences, this will help you narrow down which Workaway project you align with. There are SO many types, but here are the main styles you’ll find on Workaway: 

  • Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is a gentle and foundational style that includes basic poses and breath control. It is widely practised in India, where yoga originated and probably the best choice for beginners. 
  • Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga involves stringing poses together using breath for a continuous flow of movement. It is more popular in the United States and Western countries and usually, the most commonly taught in yoga studios. 
  • Bikram Yoga: Not so beginner-friendly but if you like to sweat it out, Bikram (or hot yoga) is for you! It consists of a series of 26 challenging poses practised in a room heated to a high temperature. It originated in the United States but can now be found all over the world. 
  • Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a rigorous and structured style with a specific sequence of poses. Some people would argue it is the most difficult yoga style because you need a lot of patience and discipline. It is most popular in India and its neighbouring countries.
  • Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga emphasises precision and alignment in poses, often using props like belts and blocks. It has a strong presence in the US and Europe. Although it focuses on slower movements, (think quality over quantity) it is very rewarding and great for building strength, stamina, and flexibility.
  • Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, repetitive poses and meditation. Its purpose is to activate your Kundalini energy. In Hinduism, Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine.
  • Yin Yoga: Yin yoga focuses on deep stretching and holding poses for an extended period while incorporating principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It usually focuses on the lower part of the body such as the hips, pelvis and inner thighs. It is popular in the US, India and China. 
instructor teaching yoga

Inspirational Projects to Share Your Yoga Skills

Now you’re clued up on destinations, styles and projects let’s find out who needs your help! Below are just a handful of hosts who are yoga mad (just like you) and need volunteers to make their mission successful on and off the mat. 

Group of woman travellers practicing yoga in front of beach

How to Find the Perfect Exchange to Deepen your Yoga Practice

There are a few ways you can narrow down your search to find the perfect yoga volunteer project as well as your next yogis community. 

  • Destination: Use the destinations above as your location in the host search box. You can then add the keyword “yoga” and see what projects pop up. 
  • Keywords: Narrow your search further by using the style of yoga you have particular interest in as the keyword in the host search box. You could also use keywords such as: wellness, retreat, yoga community, yogis, yoga studio, mindfulness, meditation etc.
  • Workaway Profile: Don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for yoga on your Workaway profile. Whether it’s photos of you in warrior pose, or listing a few of the styles you're interested in from above, this will help hosts know you are a genuine yogi and help your profile stand out from the crowd. It can also help hosts find you when they create their own search for Workawayers on the platform. 
Solo female traveller yoga in front of forest during sunset

Hopefully I have inspired you, my fellow wanderlusting yogis, with this guide to finding your Zen while globe-trotting and giving back. By volunteering in the world of yoga, you'll find yourself bending over backwards (sometimes, literally!) to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, connect with like-minded souls, and stretch your horizons. 

While some people find their Zen on the sofa with Netflix, why not find yours on a mat in an exotic location, surrounded by new friends and the sweet symphony of "om." It’s time to dust off your passport, roll out your yoga mat, and get ready to stretch your limits – both physically and geographically. With each sun salutation, you're one step closer to unlocking new friendships and the inner calm you've been chasing. Namaste indeed! 
Travellers posing yoga in field during sunset

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About Lauren

Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv... show more...

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Workaway news: connect with your volunteers via the Workaway host app!
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