Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica!

I really enjoyed my volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel at the nursing home. The staff was welcoming, supportive, and made me feel like part of the team. While it wasn’t quite the hands-on medical experience I was expecting, it was still incredibly rewarding to spend time with the residents and learn more about the local culture and healthcare environment. The experience reminded me that compassionate care is about more than medical procedures. Overall, I had a great time, met amazing people, and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica.

This was such an amazing experience with amazing support from Maximo Nivel. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible. It will be a week I will never forget, i’m so grateful to have an experience so hard to leave.

I had an amazing experience volunteering with maximo! the staff was so kind amd amazing and i got lots of good medical experience for my future career! I highly recomend this company and this experience!!

Maximo Nivel’s staff were so amazing and sweet. Had the best time volunteering in low income communities, learned so much from Dr. Carren and Micheal, and also loved the classes Maximo Nivel held to give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. 10/10 experience!!

I would definitely recommend this program to any aspiring medical professional. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn so much about myself and the community. Maximo Nivel was very attentive to all our needs and made it a priority to make us feel comfortable and safe. Very great for this opportunity and would definitely do it again.

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing! Micheal was amazing and was always there for us. I feel very fulfilled not only educationally but socially. This was a life changing experience and there isn’t one person I wouldn’t recommend this to.

Maximo Nivel is extremely supportive, organized, and their staff is incredible. I felt safe and supported throughout my entire trip and Michael was so funny! He was not only our project lead but became a very good friend. The volunteer projects were truly humbling and grounding, and thats what made them unforgettable. My future in healthcare will always be indebted to serving this project and all the people who supported me through it.

Maximo Nivel/IVHQ provided a safe and great opportunity to serve and volunteer in Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, a great opportunity to meet new people, and overall have fun!

This was truly such an amazing and eye opening experience. We were able to consistently put a smile on patients faces and make their days better. Truly an experience of a lifetime that I will carry heavily with me for the rest of my life and future career.

Great experience. I got to learn so much and felt so supported the entire time by the staff. everyone was so welcoming and eager to help me achieve my goals. we got to experience new cultures and talk to people from all different backgrounds, growing my cultural knowledge and sensitivity. 10/10 recommend!!

I learned so much and had such a great experience. This was very eye opening and taught me a lot about culture, medicine, and even myself. I’m so sad my experience was over but know I will carry it with me forever!

I had no idea what this experience would be like but it exceeded my expectations. Be flexible and enjoy the time…it is rewarding to help others and make genuine connections. Maximo Nivel was so helpful and the communication was excellent.

This experience was invaluable. The connections we can make without even speaking the same language is so powerful. I would recommend this company and program to anyone. I will embrace the challenges and differences in culture and take that with me.

Have a great experience at Maximo Nivel from our program leader to other staff, everyone was amazing. The program was a once in a lifetime experience for me and I am very fortunate to have been able to volunteer in Costa Rica!!

I can’t say enough about the positive experience I had at this project. The staff is professional and everyone was extremely patient with my Spanish. The patients were endearing and very appreciative of my presence. It was an emotional goodbye for me, and I hope to return some day. I highly recommend this program. Thank you Máximo for enabling this very meaningful experience!

First time volunteering in healthcare but they were very helpful and I learned a lot. I was able to work directly with patients and help the nurse. I do tasks like filling perceptions and taking the patients vitals.

Maximo Nivel was very supportive. They were able to organize trips after work, and the overall atmosphere was great! I\pronoun would recommend anyone who wants to volunteer to check out Maximo Nivel. They also offer Spanish classes for non native speakers.

I love the atmosphere of Costa Rica and having Maximo always nearby made me feel safe and comfortable. My host family was so sweet and took great care of me. The project I was on was engaging and exciting.

This was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I felt very safe and I did not want to leave :( I would definitely do it again!! My host family was amazing and I felt like it was very easy to navigate around.

I had an incredible time in Costa Rica. I got to practice my Spanish, make new friends, and gain valuable experience in the healthcare field. I will remember this experience forever, that was made so amazing by the staff at Maximo and the support they gave me. Highly recommend!

Before I arrived I had some apprehension as I've worked with previous agencies around the world and their projects were disorganized or there was little to be done and the other volunteers were there for "instagram" swag. My project with Maximo Nivel served the immigrant population of San Jose in dire need of assistance and my nursing skills were utilized everyday. It was a rewarding experience and the project was very well structured and the dedicated staff there was phenomenal and I look forward to returning for a longer stay. I highly recommend this organization as they offer many free classes and opportunities to partake in your free time.

I loved it! Honestly I wish I stayed longer. The Maximo staff was super helpful and kind. Volunteering at Nuestra Señora de Esperanza was an amazing experience. I had the pleasure of working with lovely individuals. They were kind, and helpful. you could tell they love what they do. The patients son un amor.

When I got here I was very weary of traveling and volunteering abroad, I didn’t think it would be much fun, that I would work the whole time but I was able to meet so many people and go on some many fun excursions such as zip lining!

Dont get me wrong, the retirement home placement was wonderful, the workers and residents were wonderful, and I was able to make the most of my time here. That being said I came here to gain medical experience and knowledge to be able to apply that to whether I want to study medicine in United States. It became abundantly clearly within a few days at the retirement home I would learn nothing about medicine and that it would be near impossible for someone to LEARN medicine here. I think if I had come in with that experience than I would have had better placement and it would’ve been more applicable. However has someone that was looking to gain that- I was very disappointed. I think it was also stressed that you do not have to be fluent in Spanish but just general knowledge but I found this to be the furthest from the truth. Not knowing Spanish very very well also impacted my experience because I felt like I couldn’t do half of what was expected of my role which was just to talk to patients and entertain them and I couldn’t even do that. Also including the home stay as well. Very misleading. That being said- the workers at the retirement home, at Maximo, and elsewhere were amazing and I went on some amazing excursions. The volunteer work though was much less impactful than I desired

I loved volunteering at the placement I did alongside the other workers. They were welcoming and kind and guided me on their system at the placement. I feel like I was able to do a bit of everything and immerse myself into their world with an open mind. Joining this program not only was I able to gain some experience related to my field of study but also the culture of the people.

I was able to go throughout communities in San Jose and offer important medical care. I was able to learn how to give shots, take blood pressure manually, enhance my spanish speaking, and much more to enhance my knowledge in the medical profession.

Melissa, Stacy, Nicole, Mary, and Vanessa were absolutely amazing! They were so kind and welcoming. The communities we were in were beautiful and so touching! The salsa and cooking class was a sweet piece of the culture that we got to experience as well!

I enjoyed working with the Maximo Nivel team! They were very helpful, engaged and kind to us. I loved the salsa and cooking class at Maximo. The translators and medical professionals with us were absolutely wonderful and taught us so much including medical and Spanish skills.

I had the best week and learned a lot! I got hands on experience and learned a lot from the doctor, nurse, and translators! Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. I would recommend this trip to anyone interesting a career in healthcare!

I loved getting to experience this program!! The staff was amazing and the opportunities will stick with me forever. If you’re thinking of going, just do it!! Costa Rica is beautiful and the people are more beautiful.

Our team was so incredible and it was the best time and also the b at medical experience. I have loved my time and all of the people I have met and our team. I have loved every second and felt so safe and cared for.

Everyone at Maximo Nivel was extremely pleasant and helpful! The center is a great place to connect with other volunteers or relax. I feel fulfilled with my efforts to make healthcare more accessible to patients in the nursing home I volunteered at. I wish there was more information provided before arrival about what to expect such as how many other volunteers I’d be living with, information about the host family, or what times I’d be volunteering each day.

This was a great experience, especially since it was the first time outside of the country. Helping the elderly, but I kind of wish I did more medical work, even if it was like taking vitals and other work like that. Overall an enjoyable experience.

Overall I had a good experience. I just wish we did more health/medical related tasks at our placement. I loved working with the Nuns as I am catholic and they were all so nice and wanted to converse. I was able to practice my spanish with them and they were all so sweet. The placement was very clean and all the patients were clean and well groomed.

Overall it was very enjoyable. I did think I would be doing more hands on work but I really enjoyed my placement with the nuns and getting to know them. Everyone was welcoming and made us seem very appreciated!!

Very unique experience with so much to learn. I volunteered at a nursing home and I met so many incredible people and learned so much about my field and their culture. I would highly recommend this program!

Such an amazing experience. Really got to integrate into the culture. The city of San Jose has so much to do. Maximo is very helpful and created a great environment between the volunteers. I would recommend this to anyone trying to gain more experience in the healthcare field

While volunteering in Costa Rica I met some of the most amazing people that I wouldn’t have without Maximo! I had the most incredible time serving the community with my bestfriend! We spent one week working in an elderly home and it was so rewarding!

I had such an amazing time volunteering with Maximo Nivel. I participated in the medical campaign which saw us traveling to several different sites for high risk community members that likely don't have the same general access to gealthcare (an elderly home, special needs house, and a couple of different low-income daycares). It was incredibly rewarding being able to work with these more vulnerable populations and see the impact we made, both for their health and their days. We were always well relieved and it was obvious that what we were doing was very appreciated by the local communities. The medical campaign requires very minimal prior experience and there is definitely a role for anyone, regardless of background.

I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity and would love to do it again!! Very happy with everything at Maximo and my host family was extremely welcoming and kind, thank you for this amazing experience

This experience was amazing. It definitely opened my eyes to different perspectives in other countries and ways of living. Interacting with the host family as well as the individuals from the medical campaign was very enjoyable and worthwhile. All around the people, places, and activities were incredible and I will miss this trip.

I very much enjoyed this project. Everyone was great and very supportive and helpful throughout the week. I would say that the communication upon arrive was not very good though. We didn’t have any information about anything.

I really enjoyed the program. Everyone was super helpful and available throughout the process. Establishing clinics and working with the local population was a great way to give back to the community. I really enjoyed working with the kids! My host family was great, very kind and accommodating. My only complaint is I wish I knew more Spanish before coming.

This program was so amazing. I felt like I was actually helping and making a better place here. The staff was so helpful and understanding with us. They never got frustrated that we spoke very little English.

I enjoyed it it was a lot of fun I was with people from my school in the same program which added to the enjoyment. I learned a lot of valuable skills and I am exicted to transfer them back over the my school

The staff was so welcoming and kind from the start! Always ready to help with any issues that may arise and so supportive! Melissa was an excellent field manager and very helpful through my volunteer experience!!

This was an amazing teaching experience for our physician assistant medicine students transitioning from didactic to clinical phase. The schedule provided opportunities for working with diverse populations on a daily basis.

I enjoyed my experience on this medical campaign as the schedule was very flexible and I had lots of time to explore Costa Rica however I believe the medical campaign itself could have been more hands on for our scope of practice

I will hold this memory forever in my heart and share it with my future patients. I enjoyed every aspect and thankful for the opportunity to have. I highly recommend it to anyone! My host mom was amazing and she catered to us all and made sure we were all taken care of.

Excellent experience in all ways!! Provided awesome sites for my students to provide medical care and practice their language skills. The host family was great- wonderful food, clean and safe accommodations.

Got to see how a developing country healthcare system works and it was interesting to be apart of it! The local area was very nice to visit and tour. Host mom was amazing and was always there for us..

Maximo nivel made the process of volunteering abroad very easy. They handled transportation and facilitated the relationships with the community partners. They also provided a translator and were able to navigate any obstacles that occurred.

I did a one week volunteer healthcare program where I helped senior residents at a nursing home. Maximo staff was incredible with communication, the project staff were super nice and helpful, and the host family was great! Maximo offers free Salsa dancing lessons and free cooking classes which were a ton of fun! The volunteer work is very rewarding and it gave me a different outlook on patient care. The host family was super sweet and always checking in. The experience was amazing, although if you don’t know any Spanish, I highly recommend taking classes with Maximo because very few locals speak English. The bus routes can be very confusing at first to navigate, but Maximo shows you around and is always available to help if needed. I wish I could have stayed longer to see more outside of San Jose and explore more, but I’ll be back for sure!

I really enjoyed being in Costa Rica for the 3 weeks that I spent here. The weekend trips were incredible and my Spanish was taken to a whole new level with the classes offered at Maximo Nivel. My volunteer placement taught me so much and I am so grateful for this experience!

Volunteering with Maximo Nivel was truly transformative. The dental program allowed me to apply my skills in a meaningful way while making a real impact on the local community. The staff were incredibly supportive and ensured I felt prepared and welcomed from day one. The cultural immersion activities were a highlight, helping me better understand and connect with the people I was serving. Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations and gave me memories and skills that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful program abroad!

I really enjoyed the program in Costa Rica. In the mornings, we had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, while the afternoons allowed us ample time to explore the beauty of the country. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive throughout the experience. I highly recommend this program to everyone, not just those in the medical field.

I loved staying with my host home! It was a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. It was great being able to help these communities! Met so many friends and made so many memories along the way!

Mi experiencia en el voluntariado médico me brindó la oportunidad de aplicar mis conocimientos clínicos en un entorno multicultural, adaptándote a las necesidades específicas de la población local. Esto fortaleció mis habilidades clínicas, de comunicación y de empatía, aspectos fundamentales en la práctica médica. Además esta experiencia fue gratificante a nivel emocional. Interactuar con personas de diferentes culturas y realidades sociales debió mostrarte el poder del servicio comunitario y la importancia del trabajo colaborativo para mejorar la calidad de vida de los demás. Este viaje a Costa Rica no solo representó un paso más en mi formación profesional, sino que dejó una huella imborrable en tu corazón. Creo profundamente que es el tipo de experiencia que te transforma y te impulsa a seguir adelante, con un compromiso renovado hacia la medicina y el servicio humanitario. ¡Un logro digno de celebrarse!

It was a great experience and I learned so much Spanish! I was placed in a nursing home and it was very different than the U.S but it was a great experience to learn how things work here. I already spoke a little bit of Spanish so that really helped. If you don’t speak Spanish it would be challenging but you would still get a l it out of it. The residents loved having a new face around!

I had an amazing time for my first international abroad volunteering experience. Everything met/exceeded my standards! I wouldn’t change a thing about my trip, I learned so much and even grew myself. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

I came to Costa Rica with a well to help and learn new things. Costa Rica and Maximo nivel simply exceeded my expectations. I felt at home while in the program and I am determined to comeback soon because my heart will remain here.

This was the first time I had traveled alone and spent time away from my family, to say I was nervous was an understatement. However, I quickly settled in at placement and the staff at placement and Maximo Nivel were amazingly supportive! I highly recommend Maximo to any nursing students looking for international placements.

After months of research into international volunteering companies I decided to embark on the Maximo Nivel Costa Rica Healthcare Special Needs Volunteering Programme. After many International phone calls and emails to ensure that I would enrol onto a programme which met both my interests and my needs, I was promised that with my upgraded price I would be housed in a ‘student residence’, a dorm-type setting with other volunteers, and that I would be volunteering on a programme supporting children and young people with special needs. All of which was a deciding factor when choosing which company to volunteer with. However, on arrival my experience was very much different from this… It became apparent I had not been provided with an address of my residence prior to departure, therefore I phoned the company on the night before my departure to confirm my accommodation booking and my requirements for shared accommodation. I was informed that I was actually housed in a host family, after many strong conversations with the team they admitted their mistakes and confirmed that I would be housed in the ‘student residence’ but they were unable to provide the address due to data protection. I therefore embarked on the journey to the airport believing everything had been sorted and I would be met with the correct accommodation. Instead it was quite the opposite. Upon arrival at the airport I was met by a Maximo Nivel representative who immediately stated that he would be taking us to our host family – something which I had stated on many occasions prior to booking and prior to the trip that I did not under any circumstances want to experience. I myself have severe Cerebral Palsy which requires me to travel with two full time personal assistants to meet my physical and social needs. Alongside this I also experience complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which can be triggered by being housed alone. Both of these details were highlighted on many occasions including the phonecall the night before leaving. I explained this to the Maximo Nivel rep at the airport, who was confused as they had no knowledge of any previous arrangements or what I was referring to by ‘student residence’. I requested to speak to his superior on the phone who insisted that I should ‘try’ with the host family. I felt as though they were completely ignoring and undermining my medical conditions despite the hours of conversations, I had had previously to ensure that this would not happen. After around 2 hours of waiting on the pavement outside the airport, a hotel was finally arranged for the night, something which I had to request multiple times before it was agreed. I initially had to pay for this myself, however after my parents battled with head office back in the UK this was eventually reimbursed. To get to the hotel that night we were taken there via an unmarked car which for three young, extremely jetlagged and vulnerable women travelling alone was a very questionable experience. The next morning I made my way to what I knew as the ‘Hub’ after speaking to my parents back home and waiting for a solution to be found. It transpired that they assumed that I would like to be housed in a private host family, I assume due to my Cerebral Palsy, however this was contradictory to all of my emails and phonecalls which highlighted the one of my main reasons for volunteering - the social element. It was clear that the ‘student residence’ which I had booked – and had in fact paid extra for – did not actually exist. I insisted on viewing a new host family before I would agree to stay with them, but it was evident that the vacant bedroom in which I would be staying was up a flight of metal stairs. Something which I could manage on a one time basis but not for a 3 week stay. After asking the Maximo Nivel staff if it would be possible to ask the other volunteers to switch rooms with me to allow me to have a more suitable ground floor room, I was informed that they cannot ‘force’ individuals to move. Whilst I could understand that this was a difficult situation, it was clear that despite the numerous emails and phonecalls I had made, the base manager had no information on my disability nor my requirements and had no safe accommodation for me to reside in for my 3 week stay. Fortunately, the volunteers who had been staying in the ground floor rooms were open minded and kind enough to appreciate my circumstances and swapped rooms with me for the duration of my stay. If I had not been so fortunate I have no idea where I would have been accommodated. Perhaps I would have had to find my own hostel or hotel nearby and bear the extra cost myself. The next two weeks of the project were great. I met many likeminded people who I would now call friends for life. Here we travelled around Costa Rica on our weekends off and experienced all that the Country had to offer. This was slightly soured by the travel required to and from our host family, Maximo Nivel hub, and the school. We were informed that we would need to take a bus between each location and upon our first day staff demonstrated how to navigate Costa-Rican buses. Unfortunately, at this point I was not informed that it would actually be three quite inaccessible buses that would be required to get to the school each day, adding an extra hour onto what is simply a 15-minute car journey, and in effect adding to my already very stressful first few days. I appreciate that Maximo Nivel staff may have been aiming to treat all the volunteers as equals and not single me out in this discussion, however, I felt that a simple conversation to explain the journeys could have alleviated this stress and prepare me for the shock I was about to get. The project was a once in a lifetime experience, witnessing how Costa-Ricans treat their disabled and special needs community and engaging with them where possible. It became apparent, however, that despite highlighting to the Maximo Nivel Head Office prior to booking my situation. That my Cerebral Palsy limits what I can achieve within volunteering and that it was vital to me that I could participate in the activities myself, not simply watch what everyone else was doing. That the opportunities offered appeared quite limiting in terms of what I could actually participate in. Multiple discussions between school staff members highlighted that Maximo Nivel did not relay my expertise to the school as they struggled to find a suitable class to pair me with each day. I was left feeling that my personal assistants and I were more of a hindrance to the school rather than a help, something which increased my feeling of guilt for being there and affected my self-confidence rather than liberating me. Midway through the second week at the school I, along with my fellow volunteers, were informed that we should not come in for the rest of the week and that in fact the school would be closed the week after. Fortunately, we rallied together to quickly book some more travelling experiences around Costa Rica for the remainder of the second week and weekend, again more expense which I had not anticipated. As I was away from base for the remainder of the week I enlisted my parents back in the UK to support me in finding out what my final week would consist of. After all, I had paid for three people to participate in volunteering for three weeks. I returned to the hub on Monday morning to eagerly explore what else I could experience for my final week in Costa Rica, I openly admitted that due to my Cerebral Palsy my options were limited – ie. The construction project would be a no-go. I was interested in exploring the conservation projects, but unfortunately, I was informed that this would not be appropriate for me. Instead, it was suggested that I should go into the childcare project. This is something which unfortunately I have no personal interest in. After informing them about my personal achievements back home in the UK, the equine programme suddenly became available as an option to me. I immediately ventured onto a site visit where it quickly became apparent that this was wholly inaccessible. I have spent 28 years exploring the most remote locations around the globe and I am often not easily defeated, but unfortunately this was somewhere that I had no chance of even reaching the stables to volunteer with the horses. The only option was that I could perch on a stool on the outskirts of the yard whilst others brought the horses over to me to groom and ride. The base manager who accompanied me at the time had no empathy towards my situation or understanding of what we were dealing with and made no effort to contribute to any kind of solution or offer to help make it work. After another phonecall back home to the UK we collectively decided that Maximo Nivel could not meet either my interests nor needs for the remainder of my trip and so I was left with no option other than to depart the Maximo Nivel programme a week earlier than I had planned and paid for. Only adding to the additional expenses that I had already been forced to part with due to their poor communication and organisation. I am grateful, however, that Maximo Nivel refunded my third week, although I do not believe that the experience matches what was advertised to me nor what was promised to me over multiple phonecalls, emails and discussions even up until the night before my departure to Costa Rica. Compared to previous volunteering experiences aboard, I would not at all recommend Maximo Nivel as a volunteering experience, especially as I have been fortunate enough in the past to have had excellent volunteering expeditions with other companies, such as GVI, where I have felt welcomed, valued, and cared for.

The living situations were different and there was no warm water, but I got used to that, but it was a little difficult to take showers. Other than that, our placement at the clinic was so fun and we got to interact with patients and vital signs. The staff were also super nice and it was sad when we had to say goodbye to them. Our host family was so nice too and we had some good conversations.

During our clinic placement at Casa de la Virgen we took many patients vitals in the morning, then normally oversaw the doctor, and worked in the pharmacy sorting medicine. I loved it here and everyone was so kind and welcoming.

I wish we did more at our placement. We were very involved and the staff were very helpful in including us in their tasks. You definitely need to know Spanish for your placement and it would help for your host family.

This was the best experience I have had since starting pharmacy school. I decided to do the medical program and everything I got to do during my week in Costa Rica lined up exactly to what I had learned in school and I even got to learn some new things as well. In addition this gave me the opportunity to really immerse myself into the culture and with the community as well.

This experience has been amazing! I would recommend this to any student who has never been out of the country. Maximo Nivel is AMAZING! They made me feel welcome as soon as my plane landed in Costa Rica!

It was a great trip and really got me to be immersed in the medical world more and also get to help people at the same time. It gave me a new perspective. Living conditions were ok but you really are not there much but instead more out at the medical campaigns. The team was super great that we were with as well.

I learned a lot and loved everyone I worked with. I did not know what to expect, but this trip exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the extra salsa and cooking classes, along with the environment I was in during these.

The program was well organized and had a good support system. The work you do is impactful and appreciated by the staff and the host family was kind. Costa Rica was also a great place to travel in and experience.

This was such an amazing experience to take part of. Every expectation that I had was exceeded by so much. The impact we had on the community could be seen in the eyes of every patient we worked with. I would recommend this experience to everyone not only for the patient care experience, but also for the immersion of culture and language over the course of the week. Pura Vida!

The program was such an enriching experience! Hector was an encouraging and upbeat director. Hector was really helpful and a great person. We all really loved everything about this trip and Hector. Thank you!

I loved the experience so much, I felt like we were genuinely able to do so much good for the different communities we went to and we had a very good experience with Hector and everyone else who worked with us.

I really enjoyed this experience. I had fun volunteering and going on the different excursions. The only thing that I think would have benefited me more is by knowing the language better in order to communicate with the patients more.

At points it may feel like you’re not afflicting as much change as you would like, but just offering patients a smile can have a bigger impact than you realize. When you’re done volunteering, choose to embrace the city and the people, and it will be a week to remember for the rest of your life.

There are so many things I want to share about my experience but this post will not do it justice. This program helped me develop personally and professionally. It was great to be able to help this community while gaining valuable medical experiences. The host family was fantastic and so was the food. I thank all the staff for the wonderful experience- especially Hector.

Hector was so helpful and worked so hard to help us at each location we volunteer. He was a central point of conversation and helped translating as well as guiding us to cool restaurants and activities.

Maximo Nivel made it incredibly easy to integrate into this culture and provided a truly impactful experience. Our guide, Hector, could not have been better. He was nice, funny, and was always incredibly enthusiastic. This was perfect!

We were able to help so many people because of this program and truly make a difference in not only their lives, but ours as well. A truly unforgettable experience that I will remember forever and hopefully get others to attend as well.

Hector was amazing!! I had so much fun on their trip and the whole staff was so useful. The host family had great food and were so nice. I want to try and go to pjs if the new Maximo locations in different countries.

Overall, this trip has exceeded my expectations! The staff is great and really cares about their volunteers. Our program director, Jenifer, made our trip amazing and we all loved her!!! Will definitely recommend to others!

This was an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful to have experienced medical volunteering that is based on community engagement. The house moms were amazing especially our house mom Marlene she was very accommodating and is going to be missed.

I learned soo much this week and will remember my patients and experience forever. My host family was beyond amazing and food was so wonderful. Thank you for also helping me meet such amazing people that I hope to keep in contact with.

I had a great experience with Maximo Nivel and my time in Costa Rica. Since this was my first time leaving my country I will already cherish this experience! With the help of my lovely host mom and the staff at Maximo I was able to navigate the city and immerse myself in a Spanish speaking country.

Had a great experience with Maximo Nivel, would love to come back again! The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Learned so much about the culture and history of Costa Rica and my housing accommodations were great.

It was an amazing experience!! Kevin and Lorena helped us learn Spanish and made us comfortable in the unique settings that we provided healthcare. We were able to help a ton of people and make a small difference.

Prior to the trip, I was a bit nervous, however Maximo Nivel made the adjustment very easy and simple. I had a great time and awesome opportunity! There were lots of options and activities to do outside of our work as well!

My experience abroad was overall amazing. This was my first time volunteering abroad and I think the transition was so smooth and very well organized. The Maximo staff was very welcoming and supportive throughout my time here. I came without any specific expectations and I think that’s what helped me the most. Would definitely come again!!!

My experience was great through Maximo and IVHQ. I really enjoyed the facility that I was placed in, and I learned more than I could even imagine. I think this trip was one of the best decisions I have made. My host family was amazing, and I was embraced well. I think this trip has been amazing and I have learned so much. I would do it again!

I had such a fun time doing the medical volunteer here in costa rica. It’s very eye opening to see how the things operate here compared to the medical field in the United States. I had such a great time and made great memories!

i had such a wonderful experience with Maximo Nivel!! as a nurse I did I volunteered at a nursing home. the staff was kind and lovely. the Maximo Nivel staff ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST i love them so much!

My wife and I volunteered with Maximo Nivel for two months. My wife worked in a preschool and I worked in a drug rehabilitation center. The employees of both Maximo Nivel and Our Lady of Esperanza clinic always had our best interest at hand. They initially held our hands and guided us in instructions, directions and gaining knowledge of the patients and needs of the clinic. After about a week we operated on our own but always had someone watching our back. I felt very comfortable after the first week and always felt safe. I got to know all the residents of the clinic and felt like many of them appreciated my help. I helped feed patients, made beds, cleaned, reorganized and took vital signs. I was able to give the medical staff a little breather so they didn’t feel so overwhelmed. I would highly recommend Maximo Nicel wether you want to volunteer for a week or several months.

I met amazing people in my medical project, at Maximo Nivel, and at my living accomodations! Such a wonderful experience and I cannot wait to be back to visit all of the people and places here. Everyone should experience something like this. Trying new things and going out of your comfort zone pays off, especially with the help of Maximo!

Maximo did an amazing job of making us all feel comfortable and welcomed. The medical team was so compassionate and loved to teach! I have learned so much, and I will forever be impacted by this community.

All of the staff was super helpful in accommodating for us, and I learned so much from hands on experience throughout the week! We got to practice injections and learned how to insert an IV, along with many other unique experiences!

It was so great! I loved my staff. Marjorie, Estaban, Ana, Luis, and Shirley. I am so blessed to have been with them and I will never forget it. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for me.

I did a medical campaign abroad and it was amazing to be able to collect with a different population and serve people that don’t have the blessing of healthcare. I loved getting to connect with the people of San Jose and it will be an experience I will never forget!

I’m very glad I got to experience this, I definitely grew as a person and a future medical professional! I would definitely come back and do it all again! Loved it and all the people here are amazing!

I had a lot of fun learning how to treat people medically in a new place and being able to learn my Spanish. Even though I’m not going to be a doctor or nurse it was still interesting getting to learn new skills and hang out with people.

This trip gave me the opportunity to help give medial help to homeless and low income people in different communities in Costa Rica. Everyday we went to a different location so we could see people that had different illness and problems.

My time in Costa Rica really opened my eyes to so many things. I was a little nervous to come to a different country without my parents but the people in LeadAbroad and at Maximo made me feel so comfortable!! This community is so nice and I loved meeting them and sharing memories that will stick with me forever!

I was able to learn so much at this medical campaign but beware of really being exposed to extreme illnesses with little precautions. I took precautions myself but it was not enforced for the patients to take any themselves which worried me. Although I learned so much, I’m not sure I would say it completely worth it to risk your health like that.

At first, I was nervous about serving in another country, especially with a language barrier. However, the Máximo Nivel staff fostered a supportive environment, which allowed me to improve many skills, such as Spanish, vital signs, and cultural competency.

The people here at Máximo are wonderful! The staff are so friendly and helpful and are really engaged with the volunteers. They made everyone feel very welcomed. I enjoyed spending time getting to know the staff and other volunteers around as well as helping those in need!

This experience has been a once in a life time experience. I didn’t know anyone coming onto this trip and now I have many new friends from all over. Being able to serve Costa Rica was amazing and I’d highly recommend to anyone who’s even slightly thinking about it to do it!

All of the staff was so friendly and helpful. I learned SO much and would recommend this trip to anyone interested. The Maximo staff made my trip so enjoyable and cured all of my nerves about traveling abroad.

It was so fun and I learned so much. I would definitely recommend this program to a friend who is wanting to go into medicine. We would go out to local places that were in need of medical attention and help those people. I will definitely remember this experience and the impact it had on me for the rest of my life.

The medical campaign changed my life. I was able to practice skills and interact with cultural groups that I would never have the opportunity to do in the US. The staff was amazing through every step teaching, coordinating, translating, and supporting. I had so much fun in between clinicals and fell in love with the pura vida lifestyle. I have never been more sure of my career in the medical field as I am in this moment writing about my experience. It’s truly something I will forever be grateful for and could not express to anyone else to do enough. Thank you!

I learned so much about the culture and learned how people with hard lifestyles get medical attention. It is sad to see them struggle but it is great to watch people be excited to help them. It really opened my eyes to the luxuries we are blessed with.

This was honestly the most rewarding experience of my life. I got to discover a new part of myself & grow in my critical thinking skills. This trip solidified that I am doing what I’m meant to be doing.

This program was amazing and the staff was so helpful! I learned so many new things and enjoyed the Costa Rican culture and values. Great experience for those with little experience in the medical field. Thank you!

This was my first time studying and traveling abroad. I had the opportunity of coming to Costa Rica for a medical campaign. I enjoyed serving different communities while I was here. This program was rewarding and taught me so much as we served various populations. The staff was extremely supportive and informative as well. I would study abroad again if I had the chance!!

This trip was truly inspiring. I am extremely grateful for Máximo and its support from the staff. They made this adventure one of a kind. From the translators to the nurses and doctors I was able to emerge myself into the medical experience of a lifetime. Words cannot describe the amount of knowledge and medical skills I have gained through this experience. From the bottom of my heart thank you to Máximo Nivel for a life changing trip.

I cannot even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to go on this trip to serve the people of San Jose! Not only did I learn so much about medicine, but also about Costa Rican culture! I’m going home feeling so fulfilled and blessed!

This week I was able to experience a world outside of my own, and understand the values, culture, and norms of another community. I was able to try new things and fully engage myself in new opportunity.

WE loved Maximo! What a special experience! I learned so much!! The doctors and nurses were so patient explaining everything and teaching is everything about medicine and even teaching us Spanish! I’ll never forget this experience!

The staff was amazing and very supportive of us. They taught us more than just doing vitals, such as IV’s, sutures, and many more medical/life skills. They placed we were taken too were also awesome and I enjoyed every minute of it!

The program was pretty well organized and the staff and teacher are well prepared. The medical volunteer placement is variable, I was placed in a geriatric residence/senior living facility and changed dirty diapers, and did not do any healthcare related work which was very disappointing. The Spanish classes are good and I definitely improved my Spanish skills but there was lots of grammar practice and not much dialogue and speaking Spanish. Also 5 hours per day inside a classroom is a bigger commitment than I thought. The Costa Rica experience and the host family were amazing and made this trip worth while.

Volunteering at a Costa Rican assisted living facility was a wonderful experience. You could tell that the staff cared about the residents and their well-being. It was humbling and a privilege to be a part of their care. It was also a joy to learn about the residents' past lives and experiences living in CR. This experience is great for future healthcare professionals.

I enjoyed my stay in Costa Rica as Maximo Nivel did everything in their power to make me feel comfortable. From having breakfast everyday to extending my Spanish knowledge, Maximo nivel provided me an unforgettable experience.

I loved this program so so much!! The doctors have such a heart for teaching and they provide you with opportunities that you would never imagine you would be able to have. Through this program I have formed relationships, gained confidence, and my heart for medicine has grown immensely.

I had a great time on the program and would definitely say I gained a lot of medical knowledge during my time in Costa Rica! I would recommend this program to any student needing hours or experience for their medical major!

The staff was so helpful and I got to participate in more procedures than I could’ve ever imagined. We got to participate in suture classes, injection classes, and much more. I am so grateful for my time here !

It was a great experience! We had a great time. Our projects, for the most part, were great. Our third day was a little hectic and disorganized, but the rest of the days were amazing. I feel like I really got to use my skills!

Maximo was an incredibly immersing experience and allowed us to be hands on and learn from great leaders! As our confidence grew, the ability to help our community and connect with those around us grew as well. Very grateful for this opportunity.

From adventures to fully diving into the community. Although there were challenges I have grown so much and learned so many new things. I would never trade this experience for anything and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

This experience was one like no other. The opportunities you get in regards to medicine, the people you meet, and the culture you immerse yourself in is one that will never be forgotten. I will truly cherish the service I was able to provide to the community of San Jose Costa Rica

The experience you get here is unlike any opportunity you can get in the United States. Maximo staff was so helpful and supportive throughout the entire trip. The doctors and nurses that were with us were so confident in our abilities that it helped us become more confident and grow so much! I 100% recommend it!

I learned so much and it was an amazing experience!!!! I am honestly so grateful for the opportunity. The staff was amazing and I met so many people that were so grateful for our help. I wish I could continue to serve this community.

The staff at maximo was awesome! They encourage hands on learning and are super patient with students even if they make mistakes. They never hesitate to help a student that might need help or extra instruction.

The maximo staff was absolutely incredible. They went above and beyond to make sure that we felt confident with our skills and that we felt like we were learning something. I loved my time with the entire maximo staff and I hope other people get to have similar experiences!

This experience has provided a safe, healthy, and supportive environment giving me the ability to grow in ways making me a better person and a better medical professional. I am so grateful for the staff and everyone at Maximo Nivel.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering in Costa Rica. I feel like I was truly challenged and encouraged to learn more. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have gained in medical skills and cultural experiences!

This week has really solidified my want to join the medical field. This is all due to the staff that Maximo provided. They instilled so much confidence in me and my medical ability! Their joy was contagious and they were just so excited about teaching us new things!

I came in so unsure of what to expect and this program totally exceeded my expectations! From the beginning everything was so organized. The team of doctors, nurses, and translators that I worked with was the most amazing group of people. They were so welcoming, caring, and supportive. You can see the passion they had for what they do and their willingness to want us to experience and learn new things. Every site I was able to experience a new group of people from different communities. I got to practice my Spanish too!!

Was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much and grew so much in my knowledge of medicine and Spanish. The team was great and was so helpful. This experience has been so impactful and eye opening.

This trip was just so eye opening. Seeing a different culture of a place I have never been. The staff was so helpful with the language barriers and were constantly making me smile. Getting the chance to help out the people here and learn so much really made this the best chose to come.

I am so grateful for this experience! I learned more than I would have ever imagined. The staff was incredible. They were so willing to teach us and it was clear that they wanted us to succeed and learn new things. I don’t want to leave!

The staff here pushed us very well in our both our Spanish and medical abilities. We not only learned about medicine, but how to interact with the communities and truly understand what impact we have on them. There were many different facilities that we went to and I appreciate being able to have a wholistic view of patients. Will definitely be coming back next year! Pura vida!!

The staff made the trip, they were very inviting and friendly and I could tell they actually cared about our group. They were very invested in making our experience as amazing as possible. We were able to perform blood glucose tests, practice sutures, learn how to take vitals, listen to the heart and lungs, give shots, and many more aspects of medicine in an environment where it was safe to fail and learning was encouraged

Our clinics were so fun. We had lots of hands on work with new experiences and sites every day. Our interactions with the locals and work in the community will be unforgettable. I felt like I made such a big impact and learned so much while I was here

So thankful for such an incredible experience and opportunity that Maximo has given me. The staff, doctors, nurses, translators, and everyone in between were amazing! I want to come back year after year!! It was AMAZING!!!

This was the most amazing experience ever. Getting to serve the people of Costa Rica was a life changing experience that I am so grateful for. I would recommend to anyone wanting to go abroad, learn a lot, and make a difference.

This experience has challenged me to selflessly serve others in all circumstances. It was a blessing to get this opportunity but also very tough at times. But over all I am super thankful to be here to get to serve those in need!

I am and will be forever grateful for my program leaders, interns, nurses, and doctors on my Costa Rican trip. I believe that my two nurses Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Shirley truly changed my life and taught me how important perseverance and kindness is for this short life that we have on Earth. I believe anyone and everyone who has the chance to come on this trip should most definitely come, because I know my purpose.

This trip was one of the most influential experiences I have ever had. The staff are amazing!! I learned more in one week than I have the past year at school. This allowed me to be positive that I was going in the right direction when it comes to choosing a career path.

The staff truly made this experience so memorable. We gained so many memories including education in medical procedures, getting to spend time with staff, and serving diverse populations. This is an experience I was hesitant about before arrival, but something I will cherish forever.

The staff is amazing. My experience was amazing. I am going to remember this for the rest of my life. The program is so hands on. I learned so much in one week. The staff pushed me to learn even more and supported me along the way.

I absolutely loved it! Best opportunity of my life. I would definitely do it again. Maximo was fantastic and I got to learn and do cool things I would have never done before. Food was not the best tho

It was very impactful seeing the people and being able to help others in need. This experience was very new to me and different from anything I’ve done before. The Maximo staff was very helpful and guided us through the entire process.

It was an amazing experience! I got to see the medical aspect and healthcare process of another country as well as work hands on to help locals. Working with the people was both impactful and informational.

I gained so much new knowledge about the medical field from the Maximo staff. I went into the week having little knowledge and by the end of the week I can confidently take vitals, speak more Spanish, give injections and IVs.

The medical campaign in Costa Rica was an amazing and eye-opening experience. It taught me so much medical wise and also changed my perspective on healthcare and the difference between various countries and cultures. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I had a great time with Maximo. They have very helpful and knowledgeable staff with all things medical. They are very willing to help despite the situation. The project locations were great and we had many hands on learning situations.

I was able to learn so much from the Maximo staff! They were very welcoming and kind when teaching! I was able to experience things I would never get to without Maximo’s help. I loved being able to help others with the amazing assistance provided by the team!

This experience changed my life in a way I never thought. I went out of my comfort zone, met new people, was able to help those lesser fortunate, and build my character even more! This experience made me excited to continue my path towards medicine!

Had the best time with Maximo and the staff are incredible!! Got to have so many opportunities to learn and try new things. They were so helpful with the language barrier and constantly challenged and inspired us.

Being able to be apart of this was such an amazing experience! It was so cool to be able alongside doctors, emts, and nurses and be able to learn from them! Thank you so much to all the people involved who made this experience so memorable!

It was a very impactful and eye opening experience. We were able to interact with communities that we are not exposed to at home. We also gained lot of experience about healthcare in the country and the differences between where we are from.

Pretty good experience. Enjoyed getting to reallly get invovled and be hands on. Wish could have seen more patients and loved the experience until the drama happened with the doctors and nurses. Other than that great people

This was a very impactful learning experience. Everyone in my group from Maximo were very kind and supportive as I learned, giving me opportunities to practice both my medical and Spanish skills! I especially enjoyed being able to go out into the community, it allowed me to see my privilege and grow as an individual in many ways!

I learned so much and I was so blessed to be apart of this program! Everyday I learned something new and that was my goal. The doctors and patients were all so kind and it was amazing to see others and myself help each other.

I think the best part of this experience was not only learning the culture here in Costa Rica, but with people from other parts of the world. I had the opportunity to learn their culture in addition to experience in Costa Rica. It was very eye opening and I believe a great addition to my experience as a worker in healthcare.

The Maximo Nivel crew were very wonderful as they were welcoming and fun to work with. The campaign itself was also a great experience. I learned so much and it opened my eyes to different accessibilities of health care in a different country. I recommend this program to anyone that is interested in healthcare or community service in general. Engagement with the community helped build my patient care skills, specifically in Spanish, as well as learning about the culture in Costa Rica.

I really enjoyed the past week! The staff members at Maximo were very helpful. During the week we were able to help provide healthcare services to different members of the Costa Rican community. Throughout this time, we were able to experience a new culture, increase our medical knowledge, and positively impact the communities around us. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Maximo for making this trip great!

This experience has changed the way I have thought of medicine especially with regards to those that can access it and those that cannot. I have never been outside of the United States, but the transition did not scare me because of the welcoming and great staff and faculty. I had a distinct and awe-strucking to use my skills of the Spanish Language to connect with a group of people that needed help which I could provide. This program allowed me to understand disparity and even aid in providing my passion to continually change a community when needed. Pura vida may mean pure life but it means so much more as it was my transformation.

We were able to stay in a home near our volunteer institute and were provided homemade meals for breakfast and dinner and were able to speak with the host family in Spanish at every meal. We were able to directly interact with the local community in daycares, clinics, and nursing homes in San Jose. The staff at Maximo were super helpful with getting around in the city and finding different activities to do during the day. The doctor and medical specialist were great at explaining what was happening and teaching us different things as we went. I learned a lot about the local community as well as tips and good practices when working in the medical field.

I had the best time of life being involved in the program! It was truly an amazing learning experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. At first, the people, place, and community were all so different, but I have grown attach to this place at the end of the trip. This would have not happened without the accommodations, and support provided by Maximo staffs was more than I could ask for. I am grateful for the entirety of this trip and will continue to share the lessons of the experience.

I enjoyed working in healthcare at the clinic. I met the pharmacist, doctors, nurse and front desk staff. I learned about the medications and common treatments for the Costa Rican people. My host family was very nice and cooked delicious food. It was a great cultural experience.

I have had one of the most memorable experiences volunteering in Costa Rica in the medical program because of how much I have learned and grown as a person. I highly recommend volunteering in the medical program in Costa Rica if you are looking for an experience that will broaden your learning and immerse you in a great culture.

My time here in Costa Rica has been amazing! I was placed in a senior assisted living home, which was something I was not expecting. Despite my initial hesitation towards the job, I had a great time. The staff were very friendly and the residents were awesome. Even though I did not speak any Spanish, the staff did a great job at showing me what to do and I was able to learn fairly quickly despite the language barrier. Maximo was a great resource throughout my stay here. I felt very supported in a foreign environment and I always felt safe. The facilities and classes they provided were top notch. I especially enjoyed the dance classes. I highly recommend volunteering here!

It was a great adventure here in Costa Rica. I joined their medical program and got to learn the heathcare system here. Not only learning Costa Rica culture, I also got to meet new people along the way. Throughout the program, I felt very supported by Maximo staff with 24/7 customer service. I will never forget this experience. One of the best memorible trips in my life.

I had a wonderful experience working with Maximo Nivel and the lovely people that work in the clinic, Casa de la Virgen. I am a recent, newly graduated nurse back in the United States. The volunteer site employs the nicest people, who are dedicated to their work and always looking for ways that we volunteers can contribute. A typical day starts with taking intial vitals and readying the patients for when the doctor(s) arrive. The rest of the time is spit between helping the pharmacy and working with the volunteer doctors. All of the doctors were amazing! Most spoke at least some English and made it a point to include us in the patient exam, spoke to us about the meds being given, and, every once in a while, let us help with some of the small procedures they are able to perform at the clinic. The pharmacy also needed quite a bit of help. They receive donations of supplies and meds and need help sorting through it to make sure everything if safe for the patients and help with organizing. The workers do an amazing job running this clinic, but there is quite a bit of work and it felt great to help where I could. Maximo Nivel was outstanding. They were at the ready and a constant support for any need (or want) that may pop up throughout the trip. I also highly recommend the Spanish classes. I've heard all the teachers were great! Mine was phenomenal! (Thanks Axa!) They also placed me with the most caring and sweet (and darn good cook!) of a Mama Tica (Costa Rican house mom) Thanks Maximo! I had a blast! -Robert

My experience with the Healthcare program in Maximo Nivel and through IVHQ was outstanding and better than what I imagined. I was placed in a special needs clinic and I saw how I made an impact, as well as how much the residents made an impact on me. From the moment I arrived, to my departure, I had great support from the staff at Maximo and also from locals. Everyone in Costa Rica has been very friendly and wonderful. I loved my host family and the friends I have made. Another great thing was tht even though I traveled solo, I never felt alone. I really enjoyed how Maximo provided activities throughout the week because it offered an opportunity to learn local cousine and food, but also to meet other volunteers. Overall, I had the best experience and would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about volunteering abroad!

I volunteered abroad with IVHQ in Costa Rica for 3 weeks and I had the time of my life. My placement was within a special needs care facility and I was lucky enough to get the chance to provide physical rehabilitation. We would color, play games, play with balloons and do many other things. The joy on the faces of the people at the facility alone made this trip amazing. In addition, I had the chance to go on volcano, hot spring, and exotic zoo tours. The Costa Rican food and culture was a vibe that will not be forgotten for a lifetime to come.

I was able to volunteer in a couple different health care settings while I was here and the experiences I have had were simply amazing! All of the friends I have made, all of the people I was able to help, all the people who helped me, and the eye opening realization of what health care may be like in other countries are just a few of the things that I am so grateful for. I wish I knew about Maximo Nivel years ago because then I would have done more trips here! The people here are so kind and appreciative of any help they can get! I am immensly grateful for this experience and I hope many other volunteers decide to come to Costa Rica to enjoy them as well.

I had such a great time getting to know the people of this great country. Maximo Nivel was very supportive and did their best to make the time here as easy as possible. They were awesome about checking up on us and helping us with anything we needed. The nurse at the project was great to work with and she made sure it was a great learning experience for us. The residents were so sweet and fun to work with as well. Overall, super great experience!!!

My experience for four weeks in Costa Rica was amazing! I absolutely loved my time here! The Maximo Nivel staff, other program participants, and Costa Rican locals were all so nice. I felt very safe exploring around the city. There is so much to do around the area and it is very easy to meet other program participants and plan weekend trips together. Make the most of your time here - it will go by fast!

My four weeks with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica were incredible! Everyone was very kind and friendly :) The Pura Vida lifestyle is quite amazing to see in person. In my healthcare placement I came to learn a lot about the healthcare system in Costa Rica, which was eye-opening. Seeing the beautiful Costa Rican landscape on the weekends was breathaking, this is definitely a country I'll want to visit again. :)

I came to Costa Rica with no expectations of what my work wuld consist of and with an open mind to anything. I was placed at a long term nursing center and the patients we were working with were hesitant to interact with us but once they understood that we were there to help they opened up and wanted to share their life with us. It was the most rewrding experience getting to see their faces everyday when we arrived, they were excited to spend every ,minute of their time with us as we took their vitals and helped distribute medications such as insulin. Maximo is right in the fact that learning spanish will enhance your trip as you will be able to be more involved with the project and will expand your impact.

This is my first time traveling to Costa Rica and I had a great time. In addition, the volunteer work was eye-opening and a different cultural experience. Being able to live with a host family and help patients on our shift is a different type of satisfaction.

Maximo Nivel was an amazing opportunity for me. I came here for one month to do a medical volunteer program. I worked with elderly patients in a nursing home, and absolutely fell in love with the people and the staff. I learned a lot about what I want to do in my future career and how to care for the elderly. Maximo created the space and opportunity for me able to do this. I took weekend trips with all my friends that I met here and made some lifelong friends. Absolutely recommend this program and getting out of your comfort zone to travel and volunteer abroad.

There is no better feeling than new experiences in a new place and immersing yourself in a new country and culture knowing it's with a purpose. I had the privilege to volunteer in a nursing home for 2 weeks. The hardest part of my experience in Costa Rica is accepting the fact that it is over. My time here has been nothing but great. Volunteering abroad really allows for endless opportunities to grow as a person and overcome things you may have not even thought of. Volunteering through Maximo Nivel was the best decision I could have made; the community here is so welcoming, friendly, helpful, and truly does care about the volunteer's experience. Truly doesn't feel like you are volunteering when you get so much in return, and that's exacty how I felt. This is such a beautiful country with a beautiful culture, I would say the most important thing is to embrace. Embrace every moment and there is always going to be something positive in every situation you're presented with. Without a doubt I would reccomend volunteering through Maximo Nivel, they really do a wonderful job in making sure their volunteers are taken care of and have everything they need to have an amazing experience. Even the staff at my placement, it's obvious they need all the help they can get and are so grateful for it all. I have had the best time and hope to be back with Maximo Nivel.

The worst part about this trip is that I have to leave! I had an amazing time! As a student from the United States, I chose to come to Costa Rica and volunteer as part of my student reqirements. However, I received much more than I bargained for! Upon arrival, my host family was beyond welcoming, and their house was beautiful! Both my host family and the Maximo Nivel staff went above and beyond to make sure I could navigate a Spanish speaking country without being fluent in Spanish. On top of this, my volunteer placement was perfect! I was able to learn and do things I could not back in the United States, while also feeling as though I was making a prominent difference in the lives of others. The staff at my placement welcomed me with open arms and appreciated the help I was able to provide while also expanding my knowledge and skills. The people here are so friendly and helpful. I loved my time in Costa Rica!

My time in Costa Rica as a volunteer has been nothing short of amazing. Being able to assist in the underserved communities has provided to be such a heart-warming experience. Thanks to the wonderful staff at Maximo Nivel, they had been able to provide assistance in every need and are always welcome to questions. The staff was very helpful in planning trips and answering general questions such as great places to eat, etc. For anyone looking to travel abroad and volunteer, I highly recommend this Healthcare program in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel. This experience has shown me how much our help is needed and has made me want to volunteer here again! Pura Vida!

I really enjoyed this program. They perfectly balanced volunteering for the community here with social activities and just enjoying Costa Rica overall. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to volunteer abroad.

This experience has assisted me in reaching my goals of medical volunteerism and improvement of my medical Spanish. I feel very confident about obtaining a job with my new language skills. But, this experience gave me so much more than I expected. I learned about a new culture and the many varieties of Latin countries. I felt safe as soon as I got to Maximo because everyone was so accommodating and assured me that they would be there for me in case of an emergency illness or recommendation for a good restaurant or a great weekend adventure.

Just got done with EMT school in the United States one week prior to flying out. I was placed with an ambulance service to do ride alongs and help out the medics. The medics were super nice. I was judgemental with my project at first because the medics only spoke Spanish and I couldn't communicate much because of my lack of Spanish. Taking Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel help in bridging the language barrier I had with the team and made my experience much better despite the lack of Spanish I had. I only did one week with the medics and I wish I could have more time with the medics to learn about pre-hospital medicine and the Costa Rican culture. I would definitely do this again.

Life in Costa Rica is calm and chill, everyone is willing to help you. It's funny because there are no addresses and at the beginning, it can be confusing. But in some way, I felt just as if it were my second home because of the friendliness of the people. I did a healthcare volunteer and I was able to work as a team with the other healthcare professionals. Costa Rica is a place that is worth the stay because each part of the country is different, there are volcanoes as high as 3000m, beaches where you can surf... (There are 37 microclimates, and if you come in the winter at 1 o'clock there is the "aguacero de la una" when it rains heavily and then stops.) Regarding animals, you can see there are 6 species of tucans, sloths, monkeys at the beach. What I was really looking forward was the bioluminescent algae "noctilucas", a magical experience you can see diving in the sea at night (book a tour with experts though). If you are lucky enough to stay with a host family, you will have tropical fruits, "gallo pinto" rice with frijoles, eggs and coffee for breakfast. It is definitely I place I want to come back to and could consider my home for the future.

Everything was great, from Maximo staff, placement to host family and fellow volunteers. Everybody was really helpful and friendly and I felt like we were really making a difference at the medical placement.

I came to do this project with a friend on the week of my birthday. The experience was magnificent. Even on my birthday they took the time out to celebrate me both the paramedics that I was on assignment with and my host family. I was able to practice my Spanish and learn more able the Costa Rican culture Muchas Gracias!

This was absolutely the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life! I have never done anything like this before and couldn't be happier with the results. Everything from the food to the staff were perfect. They provided information and even cool things to do in the area and were overall great! I would totally do this again.

I volunteered with the medical campaign in Costa Rica for two weeks, and it was an amazing experience. I went into the experience with an open mind, and I learned so much about the culture through interacting with the locals. It was extremely rewarding being able to help people and make a real impact. Although the language barrier was difficult at times, I found creative ways to communicate with the locals and make my way around the city. During my free time, I got to explore the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica. The staff and host family were very helpful and friendly. Overall, I had a great time. Thanks so much!!

Coming into Costa Rica I was nervous about trying to immerse myself into the culture, but the country was so welcoming with so many adventurous things to do there was no way to be bored here. Helping the community in the medical campaign was truly life changing and was a truly humbling experience.

This is an amazing experience! The living situation was spectacular. In regards to the campaign, I really got to showcase the knowledge I have gained in school by applying it to real life situations. It was easy to see the impact that I was making on the community. I had the opportunity to work with children and both young/old adults. This program fully captured an experience of Costa Rica while also being in a medical setting. I truly cherish this memory that Maximo Nivel was able to provide for me.

Had a great time in my two week medical campaign program! learned so much and felt like i really helped the community. i would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in entering the medical field or someone interested in community service.

We got to practice blood pressure and other vitals, there was hands on experience with hundreds of children and adults within the communities we went to. We were exposed to many different fields including dentistry, vision, psychology, and much more.

Maximo Nivel provided a great environment for me and the group. We were able to visit different sites and provide help for over 300 people in the span of two weeks. Initially, I was extremely worried about the language barrier, especially since I never took Spanish. Yet, their faculty were able to provide great support and allow me to feel welcomed and participate in the activities. Awesome experience, and at a great price.

Had a great time volunteering abroad in Costa Rica! As a part of the medical campaign, I learned things I never thought I would as a medical volunteer. We were immersed into the culture and had the best host family who would also cook us amazing food. Would definitely recommend this project to everyone.

While I was in Costa Rica I worked at a home with special needs residents. During this experience, I realized that it is very important to get creative and think of different ways to interact with patients. It's important to know that you might just be there to engage with them and keep them company. You will get to know some great people! Be open to trying new things and make sure you get out and see Costa Rica!

This was a wonderful experience! Everyone is very friendly and eager to assist with anything you may need. I recommend for anyone that enjoys being proactive to take on one of these projects. Pura Vida!

I had an incredible time doing my first medical brigade in Costa Rica!!! From the moment they received us at the Maximo Nivel office, to the moment we said goodbye, it was wonderful. Our assistance Tatiana and Laura become more like friends and we were all a family. Will do again without a doubt. Pura Via!

The amount of people I got to help on this trip was incredibly and eye openings. I got so much experience from doing this medical experience in Costa Rica. I would come back and do it all over again. Super organized and well planned days for volunteering and time to also enjoy Costa Rica.

Mi experiencia fue la mejor. Todas las personas siempre fueron atentas. Principalmente las dos chicas que fueron nuestras guias Laura y Tatiana las mejores, seria imposible explicar cuan agradecida estoy de su ayuda. Igual que la dr. Gutierres, que con mucho amor y paciencia nos brindo su experiencia y nos guio y enseno en el proceso. Un viaje maravilloso.

This has been the time in my life where I have learned the most in such a short time. This experience beats a textbook a hundred times in which you cannot practice and gain experience with. There are certain things in life that you cannot just read away and these are interpersonal relations and community service. This trip has offered us the opportunity to do all those things, all the while learning so so much. The staff, the patients, and everyone involved were all so kind and helpful. Truly a life changing and perspective changing experience. This has elevated my desire to become a doctor to new heights.

The Maximo Nivel Medical Program was a great way to understand more about the health problems people face in Costa Rica. I am very amazed at the medical staff, Dr. Gutierrez, Tatiana, y Laura, who helped us gain such a rewarding experience. Forever in my heart, pura vida.

We had an amazing experience with the patients and were able to help many people in need. We also tried to help those that need pain medication to manage their pains. I enjoyed my time here alot and would like to do this experience again in another alternative breaks trip.

Working with Maximo Nivel has been an amazing experience. over all the staff as been great. The living arrangements were good as well as the exposure and Involvement. the clinics that we set up phenomenal as well as all the people we received. There was such a vast range of people that all had a variety of issues to which learned about.

I had the most amazing time helping those populations that truly need it. It was such a rewarding experience and I loved how prepared the program was to make sure we were making the most impact each and every day. If I could I would do this a thousand times. It was a complete cultural immersion and I learned so much about the Costa Rican culture, health care, and got to practice my Spanish more. Pura Vida!!!!

Everyone was super nice, the staff was incredible as well as the population of Ticos. All the activities there were there to do were amazing; as well as the experience as future doctors. The locations were we were staying were really nice as well as the lady and her family. I had a great time, and I hope i can repeat this experience

The experience was amazing. We were able to have hands on experience that wast like anything I have ever done before. All the doctors and staff were great and it felt like we had a real impact on the community.

This was one of the best facilties I have ever seen. I will never forget the care that was given by the staff. I never felt lost and everyone was very helpful. I never felt unsafe or scared. The work hours were short but it allowed to be able to experience the culture outside of my host family and facility. I have made friends and experiences that will last a lifetime. I really hope to come back soon.

I was a volunteer in the physical therapy department at a senior living facility in the city of Cartago. I worked alongside other students from a local university and provided assistance to them however they needed it during their morning therapy sessions with the residents. My personal responsibilities were limited as my manual therapy skills and knowledge are not too extensive, but I still greatly enjoyed the experience and learned some new skills as well. The residents were very fun to talk to as they had many interesting stories to share and were also very interested in learning more about me! The clinical supervisor Juan was a great teacher, and the other students were also very welcoming towards me. Working with these students helped me meet some local Costa Ricans around my own age and I developed some great friendships with them. I also received great support from my site coordinator, Tati who was always checking in on me and making sure I was having a rewarding experience. Overall, this experience would be very beneficial to a PT student who has some background in clinical treatment as it will allow you to participate more at your site. However, even if your skills are limited you can still learn a lot by being assertive in asking questions and trying to take on more responsibilities. The more you put into this experience, the more you'll get out of it!

The assigned project gave the opportunity to assist others while working with a supportive, knowledgeable staff. The facility proved highly beneficial to the surrounding community, bringing meaning to the volunteer work. Living conditions surpassed personal expectations and the Maximo Nivel staff was always available to help in whichever manner.

I volunteered at Maximo Nivel in Costo Rica for two weeks. I was very nervous about the whole experience because I was going by myself. Once I arrived at the airport I was greeted by a progam manager who was extremely nice. I was place in the most beautiful home with wonderful people who made my experience even better. I volunteered in the medical program. Chris was the person in charge and let me tell you he was amazing he took me to the site I was working in the first day and came to check on me a few times. He is the most easy person to talk to. He answered all of my questions and concerns, we truly connected I felt like he was one of my closest friends. Although I was travelig alone I've never actually felt alone the staff at maximo nivel was super awesome and the people at the program that I was placed as well. I met alot of volunteers that I got super close too. We hung out on our free time and went out together.I felt like I've known them for a while. Its great to be in such a safe environment with people who share the same interest. The people in Costa Rica are also so nice and helpful, honestly this was one of the best experiences of my life.

I was so blessed to have the opportunity to work with a small senior citizen community in Costa Rica. The elderly population in the community is so welcoming and appreciative of the little help we may offer. For pre-med students, there is only one day a week to see a doctor come in and examen the patients. For medical students I would recommend being in a clinical setting if they want to learn and get experience. However, if you truly enjoy talking, listening, and helping people out in any way, then this is the perfect place for you!

In the four weeks I was in San Jose, I was able to volunteer at two different clinical sites. The first site was an elderly home where I took vital signs an all the residents. I volunteered 2-3 hours a day. The second site was an HIV/AIDS home in Cartago. The tasks there were vast. I would do anything from direct patient care (diaper changes, bathing, bed changes, feeding, etc.) to physical therapy and housekeeping tasks. I feel like I was more useful at the second site. I felt as if they needed extra hands. Though very different, both experiences were extremely rewarding. It was great to get to know the staff and residents at both clinical sites! I also took four weeks of Spanish lessons. The first two weeks were two hours of group lessons and the last two weeks were one hour private lessons. Both were great, but I feel like the private lessons were more beneficial.