Notes for applicants
MBSR Essentials is the first step in the MBSR Teacher Training Pathway (also commonly known as “S1” i.e. Stage One). It offers a highly experiential exploration of the MBSR curriculum, cultivating embodied and evidence-based teaching competencies and understanding from the inside out. Whether you intend to teach MBSR or integrate mindfulness into your professional field in other ways, MBSR Essentials (S1) is a special opportunity to deepen practice. As we discover greater degrees of freedom in our own lives, we are able to bring the essential transformative elements of mindfulness to others in the service of minimizing harm and maximizing human flourishing.
Upon successful completion, participants are able to teach introductory mindfulness sessions and workshops in a variety of settings, including the workplace and in the broader community. For those who wish to teach the MBSR course, they may go on to take the Level 1-Stage 2 training to become qualified MBSR teachers. Upon successful completion of Stage 2, qualified teachers are able to teach the MBSR course under supervision. They may also register with the Global Mindfulness Collaboratives (GMC) and ATINAT Institute of Mindfulness Training (AIMT) as Qualified Level 1 MBSR Teacher.
For details of the MBSR teacher training pathway, please refer to Global Mindfulness Collaboratives (https://globalmindfulnesscollaborative.org/mbsr-teacher-training-pathway), or ATINAT Institute of Mindfulness Training (https://www.atinat.com/training?Column_ID=1815331617)
Trainer
Kevin Fong
Co-founder and Lead Teacher - ATINAT Institute of Mindfulness Training (AIMT)
Certified MBSR teacher, trainer, supervisor, and assessor (CFM, UMass, GMC)
Certified MBCT teacher, trainer, supervisor, and assessor (Oxford Mindfulness Foundation)
Interpersonal Mindfulness Program teacher and teacher trainer
Retreat Teacher (Bodhi College)
MBA (Warwick University)
To know more about the trainer, please see the interviews and website below:
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j63Bl8Ll6nk&feature=youtu.be
• Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pause-to-elevate-with-dr-kasim-al-mashat/id1743082892
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/15yQZXEHCp18aTjgTn834x?si=8e2ed9d531d344f
• https://www.atinat.com/content-detail?C_ID=662783880&Column_ID=1434
Assistant Trainer
Samantha Yung
Certified MBSR teacher (Brown University Mindfulness Centre, GMC)
Certified MBCT teacher and supervisor (Oxford Mindfulness Foundation)
Registered MBP supervisor (UK Mindfulness Network)
ATINAT Institute of Mindfulness Training - MBSR teacher trainer in training
Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance
Doctor of Psychology (ClinPsy), HKU
To know more about the trainer, please visit the website below:
https://www.samanthayung.hk/about-me
1) Schedule, mode and venue
Schedule: 21 Feb 2027 to 25 Apr 2027 (10 weeks)
Mode: in-person face to face mode
Venue: Seminar Room 1, 2/F, Lui Che Woo Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital
2) Entry Requirements
The prerequisites to begin MBSR teacher training involve both formal learning and personal practice experiences and are outlined below.
- Attendance at a live 8-week MBSR course by a qualified MBSR teacher
It is important to take a MBSR course before deciding to be an MBSR teacher and before beginning the training so that you make a more informed decision that requires a major commitment and can experience the program fully as a participant. You will then take a second 8-week MBSR course as part of MBSR Essentials (S1). The second time around, you will be invited to participate fully in the classes, and you will also be invited to observe what is happening in the classes. The weekly MBSR class becomes a key part of each Essentials (S1) seminar as you have an opportunity to unpack the program with your classmates and the instructor.
- Maintain a personal meditation practice of at least two years (less experience may be considered)
- Attendance at your first qualifying silent, teacher-led meditation retreat. You may complete either a one 5-7 day retreat or two 3-day retreats.
- Undergraduate Degree or Equivalent Experience
While an undergraduate degree in fields such as healthcare, education, psychology, medicine, or business is preferred, applicants may also meet this requirement by demonstrating equivalent professional, community, or life experience. This could include:
• Leadership roles in work or volunteer settings
• Completion of relevant trainings, such as yoga teacher certification
- Yoga or other contemplative movement practice experience
-Ability to understand and communicate in Cantonese Chinese; as well as read and understand training materials in English
[Note: Weekly in-person MBSR class and S1 seminar will be conducted in Cantonese Chinese; MBSR class handout in Chinese language; S1 class core reading materials in English but with certain supplementary materials in Chinese.]
3) Course Terms and Conditions:
(1) 100% Attendance Requirement
Students are required to attend all classes without exception. Absences may result in the student's inability to complete the course successfully.
(2) Final Decision Authority
The organizer and course instructors reserve the right to make final decisions regarding any matters related to the courses, including but not limited to scheduling, content, make up class arrangement and assessment.
Please review and acknowledge your understanding and agreement to these terms and conditions before enrolling in the course.
3) Submission of Application Form
After submitting the online application, supporting documents should be sent to sphpc.mbct@cuhk.edu.hk via email and to the following address by post with an application fee of HK$300 (A crossed personal cheque made payable to: "The Chinese University of Hong Kong").
Course Administrator of "MBSR Essentials (Level 1-Stage 1)"
Room 426, 4/F, School of Public Health Building, Prince of Wales Hospital
Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
5) Documents to be submitted
(1)Photocopy of identity card (via email)
(2)Copies of qualification certificates (including Professional Qualifications, Highest Academic Qualifications or Equivalent Experience cetificates, 8-week MBSR programme attendance certificate and/or other mindfulness programmes attendance certificate, for example, 8-week MBCT etc.(via email)
(3)An application fee of HK$300 (A crossed personal cheque made payable to: "The Chinese University of Hong Kong"). (by post)
Original documents must NOT be sent.
6) Application Deadline
The application form and all the supporting documents should be received by the Course Administrator on or before 31 Dec 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will close once all places are filled or on the deadline, whichever comes first. Early application is encouraged.
7) Info session
For more information about the programme, you are welcome to join the information session to learn more.
info session: 15 October 2026 8pm-9:30pm
In the selection process, we will consider both the suitability of the applicants and the date of submission. When applicants have similar levels of suitability for the training, priority may be given to those who submitted their applications earlier.
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview, if necessary, to determine their suitability.
8) Training Fee Payment
Training fee should be paid by cheque within 2 week after confirmation. The fee, once paid, is non-refundable or non-transferable.
Payment(s) should be made by a crossed cheque payable to "The Chinese University of Hong Kong".
Application Fee: HK$300 (non-refundable)
Course Fee: HK$22500 (non-refundable)
Information and Enquiries
Address:
Room 426, 4/F, School of Public Health Building, Prince of Wales Hospital
Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2252 8764
WhatsApp: (852) 5262 5665
Email: sphpc.mbct@cuhk.edu.hk
The Programme reserves the right to cancel the course if the number of registered students is insufficient or for other unanticipated reasons. *