Portugal 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training FAQs
About Lakshmi Rising
What is Lakshmi Rising?
Lakshmi Rising Yoga & Wellness is a yoga school and global community offering 200- and 300-hour Yoga Alliance–certified vinyasa teacher trainings designed for both personal transformation and professional education. Rooted in loving awareness, we blend experiential learning, plant-based nourishment, and holistic wellness to empower students to live their yoga on and off the mat. Rooted in loving awareness, our programs blend experiential learning, plant-based nourishment, and holistic wellness to support deep self-inquiry and embodied understanding. We guide students to not only learn yoga, but to truly live it both on and off the mat.
Why choose a Yoga Teacher Training with Lakshmi Rising?
Lakshmi Rising offers a holistic, transformational Yoga Teacher Training that blends vinyasa yoga, classical philosophy, and modern science to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Guided by three decades of experience from our founder, Liz Lindh, our program goes beyond asana to cultivate authentic yogis—not just yoga teachers—through mindfulness, self-inquiry, and plant-based integration. Liz’s wisdom, warmth, and intention create a supportive environment where students feel seen, inspired, and empowered to live their yoga with authenticity, whether they plan to teach or simply deepen their practice.
What style of yoga is taught in Lakshmi Rising’s Yoga Teacher Training?
Lakshmi Rising teaches Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, an awareness based, somatic, breath-centered flow practice in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar. The training blends classical yoga philosophy, tantra, Ayurveda, and modern movement science for a holistic, transformative approach to yoga beyond the poses.
Program Details & Certification
What is the difference between a Lakshmi Rising 200-hour and 300-hour training?
Our 200-hour training provides the foundational knowledge and skills to begin teaching yoga.
Our 300-hour training is designed to deepen and refine that foundation to support you in developing greater clarity, confidence, and nuance in your teaching while expanding your understanding of practice, philosophy, anatomy, and the art of guiding others.
While 300-hour students participate in many of the same core lectures and discussions as our 200-hour cohort, the experience is distinctly different. Advanced students follow a more rigorous curriculum that includes specialized textbooks, additional projects and assignments, advanced teaching methodology, and longer training days.
The mixed-cohort model also creates unique opportunities during our asana labs and practicum sessions. A common reality, given the wide variety of yoga traditions and teacher training backgrounds, is that much of the 200-hour content is also new to the 300-hour students.
For some 300-hour students, mixed-cohort sessions provide valuable hands-on experience with postures, techniques, and teaching concepts they may not have previously studied in depth. For others, this become a space to work at a more advanced level: refining hands-on adjustments, developing intelligent short-form sequencing, mentoring newer teachers, and exploring how to communicate foundational concepts with greater clarity and skill.
Our approach allows each 300-hour student to meet the practice where they are, while continuing to develop the depth, adaptability, and confidence that distinguish experienced teachers.
Is this program Yoga Alliance certified?
Yes. Your Lakshmi Rising 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate qualifies you to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 500 and to teach yoga globally.
What is Yoga Alliance?
The Yoga Alliance is an international credentialing organization, established in 1999, that sets standards for yoga teachers and teacher trainings. While not required by law, many studios and potential employers look for teachers with Yoga Alliance certification.
What are the graduation requirements?
To graduate, you must attend all sessions, complete two knowledge check quizzes, complete a 30-minute final teaching practicum, and demonstrate integration of philosophy, practice, and teaching methodology. Additionally, you will research an anatomy topic of your choice and present the information in a workshop for other participants, lead a discussion on an assigned Yama or Niyama, teach a one-hour private class with a fellow 300-hour student, and write a recommendation letter for another 300-hour student (you will receive a recommendation letter in exchange).
What if I miss some class time? Can I still complete the training?
If you miss class time, you can still complete the program. Our YTT immersions exceed the Yoga Alliance required contact hours, so minor absences are usually not an issue. You will submit a brief writing assignment to demonstrate your understanding of missed material, and additional private instruction is available, at a fee, if extra support is needed.
Is there a final exam?
There is no written final exam. Instead, your understanding of the material will be demonstrated through participation, two short knowledge checks, and a 30-minute practical teaching assessment at the end of the program.
Is there work to be completed after the training?
All program requirements are completed during your 21-day Advanced Yoga Teacher Training immersion; there are no post-training assignments.
How will I receive my certificate?
You will receive a printed copy of your certificate on the last evening of your training. You will additionally receive a PDF version of your certificate via email after your training.
Curriculum
Do we study anatomy?
Yes. Our anatomy curriculum blends modern movement science with yogic wisdom. You’ll deepen your understanding of key anatomical principles with an exploration of functional movement, biomechanics, and subtle body systems. You’ll refine your understanding of injury prevention, advanced asana application, and individual variation so you can teach with greater confidence and awareness.
Do we practice teaching?
Yes! Teaching practice is an integral part of the program. You’ll refine your voice through progressive peer teaching practicums, lead a full-length class, and guide group discussions on philosophy and anatomy, gaining confidence not only in how you cue, but in how you mentor, educate, and hold space.
What is the daily schedule?
Each day includes a balance of movement, lecture, discussion, and personal reflection. A typical day includes morning meditation, breathwork, and chanting followed by a Vinyasa practice, a mid-day anatomy workshop or teaching practicum, a post-lunch Ayurveda presentation, hands-on assist clinic, or special topic workshop, and an evening philosophy discussion or meditation practice. You’ll also have time for meals, rest, and self-study.
Preparation & Eligibility
What qualifications or prerequisites do I need to participate?
The only formal prerequisite for our 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is prior completion of a 200-Hour YTT, either through Lakshmi Rising or another school in any tradition, or equivalent experience in teaching yoga. No prior teaching experience is required.
Are there reading assignments to complete before the training?
When you register, a suggested reading list will be included in your Welcome Letter, or you can find it here. You may find it helpful to read any or all of these books ahead of time, although this is not a requirement.
I don’t have teaching experience. Is this program a good fit for me?
Absolutely. You do not need any prior teaching experience to join this program. Many of our 300-hour students begin with no background in teaching at all. If you come with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to grow, you’ll be supported as you develop confidence, clarity, and your own unique voice as a teacher.
How athletic do I need to be?
You don’t need to be an athlete to succeed in this training. Our program emphasizes mindful movement, body awareness, and adaptability over physical perfection. You’ll be supported in honoring your body’s unique needs each day.
English is not my native language. Can I participate?
A conversational level of English is needed to follow classes and participate in discussions; however, many of our students are non-native English speakers. Perfect grammar isn’t needed–just a willingness to learn and communicate!
Student Experience
Will there be free time for excursions during the training?
Yes! During the training, you’ll have one day off per week—3 days in total—perfect for optional excursions, exploring the local area, or simply relaxing and recharging. Please note that optional activities on your days off are not included in the price of your tuition.
How many students are in each Yoga Teacher Training program?
Each Yoga Teacher Training hosts up to 20 participants, including a mix of 200- and 300-hour students. This intimate group size ensures personalized instruction, hands-on guidance, and meaningful connections throughout the training experience.
What are the other students like? What is the typical age, gender, and background?
Our community attracts students from around the world—diverse in age, background, and experience. Most participants are between their 20s and 60s, and most identify as women, but all are welcome! You’re never too old or too young to begin this journey.
Can you put me in touch with other students on this training?
We’ll connect you with your training group via a private WhatsApp group before arrival so you can coordinate travel and get to know one another.
Can you put me in touch with past students?
Yes, we can connect you with alumni who are happy to share their experience.
Travel & Logistics
Do you provide airport transfers?
Airport transfers are not included but can be easily arranged through local taxis or private shuttle services. We’ll provide detailed travel instructions after registration.
How do I get to the retreat?
The training takes place near Loulé, Portugal. Our venue is an easy 25-minute taxi or Uber ride from Faro International Airport (FAO) and 15 minutes from the Loule train station. Your welcome packet will include contact information for our preferred local taxi service, and Uber is readily available.
What is the best airport?
Faro International Airport (FAO) is the closest and most convenient airport to the venue, though you may find international flights into Lisbon (LIS) more convenient or affordable. Loule is a 3-4 hour train or bus ride from Lisbon.
Can I arrive early and stay at the retreat?
Early check-in is not available, but there are many beautiful places to stay nearby. The first day of your course dates is your arrival day, with check-in starting at 14:00.
Can I arrive late?
We ask that all participants arrive by 16:00 on the first day for the opening ceremony and orientation, as it sets the foundation for your entire training. If travel delays or personal circumstances make this impossible, please inform us in advance so we can support your arrival. Late arrivals are responsible for catching up on any missed information or coursework.
What should I pack for my training?
When you register, you will receive a welcome letter that includes a packing list, or you can find it here.
Tuition & Payments
What’s included in the price of the training?
Tuition includes your 21-day advanced RYT 500 immersion program, all course materials, and your certification. Accommodations, daily plant-based meals except for days off, and use of retreat facilities such as the pool and yoga shalas are also included. Travel costs, transfer to the retreat venue, travel insurance, visa fees if applicable, and food or personal activities on days off are not included.
Are required books and other materials included in the tuition cost?
No. You are responsible for purchasing your books and supplies (pens, notebooks, etc.) before arrival. As part of the tuition, you will receive a copy of our extensive Yoga Teacher Training student manual, a required course text.
Are yoga mats and props included in the tuition cost?
Use of yoga bolsters is included in your tuition cost. Yoga blocks and straps are provided on a first come first served basis at no additional cost. Mats are available for rent for an additional fee. We recommend that you bring your own mat, and your personal blocks and strap if luggage space allows.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. At registration you will have the option to pay in full or select a payment plan. A €500.00 deposit secures your spot, and the remaining payments are due at 90, 60, and 30 days before the start date. If you register within any of these date markers those past payments must be made upon registering. You can pay with bank transfer or credit card.
What is your refund policy?
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we wholeheartedly support your journey of growth and transformation. While we do not offer refunds for any reason, you may transfer your payment to a future retreat or training up to 30 days before your start date. For additional details, see our full terms & policies here.
Accommodations & Food
Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Lakshmi Rising does our best to accommodate our guests’ food allergies but cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free or nut-free environment or availability of substitutions, nor can we accommodate extreme dietary restrictions such as Keto, FodMap, or a raw food diet.
Will I have access to a laundry facility?
You will have access to a laundry machine and drying racks once per week during weeks 2 & 3 (total of 2 days during your training). Detergent is provided.