GoAbroad

Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

$70Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
722Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish Immersion program in Latin America. Learn Spanish on-site across 4 modern campuses in 3 of the most beautiful countries, or join online from anywhere in the world!

Led by an experienced team of highly qualified instructors, the program’s Spanish curriculum is based on a communicative approach and direct method, emphasizing oral communication and integrated skills development to build your Spanish language proficiency.

Keep learning beyond the classroom with the free Tandem Conversation Program. Pair up with a native Spanish-speaking student enrolled at Maximo Nivel’s ESL school, and practice your Spanish in day-to-day conversations while your partner practices their English. This is an incredible way to make new friends!

We offer small group Spanish classes and 1-on-1 lessons for all levels, from beginner to fluent. Maximo Nivel also offers customized Spanish programs, specialized tutoring, Medical Spanish, and Business Spanish. University courses range from SPA-101 to advanced courses and have been approved by our official School of Record for academic credit.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

Earn 3-4 credits through direct university partnerships or Maximo Nivel’s official School of Record transcripts.
Study Spanish for 1 to 4+ hours per day, with options to take general courses or specialized tracks like Medical and Business Spanish.
Fast-track your Spanish fluency with the free Tandem Conversation Program, which pairs you with a native Spanish-speaking Maximo Nivel ESL student for conversation practice.
Maximize your Spanish credentials with targeted preparation for the official DELE exam.
Level up your adventure with exciting add-on programs, including Surf School, Scuba Certification, Yoga Certification, and more!

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Academic Advising
Financial Aid Counseling
Assistance Booking Travel
Language Lessons
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Micro-Credential(s) / Certification(s)
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
Alumni / Networking Membership
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Exclusions

International Airfare

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Cusco, Peru

Fields & Subjects

  • Communications
  • Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Nursing
  • Pre-Med
  • Social Work
  • Spanish
  • Latin American Studies
  • Medicine
  • Culture
  • Continuing Education
  • International Business
  • Foreign Language
  • Public Health
  • Service Learning
  • Business

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Trimester
  • Academic Year
  • Throughout the Year
  • May Term
  • Spring Break

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Starts At

  • 1 week: $70

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.7
722 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
497
4
218
3
5
2
1
1
1

Top categories

Program Administration
4.7
Community
4.7
Academics
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.5
Health & Safety
4.3
Living Situation
3.9

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 722 reviews

Horst Von-EiffGermany · September 2026

El clima En la clase siempre era más familiar o como con amigos buenos.

Hola a todos, estuve una estancia muy bonita aquí en Arequipa y en las clases de Máximo Nivel. Sobre todo la clases de Dyana. Antes, tenía muchos profesores de español, pero, como ella da sus clases . . . ¡Era la mejorar de todas! Siempre alegre y sonriendo. El clima En la clase siempre era más familiar o como con amigos buenos. Así, nunca me senti como en una clase de escuela. Hacer las conversaciones y la gramatica no era trabajo . Pero tambien muy detallado Y muy bien explicado. Eran tres semanas que ya me hacen falta. Y tambien las clases de cocina con Nora. No solo la comida me gustó mucho. Ella lo hace de una manera. muy buena. Quizá, se podría dar a las estudiante estudiantes de cocina tambien dar un pequeño certificado que dice, que ahora tienen experiencias en la cocina peruana :-)

Jean FleschuteUnited States · September 2026

Best Spanish teacher ever!

Dayana made learning Spanish fun. We laughed a lot and learned a lot. She was always encouraging and supportive. Dayana did a good job focusing on our errors with supplementary materials. Our group was very cohesive, in large part because Dayana brought us together. Best Spanish teacher ever!

Emily SherrickUnited States · September 2026

My only regret is not staying longer!

I was pleasantly surprised with this whole experience! You all have been incredible. Maximo's culture is very welcoming + easy to connect with other people. I so so appreciate all of the support you've provided. Also, Pamela is fantastic!! I wish I could learn from her for longer. She is warm and a great, relatable teacher who has made me feel proud + confident in my Spanish level. My only regret is not staying longer!

Rosemarie ManfrediUnited States · September 2026

Everyone took great care of me

Nely was a great teacher. We discussed many debatable topics and I learned a lot of new vocabulary. Everyone at Maximo was great from Patrick, Maia, Gabby and many others. Maximo really takes great care of all their students. I can´t say enough good things about Maximo.

Lori EpsteinUnited States · September 2026

Wonderful experience at Maximo Nivel

I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks at Maximo. My teacher Marianella was excellent and my classmates were a lot of fun. All of the staff at Maximo were overwhelmingly helpful and pleasant. The building itself wow on air-conditioned was a great place to spend downtime and do homework. the pool was an excellent bonus. I definitely improved my Spanish and I’m very pleased with the results. Additionally, the cultural experiences were excellent. I especially loved the sea turtle release and the cooking classes. I will definitely recommend Maximo to friends and family.

Sean ReganUnited States · September 2026

Great experience at Maximo Nivel

Really enjoyed our two weeks doing Spanish immersion. Instruction was top notch, professional. Learned a lot. The program is well organized and staff is there to help you with anything you might need. I’d recommend this program to anyone.

Aidan HochstetlerUnited States · September 2026

An Amazing Experience!

I've been with Maximo a little over two months into my 6 month stay doing Spanish immersion. The locals, staff, and friends I have met here have been nothing short of incredible! Learning Spanish from native speakers and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to do it. Cusco, Peru is such an amazing city full of history and wonderful nature. I cannot recommend it enough!

Photos

Wyatt OrtaleUnited States · August 2026

3 Month Intensive Spanish Immersion - Best Choice Ive Ever Made

During my stay here, the teachers and organization were exceptionally professional and constantly checked in on me to ensure everything was up to standard. The curriculum was professionally curated, and as a student I was allowed to ask to hone in on certain aspects if I had any confusion. If youre considering studying here, I would recommend taking private classes, as it ensures progression will match your own pace. Overall, 5 stars across the board :)

Ben LoperUnited States · August 2026

Education at Maximo Nivel

I spent two weeks in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel. My Spanish level was minimal when I arrived. I felt like I was able to have a basic conversation and move around the city with the Spanish I learned. My homestay was very nice, and the staff here solved any issues I had; I would definitely do it again.

Sarah MedleyUnited States · July 2026

Spanish immersion

Living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been an incredible experience. It helped me integrate myself into the culture, language, and nature of the country. I was able to learn Spanish for 4 weeks with no Spanish to being able to form sentences and talk Spanish in tandem with not only my teachers but with the locals. The staff have been excellent in taking care of all my needs including changing accommodations, health issues, checking up regularly. This experience is 5 stars overall!

Photos

Sarah PankratzUnited States · July 2026

I loved it!

I had such a great time in Antigua. My host family was amazing. They were so kind and all the food was so good. My teachers were excellent as well. I learned so much and they were so kind. The travel Guiness program was great too. I had so much fun traveling to Lake Aticlan and going to the beach.

Kerry BaumannUnited States · July 2026

A worthwhile investment!

My Spanish teachers at Maximo were very knowledgable about the Spanish language and consistently provided me with feedback and explanations that helped me improve my Spanish very quickly! My classes had a good balance of authentic conversation and grammar, and it was clear that my teachers had put a lot of thought into the sequence and pacing of the lessons.

Nicole RossUnited States · July 2026

Máxiomo runs an excellent program!

I am happy to report that I’ve had a magically adventurous time here, my Spanish has noticeably improved, my hosts were kind and accommodating, and the Maximo and Inca Trails staff were wonderful. Special shoutout to Martha and Susan! They are amazing teachers and people. I’m sad to be leaving but happy to be heading home renewed, inspired and closer to fluency. You all run an excellent program!

Zofia KoncewiczPoland · July 2026

Getting to know local language and culture

I've been learning a lot about the Guatemalan culture while volunteering in a local school and wandering on the streets of Antigua. I've learnt Spanish very quickly thanks to my fantastic teacher Francisco who is a marvellous language teacher.

Nina KoncewiczPoland · July 2026

I learning Spanish!!!

I learnt Spanish with a native speaker, she was very kind. There is a very nice atmosphere there. The teachers teach very well. They have a professional approach to learning. They come up with games that make it easy to consolidate words.

Jasmin FaselSwitzerland · July 2026

Best way to learn spanish

I really enjoyed my time here; Maximo offers everything you need and more – the pool in particular was brilliant, and you could always get free water. The host family were very friendly and the food was delicious and varied. It didn’t have air conditioning, but that wasn’t a problem. My teacher was brilliant; I learnt a great deal in two weeks through lots of conversation. Also the staff is very helful with everything. I really loved it here:))

Photos

Julia PoorvuUnited States · July 2026

Learned so much!

I learned so much in this program and had the best teachers. Odilia and Aracely were so attentive and knowledgeable. Admin was so great too! Antigua is a beautiful and fun city with so much to do. Thank you for everything.

Henrik RathjenGermany · July 2026

Perfect from start to finish

My experience in Maximo was absolutely perfect. It was my first solo travel ever and I felt absolutely guided through it. My teachers Runnia and especially Francis were perfect. It was super fun in the classes which made the learning feel less boring but super fun and rewarding. The staff around the organisation is great, some of the nicest people I’ve met. The cooking and dancing classes are well organized and super fun. They also do their best to adjust classes to your expectations. Wishes are not seen as criticism but rather as a possibility to make the clients happy. Quepos/Manuel Antonio itself is a nice town, offering great beaches nice accommodations, aswell as bars and most importantly great people! I will remember this trip for a long time and I’m super happy I made my experiences in Costa Rica with Maximo. I hope to return one day.

Walter ThomasUnited States · July 2026

good, useful experience!

In my case, Maximo Nivel is most ideal for those looking to improve their Spanish through an all encompassing immersion. I would suggest taking advantage of the free salsa and cooking classes, along with the tandem conversation opportunities.

Mark KoussaUnited States · July 2026

Amazing Spanish Immersion Experience!

Máximo Nivel offered a wonderful Spanish immersion experience in San Jose, Costa Rica. The staff are incredibly friendly and the entire institute is very well organized. The methods used in class really encourage conversation and useful practice of your linguistic skills. Within even just the first few days of my program, I felt as though I was already breaking down the barrier in my language learning journey. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the Spanish language, Máximo Nivel is a must!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Language Schools in Costa Rica 2026
Top Rated Program Language Schools in Costa Rica 2025
Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Language School
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Top Rated Language School 2022
Notable Mention 2021 - Gap Year
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2020
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions
2019 Notable Mentions
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018

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