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Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

4.57 (7)VerifiedSince 2003

Plan the ultimate gap year in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel! Through this transformative adventure, you will explore the vibrant city of San José and the beach paradise of Manuel Antonio, getting involved in impactful, skill-building activities along the way. Shape your gap year to suit your needs—join hands-on volunteering projects, make an impact through sea turtle conservation, build your resume by teaching English, and level up your Spanish with the most immersive curriculum in Latin America. You can also get academic credits upon completion of your program! The standard gap year program in Costa Rica is a 12-week or 24-week itinerary, but you can create a custom itinerary. Take a look at our FAQ section to learn more :)

Program Highlights

Experience the best of Costa Rica by exploring the vibrant capital city of San José before transitioning to the Pacific paradise of Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park.

Create a personalized program with our assistance and ensure a completely flexible itinerary.

Earn university credits upon successful completion of your gap year program!

Elevate your coastal experience with dedicated weeks for professional Surf School and PADI Scuba Diving certification in tropical reef waters.

Seamlessly combine intensive Spanish immersion, hands-on community service, and accredited TEFL certification into a single international experience.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
Starts At: $6,995 for 12 weeks
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundGap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Internships
  • Language Immersion
  • Medical
  • Scuba Diving
  • Self-Discovery
  • Spanish
  • Study Abroad
  • Teach Abroad
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.57

Total Reviews

7

A trip I will always remember

July 04, 2026by: Barbara Kollwentz - Austria
5

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

It’s part of the experience

December 13, 2025by: Erin Baker - United States
5

Everything is part of the experience. Learning how to go with the flow is an essential part of staying here. I’ve made so many new friends, locally and from around the world. The workers are fantastic and super accommodating, as long as you’re reachable and communicating. I’ve enjoyed working with kids and every new day brings about something new to learn. I love my Spanish classes and we’ve been correcting things I learned in school and building off of it. I’m really excited for the rest of my time here. ¡Pura vida!

Mis amigos nuevos

Come to Costa Rica with Maximo!

December 14, 2024by: Dani Kankunda - United States
5

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!

Best experience ever

November 30, 2024by: Lili Cisneros - United States
4

I loved being in Costa Rica, it honestly was the best experience I met so many people from all over and we made so many fun memories. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica I loved my host family they were truly amazing and so kind I will definitely recommend doing this.

A great cultural experience!

November 30, 2024by: Violet Robinson - United States
3

The best part of Maximo has to be the Spanish teachers! They are always super helpful and I wouldn’t want to learn Spanish any other way. Volunteering has also helped me with my Goal of learning Spanish by putting to use my practice in the real world.

I had a great time!

April 21, 2024by: Cindy Cortes - United States
5

I had the best time volunteering at Maximo Nivel, I like that they put a very thoughtful approach to my trip! I felt safe throughout my entire stay, I really appreciate the careful thought that the staff put in not only for my experience but everything else involved.

Great time in Costa Rica!

June 10, 2023by: Jack Spier - United States
5

Máximo Nivel is a program that offers fantastic Spanish courses and flexibility to travel around Costa Rica. The Spanish instruction was fantastic and it was the perfect place to improve my fluency! Highly recommend

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Internships
  • Language Immersion
  • Medical
  • Scuba Diving
  • Self-Discovery
  • Spanish
  • Study Abroad
  • Teach Abroad
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

  • 12 weeks: $6,995

Program Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Emergency Support
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Language Lessons
  • Some Program Activity Costs

Refund Policy

Full Refund

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Written Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the program requirements?

    – At least 16 years of age
    – Able to be creative with limited resources
    – Hard-working, ready to do anything!
    – Positive mindset
    – Background check is required for all gap year participants working with children

    Can I customize my gap year in Costa Rica?

    Yes! Suggested gap year itineraries are very flexible, so you can pick and choose to create a personalized program.

    Can I travel for longer than 24 weeks?

    Yes, you can! Gap year programs are flexible, allowing you to stay for as long as you wish. With Maximo Nivel, you can also take part in the Country Jumper Gap Year. This unique program leads students and travelers through a cultural and academic immersion experience in 3 of the most amazing countries in Latin America. This distinctive program is available year-round.

    MAXIMO NIVEL

    MAXIMO NIVEL

    4.57Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Plan the ultimate gap year in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel! Through this transformative adventure, you will explore the vibrant city of San José and the beach paradise of Manuel Antonio, getting involved in impactful, skill-building activities along the way. Shape your gap year to suit your needs—join hands-on volunteering projects, make an impact through sea turtle conservation, build your resume by teaching English, and level up your Spanish with the most immersive curriculum in Latin America. You can also get academic credits upon completion of your program! The standard gap year program in Costa Rica is a 12-week or 24-week itinerary, but you can create a custom itinerary. Take a look at our FAQ section to learn more :)

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