TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!

Teaching English in Costa Rica was a dream! My wonderful host family made me feel right at home, and the kids were incredibly sweet, kind, and eager to learn. Such an unforgettable pura vida experience!

This was the best two weeks I’ve had. Helping out with the kids teaching English to exploring the Costa Rican adventures. Also the host is very nice and makes sure that we are taken care of. I really believe this program is a worth of money and that you will not regret doing this program

I did the TEFL class from 22 June - 19 July 2026. I found this program through endorsement by Ramsey Solutions. Something I didn't know is Costa Rica is the most expensive country option: your money will go further in other sites. My instructor was highly qualified and taught the course exactly how we are expected to teach. It crams a semester's worth of information into 4 weeks, including 2 6-page papers. If you come prepared to work and not vacation, this is an excellent option. I'm not sure what the job placement guarantee is, since I want to teach online, and was told it takes several months to build up to a full schedule. Something I wish I knew: there is no air conditioning if you stay with a host family. However, it's an extremely valuable opportunity to improve your Spanish if that's something you want to do.

Maximo Nivel has been a great organization to work with while taking the TEFL course in Costa Rica. The staff has been helpful from first asking questions, to arrival, and throughout our stay. They have great recommendations for food, recreation, activities and anything you need during your stay. Lewis has been an absolute blast to have as a TEFL instructure. He makes grammer enjoyable and helps the entire class grow in their teaching. Plus, living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been phenomenal! Our apartment has been perfect! The onsite pool has been a wonderful stress releiver and the common area is great place to socialise with other folks doing all sorts of Maximo activies and programs. The rainforest, animals, and the beach has been unforgetable.

I had an amazing experience completing the TEFL Certification course with Maximo Nivel. The program was intensive but incredibly rewarding. Quepos, Costa Rica is incredibly hot and humid, so it was great that the TEFL classroom has AC. Overall, if you’re looking for a TEFL program that gives you practical experience and knowledgeable instructors, I highly recommend Maximo Nivel. It challenged me in the best way possible, and I left feeling prepared, motivated, and excited to begin my journey as an English teacher.

This TEFL course is simply the best. From how to manage a class to grammar rules to job searching assistance, this course will help you with everything in your teaching journey. What sets this course apart from me is the opportunity to teach actual language learners. They were a pure delight. Plus, your instructor encourages you and challenges you every step of they way. As a twenty five year educator, this TEFL course has reminded of the joy of teaching. I can't recommend this course enough! Go as soon as you can. The hard part will be--you won't want to leave Costa Rica!

I really enjoyed this TEFL course. The instructor was very funny, knowledgeable, and created a positive learning environment. The lessons were well organized and included a great balance of theory and hands-on teaching practice, which helped me feel more confident in the classroom. I especially appreciated the practical activities, lesson planning, and opportunities to observe and teach real students. This course gave me valuable skills that I can use in my future teaching career. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in teaching English abroad or working with English language learners.

Getting TEFL certified with Maximo Nivel was amazing. The instructor Lewis was amazing in every aspect. Whether it was giving feedback to better myself, or engagingly teaching grammar, this is an experience I am extremely glad to have done.

This self-paced course was well organized, easy to navigate, and broken into manageable lessons. The classroom videos were particularly helpful, providing beginners with realistic examples of effective ESOL instruction. The practicum was an invaluable opportunity to put the concepts into practice, reinforcing everything covered throughout the course. Overall, the training was comprehensive and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to handle a wide range of situations in the classroom.

Máximo Nivel provided the absolute best experience I ever could have imagined. This was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I was able to meet so many new amazing people here as well. The host family were so very kind. I loved every part of it.

I spent an amazing month in Quepos with Maximo Nivel completing the TEFL course. The TEFL course moves at a fast pace and is packed with great content. The instructor, Lewis Murphy, brings his energy and enthusiasm to each class making the experience fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend this intense course for anyone seeking to get TEFL certified.

I had a great time at Maximo Nivel. The staff gave us a tour right away to help us find our way around and were always available whenever we needed anything. It is a truly wonderful school. Our teacher Lewis is an amazing instructor who brought a lot of energy to class. He helps make you feel more confident when you get overwhelmed. I am very glad I took this class.

My TEFL month was fast paced, intellectually challenging, profound, practice, and truly enjoyable. As a solo female traveler, I always had peace of mind having the support of the Maximo staff, my host family, and my TEFL group. The climate, access to incredible beaches and national parks, and the small town charm of Quepos and Manuel Antonio made this experience a 10/10!

The course was intense and thorough. The instructor was great and always had an energetic and creative approach to class. Feedback was excellent and thorough always delivered in a timely fashion. Grading was more strict than I liked but the instructor was open to hear my own feedback of his grading. The students that come ro learn English are the best part of the experience

I won't lie to you. This course is RIGOROUS - you have to put in work! But it is very rewarding and so worth it. While TEFL as a concept can be challenging to grasp, the course is so well constructed and the teacher is so patient in guiding you to the finish line! I was lost in the beginning; by the end, I actually felt confident enough to stand in front of a class and teach them English grammar and vocabulary. Class was also very fun and engaging! Lewis never failed to make us laugh and keep the learning exciting. If you have been looking for an immersive experience to be able to learn TEFL and get certified, Maximo Nivel would a great choice!

When I first signed up for this program, I felt a bit nervous because I was leaving everything I knew to complete a TEFL course in a different country. However, from the moment I arrived, I have had such an amazing experience. I have met so many incredible people, including my classmates, teacher, staff, and students. I also truly loved my host family. I am very grateful for this experience, and I hope many others choose to join this program too.

As this is a legit program, I will say my experience is one that I found valuable. Although we had a traditional TEFL curriculum, the practical teaching and observation elements of the program were beneficial. This is a busy program and as a hybrid participant it definitely felt nonstop with getting through the online modules, the observations, the grammar paper, and the teaching days. Although you may earn a flexible experience, the weakest aspect of this program is that they advertise job placement within 30 days of program completion and that is false advertisement. They are not the most forthcoming with how you can be hired by them and what positions they as an organization they are directly looking for in possibly hiring their TEFL graduates and also when they will. Do not be fooled by this. Although the Academic Director is a mostly cool guy and very knowledgeable as a TEFL instructor, he will swear that he will help with job placement, tell you to use him as a reference but is not the most forthcoming with being available after the program is over for more questions. After the work and money you put in to the program, I have found it to be the most disappointing aspect of the program that it is advertised just as it seems many international TEFL programs are advertising job placement after credential completion and not delivering. Trust them to academically haze you but do not trust them to hire you within 30 days even if you do earn a Pass/Good from the program.

I completed the online TEFL with Maximo. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a complete online learning experience. Solid support from the instructors and I never had any issues getting a response when I had questions. The practical teaching was a great experience to finish the course.

I did the TEFL course through Maximo Nivel in January 2026, and it was incredible!! My TEFL instructor was very kind and attentive and provided lots of good feedback which resulted in me feeling extremely prepared for my future EFL teaching career! Maximo is great at providing resources while you are with them, and equally as good at helping you with your next steps. You should definitely choose Maximo Nivel to do your TEFL course!! You will not regret it!!!

I loved the TEFL course in Maximo Nivel, Quepos, I want to shout out all the staff here; Lewis, Marinela, Karen, Viviana, Roger and more! They are attentive, kind, and all sharing of the same mindset centred around delivering top quality English (ESOL) and Spanish education to the students here.

This TEFL course was intensive and difficult at times, but manageable. I got lots of valuable insight into the teaching philosophy of Maximo Nivel, what is expected of teachers working for the institute, and how those teachers are evaluated. I have gained a lot of respect for the teachers who go through this course. It was not easy, and I can understand why some teachers have not succeeded in passing this course. This course was a great experience in practical teaching techniques. It surpassed my original TEFL course I took eight years ago in this regard. This was a fun, educational, and rigorous course that I would absolutely recommend to others interested in becoming teachers of English as a second language.

This TEFL course was incredibly worthwhile and surpassed all my expectations. As a hybrid student I completed the first half of the course online and the second half in-person in Costa Rica. Lewis is an outstanding teacher, and not only prepared us well, but truly made the classes fun. Also, the central location in Quepos was great. I would highly recommend getting TEFL certified with Maximo, and especially at this location with Lewis.

A great course in a beautiful cultural place with opportunities for full immersion. The school is centrally located in a safe and walkable area right in front of the ocean, close to lots of restaurants, places to dance, and very near the best beaches and most visited national park in all of Costa Rica!

I am so happy that I chose to get my TEFL Certification with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica. The experience was incredible from the instructor Lewis, to the on-site staff, and my host family. I did this program as a part of my gap-year between high-school and college, and I have no doubts that this will be one of the most impactful things I do all year.

The course is intensive and well worth the time and effort – be prepared to put in the hours! Doing an in person course as opposed to getting certified online is well worth it. Teaching students in person is an invaluable experience. The course is busy, especially during practical teaching week. You will teach a 20 minute lesson every Friday for the first three weeks. The final week, you will teach a 60 minute lesson Monday-Friday. Come in open-minded and be receptive to learning and following the TEFL method. Lewis is a fantastic instructor. He puts in so much time and effort into everyone's learning and growth. He brings the best teacher out of everyone. Feedback is productive and really helps you improve. Maximo is a great, trustworthy program that will provide you with everything you need, and the potential to work with them after you pass the course. If this is your first time in another country, trust that you will be supported and have a sense of community within the group! You can make friends with your classmates and adventure on the weekends to the beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Nauyaca Waterfall and more. I would recommend living with a host family in a private bedroom. Especially if you speak some Spanish (enough to have simple conversations with the family and local community) you will be just fine, but if you don't speak any Spanish, definitely still come (and practice beforehand if you can).

I got my TEFL certificate through Maximo Nivel and it simply was one of the best experience of my life. Taking the risk to move to Costa Rica was scary but I had the best support, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The course was tough, but we had a wonderful instructor (Lewis) to help us along the way. I came out of this experience a better educator, and with memories that will last forever. I am so glad I took the leap to come here, I could not recommend it enough!!

The TEFL course in hard work but it is so much fun and so rewarding. I learned so much during the course.The people at Maximo Nivel are great. Manuel Antonio is such a great location with so much to do.

First off, this is NOT a scam. It was the best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time…maybe ever! I’m 50 years old. So, if you think you’re too old, you’re not. Some successful learners have been older than me. The location is a few feet from the ocean, however, you can’t actually get to the water. The view is stunning!! The street is busy. There are tons of places to eat, get coffee, have a drink… The ENTIRE staff is AMAZING! They’re friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Most of them speak English. 💕 I hope you get Lewis as your instructor. And that’s all I’ll say about that. There will be a lot of walking and it WILL BE HOT…and possibly raining. Probably raining. The course is rigorous but worth all the blood sweat and tears…there will be many. 🤭 PURA VIDA! You will do better if you have an actual laptop instead of a tablet/iPad. I only used my iPad and it increased my already heavy workload because of the formatting. I couldn’t tell what my rating were because the grading was done with a computer and when I accessed it with my iPad it was misaligned. Also, one of my exercises for the students didn’t print correctly and I didn’t catch it until I passed it out to the students. If you get a host family, the meals will likely be skimpy, but having breakfast and dinner included is quite a load off. There will probably be no hot water or air conditioning. It’s normal here. Just be prepared. March - December is rainy season. You’ll need an umbrella or poncho. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Food: you can get pretty big slice of pizza and a drink for about 2.50 US dollars. The water is safe to drink. The course is rigorous, but not really hard. You WILL have to be focused and you WILL likely want to quit at some point but you have to press through. The staff are supportive. You’ll be glad you did! 💕

The Maximo Nievel TEFL course was such an amazing experience. Be prepared, this course is very intense, about a full semesters worth of material and work. Although you will be working very hard, Maximo offers you full support throughout the entire process. Lewis is an outstanding teacher! He is so knowledgeable about ESL teaching and has lived so many experiences all over the world. His experience as a teacher is one of the most valuable aspects of the course, you will learn SO much from him. I learned so much, not only from the course itself, but from being immersed in the Costa Rican culture. This country is so full of beauty, and I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this country while gaining a new skill. I would definitely recommend TEFL to anyone who wants to try something new and experience a new place!

What a great experience! The TEFL program at Maximo Nivel is a very intense, yet rewarding program that will challenge you inside and outside of the classroom. Be prepared for long hours and a lot of work (but absolutely worth it)! I feel truly fortunate to have had such an excellent instructor and such supportive classmates and staff throughout the program. I 100% recommend the TEFl course with Maximo Nivel!

The TEFL course was worth it, and I have nothing bad to say. I couldn't ask for more. The course is organized and worth it. The staff members, host mothers, and professors are the kindest people in the world. They will provide you with everything you will ever need. After finishing the program, I now will be a part of the Maximo Nivel staff as an ESL teacher at the San Jose location. It is completely worth it.

I had a wonderful experience at Máximo Nivel! The curriculum was well organized, and the instructors are knowledgeable, supportive, and truly want you to succeed. The program is very transparent about the level of intensity it requires, and if you apply yourself, immerse in the culture, and keep an open mind, you will be successful. The area is safe, and everyone—from the Máximo staff to the local community—is welcoming and kind. The food is outstanding, whether enjoying the program’s free cooking classes or eating at the local sodas. The facility itself is excellent, with air conditioning, a pool, and affordable opportunities for local trips and excursions. Mr. Lewis is an exceptional teacher, deeply passionate about his work and his students. As a senior teacher with more than 15 years of experience, I can say this was a truly life-changing experience. I look forward to returning to teach and to using my TEFL skills around the world!

My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!

My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!

Going through Maximo Nivel has been the best idea my university (CSUB) has told me about. I went last year to Peru through Maximo Nivel as well for the Spanish Immersion Program and enjoyed it as well. Both the host families I was given were amazing both times. The staff members are all sweet and very accommodating. Some of the traveling tours through Maximo are a bit pricey, however it is something that I personally will pay for rather than going out to find cheaper due to wanting to continue my support for this Institute. The TEFL course is very very intensive but it is SO fun, especially with Lewis. He is a phenomenal teacher and made the class feel energetic and comfortable. Also, the Practical Teaching Week is incredibly useful and gives you actual experience in what you will be doing with your TEFL. 100% recommend going through Maximo. The possibility of me going to Guatemala next is high!

I took the TEFL Course in July of 2025 and had a wonderful experience! My instructor, Lewis, had extensive experience and a broad knowledge base. He is an AMAZING teacher and absolutely hilarious. The content and workload are intensive, so be prepared to WORK, but Lewis makes it fun and enjoyable. The school staff and my classmates are all so wonderful, kind, and sweet. I met two of my best friends during the course (shout-out Maddi and Paige!) I would highly recommend the in-person TEFL course to those wanting to deepen their teaching skills and immerse themselves in Latin culture. 9/10 would do it again! <3

Maximo Nivel is a serious organization that attends to all the details with great attention in order to ensure that one's experience is the best possible. The TEFL course is high level. It is an intensive and demanding course (a semester's worth done in 4 weeks which requires one to devote a great deal of time to it) taught by highly qualified, knowledgeable and skilled instructors who have a passion for teaching.

I completed my TEFL certification at Maximo Nivel in Quepos, Costa Rica, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was the most challenging academic experience I’ve had, but also one of the most rewarding. The instructor, Lewis, was exceptional—supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Beyond the classroom, the kindness and warmth of the local community made the whole journey even more special. If you're up for a real challenge and want to grow, this is the place!

The TEFL program at Maximo Nivel was an amazing program. While the course was extremely intense, I highly recommend it. Lewis, our instructor, was absolutely amazing. His knowledge was only surrpassed by his personality. This class really changed my view of how to teach. I have been a teacher for more than a decade but this course has really opened my eyes to how to be a better teacher. The students we worked with were all amazing and the practical teaching experience was so fulfilling. Come to Costa Rica and do this course!

Máximo Nivel's TEFL course was the most beneficial professional development that I have experienced in my 20 years of teaching. I came into the program hoping to learn some skills and broaden my possibilities to travel and teach. The course was very challenging, but our instructor was the best teacher that I have, including my undergraduate and post graduate academic experiences. It was amazing to rediscover my passion for teaching through the practical teaching component of the course. The Máximo staff in Manuel Antonio were always helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend this course.

The TEFL program with Lewis was intensive, but it was also an amazing experience. He made every lesson engaging and prepared us well to teach. Every week, we had the opportunity to teach real English learners, which prepared us for any future teaching jobs.

Maximo Nivel is a good TEFL program choice if you want to earn a TEFL certification while working a job. I worked a part time job while doing the online TEFL course. It allowed me to work on the course at my own pace. I was able to take more time on parts of the course I felt I needed more time to work on, like the grammar paper. Other times, I moved through units faster because I understood them well. The course is pretty straight forward. I learned most of the content without too much difficulty. The class workload felt good for the type of course it is. Maximo Nivel’s homework does a good job reinforcing the unit content you read through. They have you watch other teachers teach and assess how well they do. This helps you better spot what things are being done right and wrong in a class. That helps a lot when you start reflecting on your teaching during practical teaching week. You also make lesson plans throughout the course to help you prepare for making them for practical teaching week. The practical teaching was a great part of the TEFL program experience. Practical teaching helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. It was rough at first, but it helped me grow. By the end of the week, I felt confident teaching and enjoyed my class. I passed, but the TEFL journey doesn’t stop there. I still have lots of room to grow. The advisors are also a great help. I wouldn’t have passed without the help of my advisor Lewis. He was always available to email questions to and offered valuable advice for improving my lessons. During practical teaching week, Lewis helped me refine my lessons and gave me tips on how to improve my teaching. I’m very grateful for all the help he gave me during my online TEFL course experience.

I wanted this class to thoroughly prepare me to Teach English as a Foreign Language. I researched the different options for TEFL certification within Costa Rica and decided on this one because of the reviews. I found the reviews to be very good and quite accurate. This TEFL course was the biggest academic challenge that I have had in my adult life (in a great way). That being said, I feel that it has prepared me as well as any course could have. The in class teaching sessions were as good as it gets! My teacher (Lewis) was extremely well prepared, very well educated about everything he taught, and quite entertaining!

TEFL was fantastic. As a teacher, it motivated me to do different things in my class and to manage it differently. And as a Spanish speaker, I realized I lacked confidence in myself, but my teacher managed to show me all the skills I didn’t know I had.

I found the Maximo Nivel Costa Rica TEFL course to be a practical and enriching experience that prepared me for teaching English to non-native speakers. This experience was well-structured, with clear modules and courses covering grammar, lesson planning, teaching methodologies, and classroom management. Be ready to work and work hard, I did the hybrid version and was on-site for two weeks and it was very fast-moving, challenging, but a fun two weeks. If you are thinking of staying with a family, it is probably better to get a private apartment because you will need to the alone time and a quiet space to do homework because you will be busy, especially during the Practical Teaching Week. As in every foreign country, you will have challenges with the culture (food, small town, limited wifi, et), but that is fun part! Cultural Immersion along with learning some really good teaching techniques was one of the best things about taking the TEFL course abroad. The best part of the Maximo Nivel Manuel Antonio TEFL course was the instructor Lewis, who is amazing, he will definitely push you to be a better teacher and is extremely helpful and always made himself available. I walked away with several complete lesson plans, a better understanding of how to scaffold lessons, and the confidence to teach grammar topics like conditionals, adverbs of frequency, and verb tenses. I definitely recommend the Maximo Nivel Costa Rica TEFL course!!!

If you are thinking about taking a TEFL course, or traveling to a new country to volunteer or teach, I would HIGHLY recommend going through Maximo Nivel!! I did an insane amount of research before landing on Maximo Nivel and it was the best choice that I could have made……………………. For one, Maximo is a highly accredited organization, and what sets them apart is the amount of practical teaching you get while doing your TEFL training. It’s an intense course, but very worth it! My TEFL trainer, Lewis, made sure that every student had the help and assistance they needed in order to be successful and get through the whole course………………………. Secondly, Maximo is extremely caring. Whether you are in TEFL, or a volunteer or just going to Costa Rica for surf lessons, Maximo makes certain that you have rides to and from the airport, that you have a safe and amazing place to stay, and that all of your needs are met……………. Third, Quepos and Manuel Antonio is such a beautiful place to be!! It was amazing to experience the culture, the food, and every bid of nature I could! Every weekend was full of beaches, waterfalls, hikes, and insanely beautiful sunsets!! At the very least, you should go for experience and nature. I felt extremely safe in Costa Rica, and Maximo Nivel made sure that I had all the resources I needed to feel like I was just back in my hometown! If you need a sign to go……THIS IS YOUR SIGN, do the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, you won’t regret it!! :)

The TEFL class was amazing. If you want a challenge and something to prove what you can achieve. Take this course. I didn't realize how hard teaching my native language would be. Amazing feeling when you know you have helped local students learn some English. Costa Rica is the hottest place I have ever visited, so having class in a beautiful air-conditioned classroom was wonderful the school itself is fantastic a great swimming pool and a coffee shop with snacks and free coffee and tea all day.

I did TEFL in Quepos, Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel. I'm so glad I did it here, in a safe, friendly town 3 km away from the beautiful Manuel Antonio. I have learnt so much in such a small amount of time, a very rewarding experience. The workload is intense, there's a lot to do, but it is completely worth the fight. Included is 10 hours of practical teaching which is included in the course, which acts as a launchpad for your TEFL career. The course was amazing, and so were our trainers, Lewis and Christina! Muchas gracias a Maximo Nivel!!

I highly recommend getting TEFL certified through Maximo Nivel. I did the online course and it was very informative. The program provides good resources and tools to help you succeed. I had a great and knowledgeable instructor. I had lots of fun teaching my classes!

For me, this was my first time being in a foreign country by myself. The staff of Maximo Nivel were gracious, helpful, and attentive. From the first day I arrived to my last day in Costa Rica, all my questions and concerns were addressed and answered with compassion and understanding. I was fortunate to have an amazing gentleman as my TEFL instructor. He provided me with the necessary tools and techniques to be successful in obtaining a TEFL certificate. I learned a lot about English grammar and how to apply all of the TEFL techniques during the practical teaching week. It was a great feeling to know I had a positive impact on non-English speaking students.

Completing the TEFL certification has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone aspiring to enhance their teaching skills and opportunities. ESL teaching skills and methodologies are incredibly effective. These techniques empower educators to achieve their ultimate goal: helping students successfully learn and communicate in English

In February 2025 Maximo-Nivel awarded me a TEFL certificate for a 150-hour TEFL program. First and foremost, the kind people of the organization and the students enlivened the whole process. I am indebted to my trainer, Lewis Murphy, with his strong skill set and ability to personalize this entire TEFL training experience for me using clarity, kindness and brilliance! Indeed, I enjoyed the positive outcomes, notably during my week-long practical teaching sessions when working with students and the trainer! I continue to look forward to working with students in language learning! Yes, the workload is heavy, but the gratitude experienced by me is a lot, too! Thank you to this organization and the students for this memorable enrichment!

Maximo Nivel's On-site TEFL course is such a valuable experience. The course is challenging but extremely rewarding. I have had practical teaching experience ever since the first few days of the course. Today is my last day and I can say with confidence that this course has made me a better teacher. The TEFL trainers are highly trained and experienced ESL teachers. Lewis Murphy is an amazing trainer. He has offered me all the tools I needed throughout this journey to succeed. The course is well crafted and put together and all the content is extremely relevant. The final week of the course was the most challenging and still, the best thing I have experienced: I got to teach a class for 5 days. I was responsible for all the planning and executing of the lessons for learners of all different ages and levels. During this week, you receive honest feedback to help you improve. The job-finding assistance is very helpful and effective and led me to find a great job in Honduras. The job placement guarantee is real IF you meet the criteria listed on Maximo Nivel's website. If you are serious about becoming an ESL teacher and are willing to work hard, I recommend this course with no hesitation!

My experience with this TEFL Certification course was amazing. The course itself was difficult and a lot of work but very rewarding. Work load wise, we completed two papers, a variety of required readings, and 10 hours of practical teaching. I felt at the end that I was thoroughly ready to be a good teacher. Taking this course and living in Costa Rica, I always felt safe, never had any problems in the area, and everything went smoothly.

My experience doing this course in Costa Rica has been life changing and has been so much fun! Traveling abroad can be quite scary and is a big leap of faith which can make decision making really hard. But I'm honestly so glad and relieved to have chosen this institute with my educational and career advancement. It's honestly the most supportive, friendly and funnest course to take. It will replicate the experience of 'Finals Week' in college as soon as the first week is over. But it does allow you to gradually dip your toe in the water to the tougher work load. You'll get to enjoy the lovely sights, foods, beaches (yes plural) and the best part of it all, the romantic sunsets. The weather out here is lovely all the time and always guarantees a magnificent sunset, which I highly recommend watching when you need a break from the workload. Sometimes it will feel overwhelming especially practical teaching week (you get to put the very skills you learn to the test by actually teaching which is rare and amazing!) but if you really manage your time and give yourself space to breathe you will have the best time of your life.

The course was very intensive, there were many assignments, papers and practical hands-on learning moments. For me personally I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is ready to get out of their comfort zone and live it.

My experience was incredibly positive and I had a very easy time adjusting to the course work. I learnt so much and I feel well prepared with the experience the course has given me. The work was hard but it was very rewarding and getting real-life experience with the locals and staff made the experience that much better.

I did this program in January/February 2025 and am so thankful I did! I really enjoyed my classes, instructor, classmates, host family, and of course the location. I was able to gain in person teaching experience that I will take with me into my teaching job. I would highly recommend the TEFL course to anyone looking to get certified and finish with preparedness. It is an accelerated course so it is important to be dedicated to the course work.

I have enjoyed my stay in Maximo Nivel and my time taking the TEFL course. The workload was intense, but my environment was encouraging. I enjoyed getting to know and work with my classmates. The teacher created a fun space for us to learn!

I studied and researched this for awhile before signing up, and I am very glad to say I made a great choice. I am very proud of Maximo Nivel being the school where I earned my 150-hour TEFL Certificate. If you want to really learn how to be the best TEFL teacher, and be fully supported by your TEFL Instructor and the school- go to Maximo Nivel! The town of Quepos, Costa Rica is a great place too, and you will love your time here. I know I will never forget my experience here- we learned an incredible amount in 4 weeks, and everyone at Maximo Nivel.

I would describe the experience as unforgettable and challenging. While the course load was high, I made friends that helped me along the way. Our trainer Lewis is a hilarious and sociable guy that is knowledgable on TEFL techniques and teaching in general. I made friends with the staff, my fellow students, and teachers in the area. I wouldn't give it up for the world. You learn a lot about the techniques. It was my first experience teaching English, and I'm glad I began my career as a teacher with amazing students, peers, and mentors.

The on-site course at Maximo Nivel is both challenging and rewarding. The trainers are highly trained and experienced ESL teachers. They will push you each day to become the best teacher you can be. The most valuable aspect of the course is the final week where you get to takeover a class for 5 days. You are responsible for planning and executing lessons for learners of all different ages and levels. The TEFL trainer observes and assesses your lessons and will give you honest feedback to help you improve. The job guarantee promise is real IF you meet the criteria listed on Maximo Nivels website. If you are serious about becoming an ESL teacher and are willing to work hard, this is the course for you.

It is true that this course compresses a great deal of information in a short timeframe. And yes, it is easy to be skeptical about how much you can do in such a short amount of time. This is not a course for learning English. This is a course for teaching English. If you come with realistic expectations and a readiness to focus (but still enjoy your time in your program) you will gain what you seek. This is because, the biggest advantage to this program is the amount of actual hands-on experience you gain. In addition to the large amount of the face time you have with students and the genuine human bonds you are able to form with local people, you get in-depth feedback that truly advances your skills. As I mentioned, the Maximo Nivel program relies on locals who willingly volunteer their time to take classes with teachers in training. As a result of the institution's reputation in town as a fantastic resource for teaching English, you and your classmates will benefit from a consistent and large amount of students circulating through teachers who are engaged and excited to begin their courses each day. The methodologies you learn are proven to be effective because actual people come to this school and use these skills to get better jobs in an economy that is reliant on English-speaking tourism. However, you may be tempted to think that gaining an in-depth understanding of your native tongue is possible in four weeks and, yes you will get a great refresher of the grammar lessons you likely had in your primary school. Nonetheless, I strongly recommend that any prospective student prepare themself ahead of time by doing some light review of English grammar before starting the course. If you don't you may find yourself feeling that you should plan to continue studying English with closer attention after your course has concluded. In conclusion, enter this course with realistic expectations and you will gain a credible and respected certification with a program and in a place that will change your life!

This TEFL course was phenomenal, it challenged me in a new academic capacity. This course not only taught me new techniques that are extremely effective in an ESL setting but it also taught me the confidence to put together effective lesson plans. I am excited to teach in new countries and different locations. I feel prepared and inspired to share my skills. The quality of teaching and services made this experience exceptional. Come to Quepos for the rainforest experience and leave as a Tiko. Pura Vida

I loved the TEFL course at the Maximo Nivel institute in beautiful Quepos, Manuel-Antonio, Costa Rica!! The practical teaching week is such a great way to apply your learning. Coming from a U.S. education background, I found that learning the new model to English language education was new and difficult for me but I learned a lot and got a lot out of this course. My only complaint is the audio recordings for all the language placement exams, but nothing beyond that. Def an intensive course as it is advertised, but the instructor was amazing and the staff here are all so welcoming, open, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful! I highly recommend this institute to anyone who is adventurous and looking to meet new people of many ages, get to know a new city, and become well-connected with professional resources in the EFL world. Keep an open mind and the city will deliver :)

A quality customer service experience from instructors through service staff. The TEFL certification program will certainly enhance my job search experience and prepared me to teach adult and child learners in a TEFL classroom.

After much searching online I finally settled on Máximo nivel, and I’m so glad I did! My experience from start to finish has been fantastic! The TEFL is intensive but so worth it, the instructor was extremely supportive and knowledgeable and kept the course fun and engaging all the way through!. Practical teaching week fully sets you up ready to enter the ESL world! The staff are all amazing and friendly and the host family accommodation option has been great! I’ve enjoyed delicious home cooked traditional meals twice daily with a very welcoming and friendly family , who truly treated me as one of their own! I also took Spanish classes whilst there and would highly recommend them- the teachers are friendly, patient and very invested in helping you learn the language! All in all I had the best experience with Máximo - the support and guidance provided from start to finish was invaluable . If you’re thinking of taking Spanish classes or doing a TEFL then I would highly recommended this course. Costa Rica is a beautiful country to explore and Máximo has a great in house travel service to help you! Truly an unforgettable experience

I really enjoyed my time here at Maximo Nivel. The staff and teachers here are lovely and very helpful. My teacher Lewis was amazing, his lessons were fun and engaging and I learned a lot in just one month.

I just finished my TEFL course and it was such an amazing experience. My teacher name was Lewis and he was such an amazing teacher, he definitely grows on you. Maximo as a whole have wonderful people Nadia, Karen, Matt, Don Alex, Marygling, Noily, and the rest are such wonderful people. Everyone has been so helpful and if you want to go on an adventure the school will help assist you in booking. Definitely worth it.

The TEFL course was demanding and at times quite stressful, but it was of the best decisions I've made! Costa Rica is a beautiful country and Maximo Nivel was amazing to work with! my host family stay was comfortable and it was great having homemade local cuisine everyday. The course is very in depth and the practical teaching week is the best start to a TEFL career. The course really prepares you and gets up set up with a great skillset. Lewis the instructor was knowledgeable and supportive, and made the course fun and energetic. I highly recommend doing the course on site in Cota Rica, I've seen wild sloths, monkeys and explored some beautiful places!

After researching several programs, I chose Maximo based on reviews and my interactions with the staff online and on the phone. They were professional, enthusiastic about the work they were doing, encouraging and very communicative. The course was intense, demanding and rewarding. It requires lots of organization, planning and dedication to producing work that actually benefits students in real time. I made great connections with other learners from around the world, including my home state, around the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. I enjoyed the experience and highly recommend Maximo!

Super great experience, the course was intense, and long but very rewarding. We learned critical ESL techniques, English Grammar, Teaching styles, and a week full of teaching locals English! We learned lesson planning, and by the end of our time here, we're fully prepared to teach and control a classroom. I am 18 so if you are worried about age, don't worry it!

I loved learning about and becoming and ESL teacher. I also loved the area and natural beauty of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The course has been intense and the work load very heavy, but effective in its method.

Honestly, I came to this course with the expectation that it would be a very corporate and very professional environment where I was expected to follow strict guidelines or fail. Instead, I got a difficult but rewarding opportunity that encouraged creativity and individuality in unique and rewarding ways. The entire experience has blown me away and convinced me that teaching was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I originally came to Costa Rica for Spanish immersion because of my love for Spanish. I fell head over heels for this beautiful country and decided that I wanted to come back for the TEFL course. This course was extremely rigorous and really requires your all, however you come out of it with a sense of accomplishment and a love for sharing your culture and language with others.

I had dove into this with minimal understanding of how to teach. 4 weeks of intense work equivalent to a college semester later I’m going to be teaching paying students. I didn’t think I could do this, I have no experiance, but my instructor Lewis made sure I could succeed no matter what.

The Máximo Nivel team and TEFL course were incredible! The support and assistance was fantastic throughout my whole experience. The course is challenging but I experienced a ton of personal and professional growth. 10/10 recommend if you are looking to gain a new skill and connect with people from all over the world!

If you are young and passionate about life, don’t spend your money going on expensive vacations only, if you are able to attend this course. You really get your money’s worth, and it’s amazing how easy it is to make new friends in Costa Rica. My teacher Annabelle, was absolutely amazing :) can only recommend

Completed my TEFL certification here, and it was a very intense month, but I came out the other end feeling well prepared to hop straight into teaching. The staff are all nice, my trainer Lewis pushed us hard, but the kept the class fun with tongue in cheek humor and a genuine desire to see us succeed.

The modules were very helpful and well-written. I especially liked the frequent quizzes, which helped to keep the reader engaged. Also, I learned a lot from observing classes. There were five hours of practical teaching, which I found challenging because I have not taught before. I am grateful for having had teaching experience, as it will give me more confidence when I apply for jobs. Because I just completed my course, I haven't yet had much experience with their job support. But right after graduation, I received a letter of recommendation from my trainer, who told me he would be available to look over my resume and to help with any question I had about job searching.

This was my first time traveling internationally, and the experience has changed my life forever. Maximo Nivel is, hands down, legit. They provide a warm, welcoming, and safe environment, and the curriculum is outstanding. I've grown so much over these past four weeks, and I am going to miss my time here in beautiful Costa Rica.

The program was great and the people I did it with even better.! I had a great time here, I learned a lot, I did a lot, ate a lot, and made some great long time friends. I am happy to get my certification and travel the world.

I took an online TEFL course (from a different company) a few years ago, but have yet to actually teach as the course did not prepare me sufficiently (or at all). The Maximo Nivel course was well worth the rigorous schedule. I learned so much in the past four weeks and have learned how much I love to teach. The practical teaching experiences were invaluable; I loved connecting with the students and seeing the "aha!" on their faces as they grasped the concepts. Costa Rica is an incredible country and the Maximo Nivel school in Quepos is no different. Everyone is incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

A wonderful experience! Our instructor, Lewis, challenged us constantly, and I grew so much! The course was intense, but Lewis was there every step of the way to assist us. I made new friends and am excited for my next step in job searching!

I had a great time during my Maximo Nivel Tefl course. The course is certainly rigorous but the instructor, Lewis, was fun and engaging. At the beginning of the course I was nervous to teach and by the end it felt like second nature. Quepos is a fun and authentic Costa Rican town with friendly people. The beach is only a short bus ride away, which I took nearly every day. I highly recommend this course.

I loved the course! I've taught ESL before but I never had the certification. The course was valuable, I learned some new techniques and had plenty of opportunity to practice with real students, in a 'safe' and friendly environment. The instructor was excellent and obviously a very good ESL teacher himself. He taught the entire course using the ESL techniques that we would be using, and made it fun and enjoyable at the same time. I looked forward to going to class every day! I live in Costa Rica already so I was at home, but for people who travel here to take the TEFL - you won't regret it. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do outside of the classroom (the orientation day included good tips and info about Costa Rica). As an ESL teacher, I can't rate the course highly enough. It was brilliantly taught and extremely useful. Highly recommended!

My time in the TEFL Course in Costa Rica was incredibly challenging but so fun! I feel like I was equipped with all the necessary skills to teach EFL classes successfully. I was pushed & encouraged to perform to the best of my abilities & left Costa Rica feeling equipped to teach my own classes. I loved my time in the TEFL program and in Costa Rica. The learning environment was so great & there is nothing like relaxing after class at the beach or walking in nature.

Had a great time and learned a lot during the TEFEL course! The location was fantastic and my host family was wonderful I’m glad I had this experience. I made many new friends and connections that I hope to carry on.

I had a great time in Costa Rica. I am so glad I went through Maximo for this experience the staff is great. I was nervous of doing the tefl certificate because of the workload but the instructors made the course great. They were entertaining and much support. Keep up the great energy!!!

The reason this course was so amazing and impactful is because of my instructor! Annabelle was awesome and made every step feel easy yet challenging. She paced the course load perfectly so that I felt like I got to experience the beautiful city of Quepos while still gaining valuable experience and education.

I loved the course, Quepos is beautiful and I loved teaching. A lot of this would come down to my TEFL trainer who was brilliant. Annabelle is an AMAZING TEFL trainer, and made all the lessons so fun and engaging! I also had practical teaching experience and loved working with the students. Whilst I was very sad for the course to end, this course bas landed me a job as I am now working for Maximo in Peru!

Liam rocks! He was so patient and everyone was so nice. Such a gift to the world. I will never forget everything you taught me. I will leave more sure of myself. I can't wait to come back and experience this

Everything that we’ve gone over so far is very helpful. The people at Maximal Nivel are the most helpful, and it’s obvious that they want to support us so that we can make a real difference. I’m looking forward to the rest of our experience.

I did the TEFL program in Manuel Antonio with Annabelle and had a great time! The coursework can be pretty intensive at some stages but my instructor was INCREDIBLE at making the material fun, engaging, and practical. I also LOVED teaching real students who were eager to learn English. You'll be learning how to teach English and making a positive impact in other's lives at the same time! Also, Maximo Nivel really does help with job assistance! I packed my bags coming to Manuel Antonio with the full intention of getting a job afterwards. I had a job lined up by the third week of classes thanks to the help of my instructor and communicating with the team at Maximo. Y'all are great!

This program is helpful for anyone looking for ways to dig deeper into the English language and share their knowledge with a global community through teaching. The TEFL/TESOL program is accessible to all, yet challenging - the teachers are supportive and you leave the program feeling a sense of satisfaction that you can make a difference in people's lives. Wayne Summerbell was my instructor and he is the reason I had such a positive experience. Wayne made every day fun and fulfilling, and adapted the course to answered all questions and individual goals - he made office hours widely available and was a fantastic teacher! I would recommend this program because it can be applied anywhere around the globe or online. ESL techniques can also be applied to other language classrooms - for instance, I am an elementary Spanish teacher and will definitely use the teaching techniques to elevate my own teaching and support my student's growth.

I am a school teacher and decided to get my TEFL certificate this summer. I am so glad I did! The methodology used and information I learned will definitely be put to use in my classes. I chose the hybrid program and completed the practical portion in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica with my wonderful teacher, Wayne Summerbell. Although the program was intense, Wayne made it interesting and fun. He helped us complete the work successfully as he helped each and everyone of us overcome difficulties throughout the course. Thanks to Wayne, I feel well prepared to teach TEFL classes in the future.

I took this TEFL course in Costa Rica this summer, and I'm so thankful that I did. All aspects of the course were extremely enlightening and relevant towards becoming an effective TEFL teacher. My instructor Wayne was also greatly supportive and highly engaging in teaching the content of the course. Not only that, but I also got the experience to practice my teaching skills in the classroom and received job seeking support after the course ended.

This course was an excellent investment thanks in large part to the quality instruction provided by the instructor Wayne. He provided boundless support and insight and was instrumental in helping me find a job with my TEFL certification. He brings enthusiasm that is unwavering and experience that is extremely relevant. Wayne truly values the professional success of each of his students. The course was delightfully challenging but never beyond reason, it is truly a monumental experience.

I had an amazing time taking my TEFL certificate in Manuel Antonio with Wayne Summerbell as my TEFL teacher. Wayne brought so much energy to the class, making TEFL really fun and engaging. I loved his beautiful boardwork and that he didn’t only teach the TEFL technics but modeled it throught the course. It was great to have so many opportunities to get practical teaching experience. Wayne always gave us very helpful feedback after each of our lessons.

I really enjoyed my TEFL program with Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. My instructor, Wayne, was able to deliver a lot of content in such a fun and engaging way. I felt like I learned so much and feel equipped to work in the field. Plus, it was a beautiful location to live in while completing the program— overall, great experience. Would highly recommend!

I am so glad that I had the oppertunity to take the TEFL course with Wayne Summerbell. Wayne is an incredibly experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate instructor that gave me all the tools I needed to push through the difficult course work. The course was challenging and thorough, and gave me all the knowledge and experience I need to be a sucessful teacher. I feel fully prepared to start my journey as an English teacher, thanks to Wayne and the lovely staff at Maximo Nivel.

The TEFL course through Maximo Nivel was absolutely amazing; from the instructor, to the course material, all the way to the other employees in the institute, I can't say enough positive things. Mainly though, my instructor Wayne really stood out as a positive force on me. Wayne is well versed in his instructing skills, effectively challenges and shows empathy towards his students in a difficult program, an overall provides an amazing classroom environment for his student-teachers. Thank you so much Wayne and everyone at the Maximo Nivel institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

I was in Manuel Antonio in March/April 2023. The TEFL course was very well scheduled - balanced classroom time, teaching practice, time for assignments. As an elementary teacher for 6 years, I found this course helpful not only for teaching English learners back home in my classroom, but also the teaching practices can be implemented for all learners. It was to the point, systematic, and easy to follow. The content is not hard (for those who haven't been to school themselves in a while) but it is a fair bit of work. There is still time to see the sights of Manuel Antonio and go on some tours. Since it is a heavy course and prices are high in Manuel Antonio, I would recommend the homestay option where breakfast and dinner are included. Definitely a great experience and a gateway into teaching abroad if that is what you desire.

My time at Maximo Nivel was magical. I learned so much about myself and my ability to teach English. The class is structure so that the teacher uses critical ESL techniques to teach ESL teaching. This approach makes it nearly impossible to not pick up on these methods. The homestay provided by Maximo Nivel was astonishing. My first time out of the country and speaking no Spanish was absolutely not a problem. While my host family never spoke a word of English to me (that's the point, right?) they were still able to make comfortable within the first hour I was there. I would recommend this program in Maximo Nivel to anyone looking to open more Oppurtunites for their future, especially if they have a knack for helping others.

I had an absolutely amazing time taking my TEFL certificate in Manuel Antonio. Not only was it in one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been but the course instructor Jackie was so great. Jackie brought so much energy to the class, making TEFL really fun and engaging, she was always going out of her way to find creative ways to teach. I distinctly remember her having us take a Russian lesson to help us have empathy for how our students may feel. Jackie also always gave us very helpful feedback after each of our practical teaching experiences. This course really helped me feel ready to teach English.

The Maximo Nivel TEFL Course was an amazing experience! I highly recommend doing this course in person at one of the Maximo Nivel sites. The instructor, Jackie, was extremely knowledgeable, reliable, and hilarious. The course is designed in an extremely effective way. You learn the theory of how to teach English effectively, and also the specific teaching strategies and methods to use to be most successful. You get the opportunity to practice these teaching strategies by teaching classes of real students, both in person and online. You receive tons of feedback on your teaching, which helped me improve my teaching and increase my confidence in front of the classroom. You leave the course with all the materials you need to work as an English teacher, whether it be for a company, or independently. I got a bachelor's degree in teaching, but this course prepared me more for teaching than any other class I have taken. This course was absolutely worth the time, money, and work!

In one word, amazing! I absolutely loved my time with Maximo doing my TEFL qualification. Yes, it was a lot of work and wasn't all a party, but it was totally worth it! The course itself was well organised and taught really well, in a fun and engaging manner which was great. Then the centre, it was a real social hub, great for meeting new people and getting involved with the weekly activities! On top of that, the staff were fantastic, super friendly and really keen to help out in any way they could! Manuel Antonio itself is absolutely stunning, and you will always find things to do and places to explore, the centre is also partnered with a travel company so it's really easy to book tours and adventures through them. Would 100% recommend!

Just recently graduated from Maximo Manuel Antonio, and had such an incredible experience! Felt so lucky to have met such an amazing group of like-minded people doing the course, which I felt really added to the experience. The course itself was a lot more challenging than I'd initially thought, but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and made it all the more fulfilling to graduate! The school has an incredible view, which I never got tired of. The staff were super friendly and helpful - and our TEFL Trainer Jackie was incredible, couldn't have done the course without her patience, guidance and constant encouragement, her can-do attitude got us all through it 100% :)

I had a phenomenal experience in the TEFL course at Máximo Nivel. Jackie was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. She cared deeply for her students and about the material. She made class extremely interesting in a way that kept students engaged and gain a deeper understanding. I feel prepared to teach after the practical teaching and constant feedback from this course. It was an excellent launching pad into a new country and culture

My experience with living in Costa Rica was one that I will never forget. I ate delicious food and stayed with an amazing host family. Participating in the TEFL Program at Manuel Antonio was great, too. I met wonderful people, who I now consider lifelong friends, and learned new techniques for teaching English. My trainer, Jackie, made sure we stayed on top of our work and did our best when it came time to teach our lessons. The staff at Maximo Nivel welcomed me and were supportive throughout my program. Thank you for a memorable experience!

This was an amazing program and you do not need to have a background working in education/teaching to take the TEFL program at Maximo Nivel. I completed 4 weeks of intense studying, teaching locals and learning different methods to become an effective teacher. The course is for all learners and the TEFL trainer in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was amazing. (Jackie you know what you're doing) My experience is unforgettable, positive and I had an amazing class that supported me throughout the 4 weeks. In total I spent 8 weeks in Costa Rica, it's an adjustment from living in Canada but wonderful once you embrace the culture, people and the way of life as a Tico. I recommend this program to anyone who wants another skill in education or a career change.

I truly cannot recommend this program enough. I went in with high expectations and yet all my expectations were exceeded. From the gorgeous scenery and wildlife to the hearts of the staff, I was impressed. Everyone was helpful, supportive and easy to work with. The class itself was engaging and rigorous. I learned more than I could have ever anticipated. Between our instructor and the practical teaching experience, I feel prepared for my job as a TEFL teacher. And, yes, I was able to secure a job before graduating.

I was part of the TEFL Hybrid program, so I completed my first 2 weeks of the program online, and joined the rest of my classmates in Costa Rica for weeks 3 & 4. It takes organization, dedication, self motivation, and communication to successfully complete the online portion. You do have a trainer available to help you and grade you/give you feedback, but it does require a lot of self discipline as well. Once you're with your onsite classmates, trainer, and students, the real fun begins! Everything you have read about, learned, and continue to learn, will be put in action! It's challenging indeed, but the support from classmates, trainers, support staff, people in the community, even the students themselves are so supportive and dedicated...it's just a magical experience that I DEFINITELY do not regret!! My experience came with additional personal challenges that I faced during the program, and still I do not regret it. In fact, I would do it all over again the same exact way. Obtaining my TEFL Certification from Maximo Nivel-Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. You can do it too! Pura Vida!!

Doing this program was the best idea I had in all my six months abroad. The work is rigorous but it definitely prepares you for a career as a teacher. Trainer Jackie is a true gift to the program and I could not have survived without her. This course gives you everything you need and more, I feel so prepared and ready to be an ESL teacher. Jackie is great at what she does and helps prepare her TEFLers emotionally and mentally! I sure am going to miss it!

This course was so many things! It was challenging, fun, busy, intense but the most of all it was so rewarding!! There was a lot of work but I was ever bored and because it was so intense I feel so prepared and confident to go out there and independently teach. Jackie the course leader is incredible! Any academic or emotional support she is always there for you. The whole institution is welcoming, friendly, organised and supportive. I'm going to really miss being here.

Wow, what an experience I had studying this TEFL course in Costa Rica! It’s certainly a lot of work, but you will come away from this course well-prepared and motivated to put into practice all the new knowledge and skills you have been taught. Of course, this is helped by the fantastic TEFL trainer Jackie, who pushes you to do your very best- inside and outside the classroom. I would highly recommend also staying with a host family. It helps you understand and integrate into local culture, practice your Spanish and try some AMAZING Tico food. Throw yourself into this course and Costa Rican life and you will not regret it. Thank you Jackie and Maximo!

I loved going through the TEFL certification course at Máximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio. It is an amazing program with an amazing instructor who will do whatever she can to see you succeed. The staff is so friendly and Máximo Nivel is the perfect place to make lifelong friends. The program is rigorous and you will spend more time typing on your laptop than drinking a piña colada on the beach, but the knowledge and practical skills you gain make every second of the course worth it. I would definitely recommend staying with a host family as the host families are kind, open hearted people who are experienced and happy to welcome you into their homes. I don’t speak any Spanish, but I still managed to create a great relationship with my host family. I’d say that if you have any interest in the program, inquire about it because it will definitely change your life for the better.

This TEFL course really stands out because of its rigor. The course is very intensive, but worth all of the time and effort that students put in, because it really prepares you to be an English teacher. The methodology and teaching techniques taught at this course are effective and applicable to pretty much any type of ESL classroom, and I can honestly say that what I learned here will stick with me for the rest of my life as a teacher. During the course, you'll get to apply the methodology that the program gives you by teaching classes with real ESL students. Because of that experience, I feel very well-equipped to start teaching ESL, and I can't say enough how thankful I am to Maximo Nivel for imparting that knowledge to me!

This course is not for the faint at heart. It is also not for the person wanting to spend a month chillaxing in Latin America. It is for those who want to become a competent, compassionate TEFL teacher. It is challenging from start to finish. At times, you might even wonder if you can do it. If it is up to course instructor Jackie, you can and you will. She will push you and you will grow. You will learn things you'd forgotten you already knew and you will learn other things you never thought you needed to know. In the end, you will feel smarter and more confident because you will be those things and much more, along with a belly filled with fresh Costa Rican food and a glowing tropical tan.

Hopping on a plane and flying to Costa Rica Manuel Antonio to do TEFL was the best decision of my life. The course is intense, but it an adrenaline rush one can't put into words when you complete it and become a certified TEFL Trainer. I had my own private room in a beautiful Costa Rican families home and was fed twice a day. I attended the class every day from 9-4pm , seems like a lot, but time really does fly when you're having fun. Our TEFL instructor was incredible and has truly mastered the art of mentoring TEFL teachers. Not a moment went by when I wasn't fully supported and cheered on by our instructor and my fellow TEFLers . Highly recommend, this institution as well as the Manuel Antonio location ! Ps. Lifetime access to TEFL resources is a crazy great bonus too!

Learning to become a TEFL teacher is a great goal, and this was probably as close to perfect as a 4 week course could deliver. The experience was educationally intense, a lot of hard work, and independent thinking was essential. The course is really well designed, and the trainer Jacqueline Bira was excellent in all aspects of making sure you complete the course with a 100% education in the art of TEFL. Additionally Jackie was very skilled, conveying great unflagging positive energy, whilst being very supportive and great fun too. Learning as part of an international set of students was part of what made this a great choice. The venue and staff were excellent, and the benefit of an air conditioned classroom was a huge plus.

This experience was truly unforgettable. Our TEFL trainer Jackie had so much energy and positivity. It didn't feel like you were taking classes. At the end, the course had a practical teaching element where we spent 5 hours teaching online. We all improved massively thanks to the feedback we got. The staff here are lovely and very accommodating. An unforgettable experience.

I had a fantastic experience from day one with Maximo Nivel, but the standout element of my experience was TEFL Trainer Jacqueline Bira. She gives 100% to her students, all day long, nights, weekends, even during airplane travel! Jackie knows how to praise and when to give tough love. Her professional expertise is deep and wide, born of her own TEFL teaching experience. She has that unique ability to combine academic rigor with crazy fun. Her classes are NEVER boring, always enlightening. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel generally, and Jackie Bira especially.

Where do I begin?! Maximo Nivel has an incredible TEFL course all thanks to the amazing TEFL Trainer Jackie. Jackie has so much energy always making you look forward to class and what you are going to learn each day. Jackie cares about her student's success and is there to help them every step of the way. She wants her students to succeed not only during the course but also after. Not only is the course amazing but the school has the most incredible host families to place students in. I speak barely any Spanish but still built a beautiful relationship with my host family. The school becomes your family too and you will always know that they are there to help you with whatever you need. If you are even considering taking this course stop thinking and DO IT! Get ready for a rigorous month of work and the most rewarding month as well.

The TEFL program offered by Maximo Nivel in CR is perfect for anyone looking to get TEFL certified while enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica. Some days were more intense than the others especially the final two weeks which included a lot of practical teaching hours. The program itself is packed with valuable information that future English teachers will definitely benefit from. Our trainer Jackie is the perfect trainer for this course. She is amazing, full of energy, and very knowledgeable. We always looked forward to our classes as it was fun and never boring. Highly recommended!

The TEFL program offered by Maximo Nivel in CR is perfect for anyone looking to get TEFL certified while enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica. Some days were more intense than the others especially the final two weeks which included a lot of practical teaching hours. The program itself is packed with valuable information that future English teachers will definitely benefit from. Our trainer Jackie is the perfect trainer for this course. She is amazing, full of energy, and very knowledgeable. We always looked forward to our classes as it was fun and never boring. Highly recommended!

This TEFL experience was truly enriching! The TEFL trainer Jackie Bira was worth the money alone. Hands down the most energetic, knowledgeable, and supportive teacher I've ever had. The course was truly challenging and pushed me personally as much as it did academically. Not only is the TEFL training a wonderful challenge, but the location is absolutely gorgeous. Having a clear view of the jungle and ocean every day is an excellent way to learn. The entirety of the staff was absolutely lovely, welcoming, and helpful. I highly recommend getting TEFL certified here.

I took the TEFL course offered by Maximo Nivel in beautiful Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! It was an amazing month that flew by in a blur. By the end of my time in the course, I couldn't believe the amount of information I had learned in such a short time (and the amount of work I had done!). Make no mistake, you will work hard for your certificate at the end of the month, but your instructor will be there every step of the way to help guide you. The instructor for the Manuel Antonio TEFL program, Jackie Bira, is probably one of the best teachers I've ever had, bar none. She is passionate and enthusiastic about ESL teaching and this enthusiasm easily translates to her TEFL students. By the end of the course you will have a grasp of critical ESL techniques and will feel ready to tackle the world of ESL teaching! If you are waiting for a sign to take the plunge and take the TEFL course in Costa Rica, all I can say is this is your sign! Go for it!

Save your money if you are over 22 years old. I signed up to teach English and was put on "projects" that was childcare. I tried to resolve it with the staff and just got put on another childcare project. The "students" were 8 - 10 years old children that had no interest in learning English and most of them couldn't read or write in their native language.

From having one perspective to always wanting everything perfectly planned, everything was totally changed as the days will go by transforming my ex mindset into a new fresh and full of more dreams and goals. An intense course of 4 weeks was the challenge, but first grateful to God that I had one of the best teachers at Maximo Nivel, she will make our classes go by quicker by bringing fun and spice to her teaching format. I admire all of my classmates because we are all conquerors and we never give up. Best part is there is always some in Maximo Nivel to help and assist with anything you may need. All of the laughs together I will cherish them forever :) Please gift yourself with a change in your life and be ready to be challenged! Pura Vida!

The TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica exceeded my expectations!  What really stood out was the help beyond the course. Specifically, mentors in my program helped me schedule an emergency dental appointment, and helped me find accommodations after I missed my flight home!! I would definitely do the program again and recommend it  any adventures considering it! My instructor Jackie was great and made me laugh daily! She made learning so fun and relatable!  The coursework was challenging, but I always had support and it as so worth it.  An experience I'll never forger...I'm already ready to go back!  

You can gain your TEFL license through Maximo Nivel's program. I STRONGLY recommend that you gain your certificate in Costa Rica with the instructor Jackie Bria. The program is very rigorous!! As a NYC teacher I forewarn all teachers that this will NOT be easier! There are some things that are transferable in the teaching world however, your brain will have to be rewired a little bit. There's a brain for teaching students who speak English, and another brain for teaching students who are learning English as a second (or third) language. While I went through my TEFL course I also took advantage of the discount that they offer TEFL students who want to learn Spanish. This made my experience more challenging but doubly as rewarding.

The Maximo Nivel TEFL course is challenging and fun! I had such an awesome experience at the institute in Manuel Antonio. All of the staff is very helpful and nice. Jackie is an amazing TEFL trainer! She is so supportive, funny, and provides comprehensive feedback.

TEFL at Maximo Nivel was an amazing experience. TEFL is very challenging and it is a lot of work condensed into the 4 week program, but at the end it is all worth it as you will meet lifelong companions and walk away as a certified ESL teacher. The instructor Jackie is supportive, friendly and will keep you pleasantly entertained while training you to become an ESL teacher. The staff at Maximo Nivel are very accommodating and supportive and the location of the Maximo Nivel institute is perfect, there is a view of the ocean from the institute and beaches and activities are only a short bus ride away. The Maximo Nivel staff can also help you to arrange boat tours and horseback riding among other activities for your downtime. Maximo Nivel also offers cooking classes once a week inside of the institute.

The TEFL program with Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio was such a great experience! Our instructor, Jackie, was the best teacher one could hope for: supportive, accessible, funny, and made sure we understood all the content. The course was challenging (in the best way!) and Maximo instructors and staff are there for you the whole way. The experience of practical teaching with adult students was indispensable and great preparation for starting a career as an ESL teacher. The location is amazing and if you want to study and learn while also being able to see monkeys and sloths at the beach, this is a great program for you! Highly recommend!!!

The TEFL certification was such an incredible experience. Through the support of the Manuel Antonio staff, classmates and facility they truly made the experience supportive, challenging and rewarding. The program is fast paced but you surely finish it knowing a ton of information and feel ready to begin teaching. Jackie was a great instructor and will continue to set future teachers up for success!

The TEFL certification was such an incredible experience. Through the support of the Manuel Antonio staff, classmates and facility they truly made the experience supportive, challenging and rewarding. The program is fast paced but you surely finish it knowing a ton of information and feel ready to begin teaching. Jackie was a great instructor and will continue to set future teachers up for success!

I decided to get certified after graduating from college this year and could not recommend the experience enough! The school was in an amazing location and employed an amazing staff that jumped at the opportunity to help us with absolutely anything we needed. While the course was rigorous and required long hours, I feel completely prepared to embark on the next steps of this journey because of my TEFL trainer Jackie Bira. Her enthusiasm and love of the company and us students made the entire experience all the more rewarding. If any part of you is considering getting TEFL certified do it through Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio!! It's absolutely beautiful, the food is amazing, and the people are even better!!

After graduating from college, I decided I wanted to get TEFL certified and I am so glad that I chose Maximo Nivel. The location of the school is great - on breaks my classmates and I were able to look at the ocean and eat at delicious local restaurants. Additionally, the entire staff of Maximo Nivel was extremely caring and made everyone in the program feel so comfortable and at home. Our TEFL trainer -- Jackie -- was the driving force of the program. She took time to make sure every student understood the concepts and kept the class entertained throughout the entirety of the day. Also, she gave incredible insight regarding how we could improve our teaching methods and encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones in order to become better teachers. I would absolutely recommend this program!

I am so glad I decided to take the TEFL course at Maximo Nivel. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but the school and program unquestionably exceeded my expectations. The school has a wonderful environment. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and the view of the ocean is breathtaking. The program is a challenge, but Jackie -- the TEFL trainer -- was always willing to help with any questions or problems I had with the material. She was also very supportive and took the time to get to know all the students. The classes are all day, but Jackie kept it engaging, interesting and enjoyable. She created a wonderful learning experience that made going to class exciting. The four weeks flew by and I am sad the experience is now over. I learned so much and had such a great time learning. I highly recommend this program. If you're on the fence, just go ahead and take the plunge! You won't regret it. I don't.

Doing TEFL at Manuel Antonio was such an amazing experience! Everything exceeded my expectations! The location of the institute is beautiful, the atmosphere so friendly and welcoming that you instantly feel at home and part of the team, and the teaching standards are really high! The programme is very intense and demanding, but you get all the help and support you need from the friendly and easily approachable institute staff. The best part of the training was my teacher Jackie who inspired me every single day – not only through her competence, expertise and professionalism, but also through her humour and creativity. Jackie has been a true role model for me, who in a unique and patient way combines both challenge and support while teaching. It was really tough at times, but Jackie’s genuine care and interest in our progress, her empathy, insight, and passion for teaching kept us all going. I have learned from her that good teaching is not only about being a language expert, but also a mentor and a role model, who guides, motivates and encourages a life-long passion for learning. Thank you so much Jackie! Thank you Maximo Nivel!

Manuel Antonio is an amazing place to travel to in general, but doing Maximo Nivel's TEFL course there was amazing! The school overlooks the ocean and it is an awesome place to go to every day. Karen and Jackie were amazing trainers and were so fun to learn from! I never thought there was a way to make grammar fun, but they managed to do it. I left with an unbelievable amount of knowledge and I actually got hired by Maximo Nivel and am out in Antigua, Guatemala living here full time. It really opened the doors to amazing new things and I can't recommend it enough!

My 4 weeks in the TEFL Program at Maximo from April-May 2021 was incredible. Jackie the TEFL Trainer is so, amazingly passionate about teaching! She is a wonderful human being and just shows so much dedication and hard work for her students. She is such a talented teacher! Not only that, but you can tell that she genuinely cares- that this is what she loves doing. That kind of connection is so hard to find, and I couldn't be happier with who taught us over the month. Absolutely loved the course and would take it again in a heartbeat! It changed my entire perspective on teaching English as a second language!

My experience was nice. The host home was lovely. The staff here at Maximo Nivel were just wonderful, very helpful and Noelia was the best. She definitely kept me caffeinated. Jackie was an awesome instructor. Full of life, energy, funny and smart. Jackie respected everyone and considered their points of view. She has an open door policy and is willing to work with the students. Students also have to do their part. This is not a vacation, or a time to party. This is an year long education push into four weeks. This is a very doable course. I learned more from Jackie in four weeks than I did in four years of high school.

Hi :) I completed my TEFL course in the MAY - APRIL course in 2021. It has been such a great experience. Maximo's team was always eager to help us with assistance and so was our incredible TEFL teacher - Jackie Bira - Jackie not only prepared us for teaching, but she also helped us become the best versions of ourselves. She was more than just a teacher, she was someone we could count on as a fellow friend - She was available 24/7 for assistance and she even took time off from her personal life schedule to help us improve! Without her we all would have been lost in our thoughts of what is right and what is wrong. I want to thank Maximo's team and Jackie Bira for being so kind hearted throughout the entire program. I would recommend everyone to come to Costa Rica for their TEFL course, it is such a beautiful place! And you all will get to meet Jackie and Maximo's amazing team members!

I had both Karen and Jackie as my TEFL instructors, and it was some of the most fun I've had learning in my life. The quality of content, and how you learn the content is sublime. Both Karen and Jackie are superb instructors in their own right. Manuel Antonio was a great place to learn to teach English as well. Check out Maximo's Guatemala TEFL program as well. It has great instructors, is located in the beautiful city of Antigua, and is a bit cheaper than Manuel Antonion as well.

I was lucky enough to have both Karen and Jackie as my TEFL instructors. Each day they made the class feel warm and inviting. They made the classroom feel less daunting and there were many times where I forgot that I was in class. This course went above and beyond my expectations!

This is a superb program. Jackie and Claudia were amazing teachers and they made the taxing curriculum fun and exciting. The course has you in front of students the first week and the pace doesn’t slow down until the end. But the hard work is well worth it. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel for TEFL and I wouldn’t trade the experience at Manuel Antonio for the world.

Maximo Nivel’s campus in Manual Antonio, Costa Rica, sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific ocean, with incredible sunsets every evening. The TEFL Certification training program offered at this oasis is truly top notch. Over the four weeks of intense academic study, the dynamic synergism of our awesome teachers Jackie and Claudia was palpable and extremely effective. They’re truly the Ultimate A-Team. Inside the classroom, Jackie expertly delivered content with sincere enthusiasm, all the while role modeling the critical teaching techniques and keeping us engaged. Outside the classroom, Jackie and Claudia were both incredible in helping us with lesson planning and effective delivery. They were always available, whether in person or via email, and exceptionally timely with responses as well as feedback. In addition to the teaching staff, the administrative personnel and host family were welcoming and supportive. I recommend the Maximo Nivel TEFL Certification Training Program experience 100%.

My experience with Máximo Nivel was more than I could have ever imagined. Karen is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had and the course itself completely exceeded my already high expectations. There is so much more to this course than a TEFL certificate-- it is truly unforgettable.

My experience with Máximo Nivel was more than I could have ever imagined. Karen is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had and the course itself completely exceeded my already high expectations. There is so much more to this course than a TEFL certificate-- it is truly unforgettable.

Our instruction (Karen) was amazing and taught exactly what we needed to become successful English teachers. This course was truly valuable and an amazing experience! We got experience teaching both in person and online, which will be extremely valuable.

I had a fantastic experience with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica. The location is beautiful and all of the staff are very kind and want to help with anything they can. I couldn't have asked for a better TEFL trainer! Karen brought a lot of energy and made class fun everyday. I really feel like a got a lot out of this course, it was certainly challenging but well worth it. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering getting their TEFL certification!

This program had such a positive impact on me in so many ways. Karen Wilke (Our instructor) did such an amazing job creating a classroom environment in which the TEFL students (including myself) felt free to make mistakes and learn in a collaborative, fun and interesting way. Our group, having spent countless hours together over a 4 week period truly felt like a family to me by the end. Never a dull day in the program, we were constantly thrust into new situations, and exercises that required critical thinking and a positive attitude. Certainly, there is a ton of work! But the program and Karen do such a good job structuring it in such a way that allows the students to move through it in such a way that it is not too overbearing. The TEFL counselors provided such good feedback and truly took a particular interest in each of the members of the group. 10/10 experience and would highly recommend if you want the experience of a lifetime!!!!

I have absolutely LOVED my time with Maximo Nivel! Maximo was (and still is) always willing to help their students every step of the way. I cannot say enough good about my instructor Karen! She was always willing to help anyone in the class and did so patiently. If you are someone thinking about becoming TEFL certified, stop thinking, and just do it! I promise you won't regret working with Maximo.

If you're looking for an escape from your typical 9-5 and truly want to give back, TEFL certification is the way to go! Don't get me wrong, this was no easy task but it was worth every minute reading, studying and reflecting on my time with Maximo Nivel. I was not sure what I was getting myself into but my trainer, Karen Wilks, made English exciting and represented a true TEFL Teacher from the start! She is an excellent resource, teacher and person. Maximo Nivel has made my time in Manuel Antonio an adventure I will never forget! The building itself is beautiful and the wonderful staff, Karen Campos, made it enjoyable! I would not have changed anything and so grateful for the opportunities they have provided me with.

Before receiving my TEFL, I had been a graduate student in mathematics with some lecture-style teaching experience. When I came to Costa Rica to study with Maximo Nivel (MN), I was welcomed warmly by MN and also by the host family with whom they placed me. Everybody around me was super supportive of my cohort and me. MN offered a ton of resources both inside and outside the TEFL classroom. The coursework was demanding but super rewarding. I learned so much during my certification. My instructor was Karen Wilke, and she is super awesome and fantastic as a trainer and a person. She didn't just tell us how to be good English teachers; she showed us by example in her style as a TEFL instructor. On the administrative side, Karen Campos was always so kind and helpful and was a fantastic organizer.

The course is intense but very doable. The support given throughout the program is amazing! Karen and Kantuta were both an absolute please to work with and to learn from. When the practical teaching week approached they were both more than willing to help me set up a dual monitor system off of my laptop to facilitate my online teaching experience. Anyone looking to expand their horizons and step out of the norm, this is the best way to go!

I am a high school teacher from Washington State (USA). I was interested in obtaining the TEFL Certification and did all the research that you’re doing now. Let me make it very simple. This program is amazing. I learned so many practical teaching methods that can be employed in a multitude of platforms (online or in the traditional classroom). I did so alongside a diverse group of learners. The program integrates practical teaching experience. While that seems intimidating on the front end, it truly was the most effective component of the course for instilling the techniques and methods that the instructors were introducing. The surrounding area is the perfect backdrop for this experience. On one hand, as a TEFL student, I was working hard at acquiring new knowledge and skills, while simultaneously leaning into the Pura Vida life. The waterfalls, beaches, hikes, flora & fauna, the people AND all of it… It’s remarkable. It is important to note that this program works because of the quality people that they employ. Maximo Nivel had representatives that walked me through any changes I needed to make and helped accommodate my needs as I arranged to depart the US and head to Costa Rica. MN in Manuel Antonio employs a local lady who has many roles, AND acts the student’s resource for just about anything you can imagine. When a person is traveling, it’s hard to imagine today what might be necessary for tomorrow. Karen Campos is that safety net for the TEFL traveler. She is kind, thoughtful and above all resourceful. Kantuta is a TEFL instructor. She is creative and committed. I wrote pages of notes (and could’ve written more) as I observed her teaching a classroom of English Language Learners. There were multiple times that she sat with me as I prepared for practical teaching lessons. Her insights were invaluable, and matched only by the grace with which she offered them. Finally, Karen Wilke is the primary instructor. She has a wealth of experience in a multitude of classroom settings. This is evident in her approach. She is constantly illustrating best TEFL methods through her practices and activities. Class is interesting, in all the right ways. My experience felt so individualized and I bet the rest of my cohort would say the same thing. Ms Wilke demonstrated the content in class and then met each learner where they were cognitively at. If this sounds academically intimidating, I promise, Karen will encourage, support and explain things in such a way that you will not fail. Her capacity to differentiate learning was astounding. Her expectations were clear and she saw to it that 100% of my cohort became enthused and empowered, certified teachers. I left the program equipped and confident. I have a TEFL certificate and a quality portfolio as a result of a couple ounces of personal diligence and a big scoop of support from Karen Wilke and her team. I would highly recommend Maximo Nivel.

When I decided to take a TEFL course, I did research on many different schools. I settled on Maximo Nivel because of the professional structure it displayed online. When I got to Manuel Antonio, I was not let down. Everything is as described. A in depth course with instructors who make things fun while you learn. I hate to sound cliche, but my group became a small family. You will learn TEFL teaching skills and strategies in order to fulfill your dream of becoming a world wide recognized TEFL certified teacher.

I never taught a day in my life and after taking the course with Maximo Nivel, I feel extremely confident in my abilities to Teach English. The course is definitely intensive but 100 percent doable. If you have the chance to take this course with Audra, you will cross the finish line with the same amazing feelings and accomplishment! I should mention, just before finishing the course I had a job lined up! Don't hesitate, just do it!

This program is very intensive but it is definitely doable if you are serious about getting a TEFL certification. The content is invaluable, and Audra, the instructor, (and director of the TEFL program) is absolutely amazing. She's the best teacher I've ever had and she will push you to your limit and make the best teacher out of you. Today, Friday, was the last day of the program and I already have a job I'm starting on Monday, thanks to all the help I received from Audra.

I arrived at Maximo Nivel without any teaching experience, and I hadn’t had a class in English or grammar since high school. But surprisingly, in this one intensive month, I learned (or re-learned) the twelve main English verb tenses and enough grammar to fill most hats. But more importantly, I learned how to connect and teach English to students from all backgrounds, without knowing a single word of the native language. The program had us working with students within the first week, and by the final week we were teaching every day. There is a lot to learn in a short time, and it was a challenge. But the TEFL instructor at Maximo is patient, encouraging and extremely professional. She´s also really fun to be around. The month flew by!, and the camaraderie that developed between classmates was really great. I 100% recommend it.

This experience in the Manuel Antonio TEFL program is one that I would recommend to anyone with a sense of adventure, a love for the beach, and an interest in teaching. It will honestly change my life forever! Not only was all of the staff amazing but the host family was too. Please take this course. It may seem like a good amount of money, but it was worth every penny. I am leaving Manuel Antonio with confidence in my teaching ability and a teaching job in Cusco, Peru. I would not change anything about it!

My experience in the TEFL course at Manual Antonio was Awesome. I worked hard, but it was well worth it. Every hour of class was a meaningful experience. As a retired high school social studies teacher, I had hoped for just such an experience and was not disappointed. My TEFL class jelled into a collaborative community both in and out of the classroom which enhanced my time here. I had a built in support system from all over the world to work and play with. And lastly, the director of this well orchestrated show, our teacher Audra Wooldridge. Audra is a special bred. She loves her job and it shows. Every time she steps into the classroom, answers her an email or gives a student feedback, she gives 110%. Her experience, knowledge, wit, and humor make her TEFL class a one of a kind experience. I highly recommend this program to anyone who loves to learn, immerse themselves in foreign cultures and teach english!

My husband and I have wanted to do a cultural immersion experience abroad for a long time. We also enjoy helping people, so the TEFL opportunity seemed like a good way to do both and be able to support ourselves at the same time. I'm 49 with a career in non-profit and he's 57 and a pastor, so we weren't sure how well we would fit into the TEFL class, but have enough experience under our belts to feel comfortable making a go of it. Honestly, we thought we would be the only people over 40 in the class, and were pleasantly surprised to find out half of our class of 8 were over 40 with us smack in the middle, and the other half ranged from mid twenties to early thirties. All were here to learn and grow as well as travel and experience a new culture; with that in common, we've been a tight-knit group, enjoying working and playing together and supporting one another through this valuable, but challenging experience. As for the TEFL experience, I can't say enough about how great Maximo's program is or how amazing our trainer, Audra, has been. From the moment we arrived (and for nearly a year prior in planning), we've been fully supported. Andy, or representative prior to arrival, answered about a thousand questions by email and spent a full hour on the phone with us. Karen made sure we got to our destination and had a nice apartment lined up for us with a wonderful landlady (we enjoyed her hospitality and also a regular visit from sweet, adorable spider monkeys from the surrounding jungle). Audra kept us working our butts off with the TEFL class, but her fantastic energy, humor and encouragement, as well as superior teaching skills, brought out the best teachers in us and taught us more than I ever thought I could learn in a month's time. She gave us the tools to be excellent teachers, as long as we apply her advice and continue to learn and grow in our practical skills. Abby, Nella and Natty helped with quick-turnaround printing of lesson plans and other materials. Noiley showed great hospitality with coffee and tea and warm, friendly conversation. And Macho the cat gave us purrs and love when we were going through animal withdrawal. I could go on and on about how great the experience was, but the final proof is in the pudding, so they say. Not even two weeks into the class, Audra provided a plethora of job seeking information along with contacts for those she knew personally, and she reviewed our resumes to help us give them an international appeal. My husband and I applied two weeks ago and already have jobs lined up starting January 3rd. Area schools and organizations have a high regard for Maximo Nivel's training of teachers and Audra's recommendation was gold, making getting a job so much easier. This will be my first teaching job, and that's a little scary, but thanks to the on-site practical teaching experience I know I can do it. I am so grateful to Audra and Maximo Nivel for helping us realize our dream of living and working abroad. What a blessing!

I chose to travel to Manuel Antonio half way through my Elementary Education degree so that I could complete a TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel. I honestly have nothing bad that I could possibly say about this program or the instructor, Audra. It was difficult but I always felt amazing after I completed an activity or my practical teaching opportunities. I recommend this course to anyone that has a passion for teaching.

I was a recent college graduate when I decided to enroll in the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I wasn't ready to get a full-time job in the United States and really loved traveling in Latin America. I decided that doing this TEFL course and trying to find a job teaching English directly after in Costa Rica was going to be my plan for my "gap year" in between graduating college and starting a full time job in the states. I had no teaching experience and my degrees were in International Studies, Hispanic Linguistics and Non-Profit Management. Although not necessary, it is extremely helpful to have a basic understanding of Spanish in order to live in Costa Rica for a month. Additionally, it does help you relate to some of your English students because you will understand their thought process. This TEFL program is so interesting and truly prepares you to be an English teacher. Before the program, I was afraid of talking in front of people and I had no idea how to teach English. During your 4 weeks, you learn the theory of teaching people a language they don't know in that language, you learn English grammar, how to lesson plan, etc. Our instructor, Audra Wooldridge, is definitely in the top 3 teachers I have had in my educational career. She makes everything so interesting and truly cares about each student. I can't say enough about how amazing she was! Also, Maximo Nivel helped me land a job in San Jose for 6 months after the program. So if you want a job immediately after, they have a lot of resources for it.

When I enrolled on to this program I had been out of university for a year and although loved my job as a support worker, I felt I was ready for another challenge and wanted to learn something new. I am still unsure of what I want to do as my permanent full time career but I know that I like to work with people and like to travel to new places and explore different countries and there cultures. Therefore a TEFL course located in the beautiful Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica seemed like a great option for me. Our TEFL trainer Audra Wooldridge was very supportive and enthusiastic throughout the course. She was a great teacher who made the course fun and entertaining, whilst providing personal feedback throughout. Doing the course over a 4 week period in a class room based environment was definitely worthwhile and I feel like l learned a lot. It also meant that I could meet people who were interested in doing the same thing. I was lucky enough to meet friends who wanted to get a job straight away, so we decided to stay together and move to San Jose to start work. We were sent resources to help us secure jobs and also help with making our CV suitable for employers. I had a great time studying the course and know that I have met lifelong friends!

I can't say enough good about this program. I had a blast, wonderful faculty, and instructor Audra Wooldridge. I learned so much, and I am so grateful. I would recommend this program again and again. There is so much support amongst everyone. Love love love.

So I waited a whole month before writing my review- I wanted to come down from the euphoria and whirlwind that this course has brought into my mind. You might be reading this first sentence thinking no way it could be true. But let me start off by telling you a little about myself- I’m 29; have a good, well paying job in finance; and l live in Los Angeles- so if I ever saw myself as an outsider I’d probably think “she’s got it pretty made.” But as an insider of my life- my job burns me out, I’m almost 30 and I don’t enjoy what I do nor do I wake up everyday excited to walk into an office where everyone is out for themselves and will conquer all to get to the top. That’s not my personality and the exhaustion from being at war with the attempt to survive each passing day has caused me to think of “what’s next?” Quite frankly I didn’t know what’s next- so I took a three month sabbatical, traveled with my sister, visited my parents and decided to try something new- something completely outside of my expertise- teaching. I’ve always loved Latin America (obviously you have the food, but also the culture, the people, the music, the happiness I’ve know Every Latino to possess, even when they are faced with some of the most unimaginable hardships) I love talking, and I enjoy helping people and meeting new people. So I thought- why not try teaching in Costa Rica, who knows I just might love it. Day one in the classroom Audra enters, all 12 of us these doe eyed students looking at each other unsure of who this looney is that had just entered the room. She was a wrecking ball- full of energy from the minute her little red scooter pulled in till the rains came and her little red scooter left. Over a four week period she has given us a look into how she had good things going her way and she left it all to explore herself and the world that lays in front of each of us. Going into this I did not know I was a teacher at heart- but from the first day I stood in front of that classroom teaching a “HowTo - 20 minute mini lesson” she helped shaped me and bring my natural Goofyness out. Audra is an inspiration as a teacher as she wants you to feel the pizzazz that comes with standing up in front of a room of limited English speakers and talking. She will goof off and let you see that it’s okay to eff up, or to look like a fool and not always have perfect teaching days. But for each of those moments where you feel you did terrible, shell lift you up by finding something good in you. That’s not to say she’s an easy teacher/grader. Oh no, you’ll want to toss her into the floods outside on numerous occasions- but it’s so worth it. The experience I had at Maximo Nivel has brought me 12 amazing new friends, amazing new mentors as I embark on a frightening yet exciting career change, and numerous lifelong friends across Costa Rica. I so very highly recommend this course for those of you who are in my shoes, or those of you deciding between courses- this is it, it’s the one that will change your views.

Costa Rica TEFL is a great program. It is very well run with excellent teachers and staff. I learned a lot from the course and felt fully prepared to go into the classroom afterwards. There are a few things I found that really set the school apart. First of all, real teaching experience is built into the course. Every day in the evenings there are classes for local Costa Ricans, and we got to teach them. Not only was this a super fun and fulfilling experience, it was excellent hands-on experience. Secondly, as a part of the course you receive life-long job placement assistance. The director, Barbara, knows about teaching jobs all over the world and will help you find a job 10 years down the line! The location of the school was another awesome part of the experience. It is right next to the beach in a small town called Samara. Everything is walk-able and you can learn your way around town really fast. It is also easy to meet people and the people are in general very friendly! It can be difficult to go to a new place where you don't know anyone and start something new like this. I would encourage others to go as I myself had such a great experience and learned about stuff that I never even knew existed before. The school has a really great support system and I am so glad I chose to become TEFL certified with Costa Rica TEFL.

I did not know what to expect going into the course. But week one, day one, our instructor Audra was just amazing. Being in her classroom was very joyful. She makes the course very enjoyable and makes learning fun. By far the best teacher I’ve had. The hardest part of the course was saying goodbye.

My experience through my TEFL program was amazing. Everything was well thought out by my amazing TEFL trainer Audra. She kept the class engaged with her witty humor, also she did the impossible which was make grammar fun! I would recommend anyone to come here and learn how to teach English with Audra. Pura vida Mae!

I had such an amazing time in the TEFL course at Máximo Nivel! I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to work hard, but also enjoy themselves with everything Manuel Antonio has to offer. The staff is absolutely AMAZING! Couldn’t recommend Máximo enough!!

This program is seriously fantastic! As an 18 year old high school grad on her gap year, I wasn't sure what to expect from the program and even more so the people involved. I can't express how impressed I was with the course. It completely surpassed expectations. The people I met were from all age groups, all parts of the world but were incredibly friendly, funny, and knowledgable. The course itself was fantastic mainly because of the amazing Audra Wooldridge. She has a natural gift to make any lesson fun and engaging no matter the topic. I can say with confidence I'm coming away from the experience with an invaluable certification and lifelong friends to go with it!

This was a completely fantastic experience. The teacher, Audra, is a complete legend, and I can't imagine anybody more qualified to be teaching teachers how to teach. If you think TEFL Certification isn't necessary, wait until you teach your first class. You'll be an awkward weirdo and have no way to keep your class engaged. If, on the other hand, you decide to come live in a fantastic tropical paradise for a few weeks while meeting incredible people and enjoying your life to the highest degree imaginable, you'll be able to develop unrivaled confidence and techniques that will make you a wiz in the classroom. The school is gorgeous and the atmosphere is off the charts. Don't just sit there, sign up for this program immediately when you finish reading this review. Ready, set.....GO!

I really enjoyed my TEFL course at Máximo Nivel the location at Manuel Antonio is fantastic with amazing beaches and great food and restaurants etc. The staff at Máximo were really helpful (Karen, Frances and Abby) and knowledgeable of the ESL industry and were willing to share information internally with Máximo and externally throughout other countries. The course had great balance and structure and i learnt a lot more than I anticipated. Our instructor Audra is fantastic with an outgoing personality and passion for her work and life, I gained a lot of confidence and experience from the course and can highly recommend the experienced to anyone thinking about doing the TEFL.

Coming to Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel turned out to be more than I thought it would. When I had decided to move abroad, I always told people I was leaving to work on my Spanish and to take a break from the US politics of education. What I didn't expect was to gain an additional set of skills and strategies that would forever change my life as an educator. For the first time in years, I was given real time, critical feedback about my teaching. Additionally, I was receiving a personalized style of learning and guidance from Maximo Nivel. My TEFL instructor, Audra, has been a professional mentor to me and also a personal guide to learning how to thrive down here. Without Maximo or this course, I would not have been able to land on my feet here. Thank you!

First off, I have to make it clear that I went into this program blind. Being in my final year of undergrad, with graduation fast approaching, where I wanted to go in the future seemed so up in the air and this seemed like an impulse thought on a quick fix hoping something would come out of it...and boy did it. This course was so much more than I thought it was going to be, in the best way possible. This course challenged me and showed me who I am as a teacher, where my strengths and weakness lie, and gave me the opportunity to see if teaching English is something I truly want to pursue (which, now more than ever, it is). Our teacher, Audra, is by far the best instructor I've ever had for any course I've been enrolled in. She is charismatic, outgoing, and whole-heartedly cares about the growth and success of her students - such a refreshing change for once. The staff at Maximo Nivel are exceptional at their jobs and are sweetest group of people. If you are looking at where to enrol, I'd say Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Who wouldn't want to stare out at the beautiful views every morning at school or be less than 5 minutes away from one of the world's most beautiful beaches? Somethings, however, to note: Our host family spoke 0 English, so communication with them was very difficult. I thought that our host family would know some English due to having previous students stay with them, however, this was not the case. So, if you know some Spanish, that is fantastic! As well, during the course, you are provided with the best support (from Audra especially) in finding a job as soon as you graduate. If I did not have to head back for my last year of undergrad, this is something I would have pounced on (keep in mind, Audra keeps in contact with us so even in the future when we are looking for a job, she is there to help!). Also note, course work isn't quick and easy! You'll definitely have your down time for the first 2 weekends, however, prepare to be very busy for the following ones, so don't plan any excursions before hand! In terms of bus fare home (specific to those looking into Manuel Antonio), if you have a flight in the morning, the last bus ride to San Jose (about 3 hours away from Manuel Antonio) is 4pm the day before (the first one to leave in the morning is at 5 am, however, our flight was at 11am but there was a high chance that it could be delayed as it is a public bus and we could have missed our plane). If you have a flight in the morning, you will have to take the 4pm bus ride the day before and stay the night in San Jose (this is something me and my roommate wished we had known before hand as we already paid for a night in a hotel room in Manuel Antonio only to have to leave the day before, losing out on about $200 as we also had to spend a night at a hotel in San Jose). These are just a few things I wished I had seen just before heading off to embark on this amazing experience! Other than that, if you are on the fence about getting your TEFL certificate through Maximo Nivel, just do it! This course compared to an online TEFL certificate is like no other and will exceed your expectations, I promise you. It will be the best choice you make!

The TEFL course is truly amazing. Although there is a decent amount of work, it is a lot of fun and the weeks will fly by! The course content is organized and you will leave with valuable skills you will use when teaching abroad. With 5 hours of practical teaching experience, you are able to become confident as a teacher and use the feedback given to grow. Audra is an amazing instructor. She teaches the content well, is encouraging, gives useful feedback and is always willing to help you succeed. You will not leave disappointed.

Taking the TEFL certification through Maximo Nivel was a challenging, yet rewarding experience. I crossed paths with some unforgettable people and because of our struggles and triumphs, we have an everlasting bond. In our class, we saw each others' greatest and weakest moments and this is what created our family unit. An accelerated class in a foreign country is not a simple experience, but it is not a miserable one either. There are so many factors that went into making this experience one that changed my life. There were moments where I know I wanted to give up, but someone (a student, a teacher, a staff member) reached out a helping hand to me and told me "It's going to be okay, you're going to get through this." Then there were exciting moments where someone had an amazing lesson during practical teaching and as a peer classmate to this person, you could not help but feel overcome with joy. There were also moments where we took a break to watch 15 monkeys run across the road and stop traffic and climb on the roofs of the building and through the trees. Costa Rica was an overall enriching experience and I do not regret taking this class in Manuel Antonio with Karen and my class mates! Pura vida!

Getting my TEFL certificate has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my life. The skills I have learned are truly invaluable and will help me be an effective teacher for the rest of my life. The 4 weeks I spent in Costa Rica were some of the best weeks of my life. There is a lot of work but it is totally manageable and the instructors are there for you every step of the way. If you need anything at all, big or small, the staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience possible. I am so grateful to Maximo Nivel for everything they have done for me!

I came to Maximo Nivel with an idea of what it would be like. Luckily for me, it was nothing like what I had imagined. Instead, I learned exciting new techniques to teaching English as a foreign language that will truly transform my approach to teaching. I am so glad I found TEFL at Maximo Nivel!

To say that I loved the program is an understatement. I wanted to travel with a purpose, and thanks to this program, I did just that. It was intimidating at first to travel alone, but I overcame my fears and had the time of my life in a wonderful place with wonderful people! I would highly recommend this program to anyone. I definitely had the best instructor of all time!

My experience obtaining my TEFL certification at Maximo Nivel Costa Rica in the summer of July 2019 will forever be a defining moment in my life. I am 58 years old and have had a long and successful career in the financial services industry, however this certification obtained in one month has been one of the best investments in self. The benefits are far reaching and have opened a whole new world of infinite possibilities for me. Possibilities that allow me to share my new skills, be part of someone’s journey to improving themselves while allowing me the opportunity to travel and explore countries and cultures around the world. The programme was well structured and professionally managed. However it was no walk in the park. The flow was rigorous and demanding at times but allowed for very active and fun filled sessions that kept the learners engaged. I have been privileged to be tutored by a team of “dream trainers”. The amazing Karen Wilke and Courtney Miville. Karen our lead trainer brought a passion and excitement to every session. Her love and commitment to her vocation was evident and overflowed during her interactions with her students. Courtney exuded an open and encouraging style and was always there to provide the reassurance and support with her beautiful smile. The administrative support team of Kate, Karen and Natalie worked tirelessly completing all our hand outs and support materials required in a very professional and courteous manner. They were always willing to go the extra mile. My programme colleagues and I include my trainers in this group have embodied what I consider to be all the things that are right in this world. Never have I interacted with a group of people representing all ages, nationalities and genders that demonstrated such a strong sense of camaraderie and connection that was almost palpable from inception. The virtues of care for the well-being of each other, kindness, compassion, unconditional love and unwavering support to ensure we all succeed together were readily displayed throughout the programme. It was therefore apt for us to coin the African word “Ubuntu” which means “I am because we are” and describes a way of living that focuses on love, inclusion and compassion for all. What I know for sure is that my life has certainly been enriched and changed for the better because of my TEFL experience and for that I am eternally grateful. Oh what a beautiful journey!

I can't thank the Máximo staff enough for making those 4 weeks the absolute best :) And while it was an intensive 4 weeks (don't be fooled, getting your TEFL certification is NOT easy), I also made so many amazing friends and grew a confidence I never thought I'd have, all because of this incredible program. Big shout out to Karen, our teacher, for being the best teacher I could have asked for. She was always goofy and made class super fun, but at the same time, I learned more from her than I've ever learned in a whole semester at school. Would recommend this to anyone who even just wants a wonderful, transformative abroad experience!! You don't have to want to be a teacher to get a lot out of the program, but Máximo might turn you into one :)

I am a 32 year old woman with a few years of university professional experience under my belt. I did not need a TEFL certificate, but I was excited about the professional development and alternative doors that could open. This experience was by far one of the the most beautiful surprises - it has changed me (for the better) as a person, professional aside. I grew into a more whole human being through this program, my instructors, and my peers. I am not sure all programs are like this, but there was magic within our group throughout. For starters, this program is intense. There are high expectations and you end up learning SO MUCH. If you are not ready for that, then don't come until you are. You need to have a level of maturity or drive to sustain the intensity. That said, this program attracted people who were ready and wanting this challenge. We were a diverse group in many of our identities, yet we all left our egos at home. We flourished day in and day out - there was no competition within the group, just support, love, and everyone giving it their best selves. I have never felt so good about being myself and confident in who I am when working with a group and I think many of my peers would echo this feeling. This tone was set by our instructors, lead instructor Karen Wilke and support instructor Courtney Miville. These two are literally born to do this work and it shows - they are creative, passionate, wise, fun, and literally give us 200% every day of the week. If you have a chance to work with them, do it. Your life will be better because of this decision. As for the program itself, the Maximo Nivel staff who work in MA are fabulous. They are calm, cool, collected, supportive, and always go out of their way for all of us despite the many demands of their job. The amount of logistics they coordinate behind the scenes paired with the needs of all their students in real-time, is astounding. I suppose the astounding part is you would never know. They don't complain and they are so top-notch and calm. I do not usually review, but I couldn't not review this experience. Thank you, Kayleen

I had such an amazing time during my two weeks in Manuel Antonio because I took the hybrid course. Audra who was my trainer was more than capable and fun to teach the course. the feedback I received was accurate and on time all the time. It was everything that I expected and more. It was challenging and I definitely learned a lot. Thanks to Maximo for being so helpful and friendly. They took care of all my needs while I was there. It was really fun and I would do it again in a heart beat

The Maximo TEFL experience in Manuel Antonio was awesome. Just a month ago, had an English teaching job come my way, I would not have taken it knowing I had no idea what I was doing; After TEFL I now feel excited and confident to use my newfound skills and resources to jump on such an opportunity. I have my instructor's and the program's backing to verify my skills and recommend me, as well as contacts with my fellow graduated TEFLers to ask for assistance and advice. During the program we supported each other 100%. Particularly, practical teaching week was challenging; but we all worked hard and celebrated each others individual successes. You can do TEFL on-line, and I am sure you'll get the skills, but I recommend doing it at one of the Maximo locations. We had so many adventures in and out of the classroom; the sum of it made us English teachers and friends.

From exploring the jungle to experiencing the culture and meeting many new people, these last four weeks have been incredible. I came into this program somewhat blinded and hoped for the best. I quit my job back home in order to travel and the TEFL Certification was the first stop along the way. The little expectation I did have was completely blown out of the water. I have enjoyed every bit of the experience here in Manuel Antonio. Audra is a magnificent TEFL Trainer as well as a good-hearted person. Yes, these days in the classroom are intensive, (don't underestimate these comments) but Audra is not your average teacher. She brings her dynamic personality every day and it allows for easy engagement in every lesson. I never saw myself as a teacher, but I thought why not try it. Now, I can confidently say that I have the knowledge to do so and I can't wait to teach more. I am thankful for the key Maximo has provided me to unlock more opportunities in other's lives.

I got my TEFL certification in Manuel Antonio with Audra Wooldridge and it was an amazing experience. If you are taking this program be prepared to work but also be prepared to learn and have some fun along the way doing it. The program is very intensive but also very effective, by the end I truly felt prepared to teach wherever my path takes me. Audra had a way of making the course quite fun as well and I’m sure other TEFL trainers will be similar, I cannot count how many times I heard or saw either myself or my fellow TEFLers smile or laugh. A couple of suggestion is first to bring a laptop, you will for sure need one as otherwise you’ll have to do all your work at Maximo Nivel when with a laptop you could be working anywhere you felt like. Also don’t be afraid to have fun, the program is very intensive but don’t let that keep you from having fun on the weekends or evenings every now and again, Manuel Antonio/Quepos have a lot of fun things to do, don’t miss out on them completely!

I took the TEFL/TESOL course in Manuel Antonio and finished May 2019. Audra Wooldridge, the TEFL trainer, is an amazing teacher. It was mostly because of her very specific and thorough feedback that I learned as much as I did. As a non-native speaker with no previous experience as a teacher, there was a lot to learn in four weeks. It's a very intense course, you must be willing to work hard! But the course is set out perfectly: There is a very clear and dynamic schedule with deadlines every week and a week of practical teaching at the end. It was a great experience to study at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio. I'm definitely going to miss studying with an amazing view every day and having the best food waiting for me at my host family every night!

Five years ago I visited Costa Rica for the first time and fell in love! If someone could have seen the future and told me that in five years, I would be divorced and moving to Costa Rica to live, I would have found myself in shock and disbelief. It has been a life long dream to escape the cold of Canada and now I am living my dream! If you are considering TEFL certification at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, just do it! It's an awesome experience. The course exceeded my expectations in every way. My trainer Audra was awesome and truly inspiring, the school had a warm atmosphere and the staff was supportive and kind.

I am a certified teacher from the United States. I lead a group of high school students to Costa Rica and fell in love with the country. I have a passion for education and learning so I was interested in the program. In the program I learned effective methods for teaching adult English learners. Some of the methodologies are different so I started to discern if I wanted to finish. The staff is amazing and our instructor, Audra Wooldridge, is very passionate. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me more than I can possibly describe and was life changing. Also, Manuel Antonio and Quepos are very nice places. I am from Michigan and not familiar to public transportation. The bus system in Quepos is very efficient and the people are very friendly. I was also nervous about my basic level of Spanish. The locals are very kind and many places even accept US currency. Costa Rica is beautiful but this course is designed to help adult English learners. Do not signup if you are not committed to the students. I have taught many different ages and this was my first time with adults. The students at Maximo Nivel are some of the sweetest students I have ever met. The only confusion I had was I went through another company which lead me to Maximo Nivel. I got the companies confused initially and I thought it was all one company.

My month in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica has been amazing! I absolutely adored my host family, the support staff and my incredible director, Audra Wooldridge. She´s an absolute queen. Although I was already a certified teacher when I arrived here, I feel way more comfortable now in my new and improved teaching style. I learned invaluable classroom management skills and I would recommend the course to ANYONE who is interested in teaching English. Bring a laptop! I survived without one, but it would have been way easier with one.

This was my first time studying abroad, and I'm really glad I went through Maximo Nivel to complete my TEFL certification. From the initial communication, to the course material, to the job finding assistance, I felt that it was a complete and personalized experience. The school is located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, a 10-minute bus ride from gorgeous beaches. In the surrounding area are shops and great restaurants to choose from. My program included housing with an authentic Costa Rican family, which meant that I had support getting to the know the area and culture. My favorite part of the TEFL course was actually getting hands-on training by teaching real students for my last week. By the time I was done, I had 2 job offers, so my intensive 4-work course helped me to get to the next adventure in my life!

Overall this was a great experience that can be so beneficial for anyone with an open mindset. The location is amazing, the staff was extremely helpful, and my teacher was absolutely inspiring. If you don't know any Spanish I would recommend getting a private apartment through MAXIMO NIVEL because the host families don't know any English.

I went to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica to get my TEFL, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. My professor was Audra Wooldridge who is such a brilliant, energetic, and compassionate human. She made the long classes a lot of fun, and she had such a strong passion for what she was doing. I cannot wait to teach English professionally and inspire my students the way she has inspired me. If you are thinking about doing your TEFL in Manuel Antonio, please do it. You will not find another teacher like Audra, and the culture of Manuel Antonio was welcoming and all around beautiful. I will never forget my afternoons at the beach and sunsets with new friends.

I've just completed my month long TEFL course with Máximo Nivel and it was nothing short of an incredible experience. Audra, the TEFL teacher, is a terrific teacher and an overall joyful person. She really made the intensive course doable by balancing encouragement and praise with necessary pressure and constructive criticisms. The course was definitely a lot of work so I don't recommend it to someone who is just looking for a vacation. However, if you're serious about teaching, it's perfect and you will learn a ton! The Manuel Antonio location is perfect as well. You can spend some of the free time you have on the beautiful beaches or do weekend trips to nearby towns. I did this course as a gap-year student and I highly recommend it to other students as well. It introduced me an amazing new career path that I look forward to pursuing in the future. I would recommend to anyone planning to take the course to spend a week or two in Manuel Antonio before or after the course to be able to see all of what the amazing location has to offer while you're not focused on lesson planning or writing a grammar paper ;)

This was an awesome, enriching experience! Location is beautiful, the course is super intensive, but liked the format as it made me fully engaged with the TEFL training. Thank you Maximo team you are the best;)

I just finished with this course and it was fantastic. TEFL Trainer, Audra is an absolute joy! Manual Antonio is not a bad place to have a backdrop either, incredible beaches, friendly people and lots to do! If you are debating this program, just do it, so worth the month and you have a blast doing it. Get certified and travel the world!!

From the classroom you view the ocean and the rainforest...and then to step into the learning environment is even better. This is an intense course! But, if you put in the time and energy you will emerge a new practitioner of English Language ! I highly recommend this course and Trainer, Audra... she excels at her craft and makes this 1 month course a joy! Come prepared to learn and be molded!!!

I chose the Maximo Nivel program in Manuel Antonio because of a Facebook recommendation that said the instructor is AWESOME. (The fact that a glorious beach is just a 10-minute, 56-cent bus ride away didn't hurt.) And the instructor IS awesome -- Audra Wooldridge may be the best instructor I've ever been lucky enough to learn from in my life! Audra teaches TEFLers by expertly using the techniques that we'll use on our own future students, so we were able to experience first-hand how effective they are. Plus she is energetic and witty ... every day was exciting. I finished the program 1 week ago, have had 3 job interviews, and feel confident that at least 1 solid job offer will be made. If you're wondering whether the TEFL certificate is a worthwhile, I say it absolutely is -- esp if you train with Audra at Maximo Nivel!

I set out to participate in this program for years and years, however I never got a chance. Finally this year, I took the leap and made it here. Let me tell you, I am so glad that I did! This has been a life changing experience not to mention the adventure of being in Costa Rica. Audra is a phenomenal trainer. She is supportive, fun, energetic and knowledgeable.

Taking TEFL through Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio was amazing! Audra is an excellent trainer and all of the other staff are extremely helpful and knowledgable. I had a great time and I'm so glad I decided to do this course.

This TEFL course was one of the best experiences I've ever had! There was a lot of work throughout the course in such little time, but Audra made the class very engaging and sometimes made me and my other classmates how much work we were doing. The month I was with my classmates was amazing and I made so many amazing connections with them. Practical teaching week helped me realize that teaching adults is something I really want to do and was very excited to start. I have not been teaching for a month and Audra completely prepared for it and any other teaching jobs that are in my future.

Not only did this course have an AMAZING teacher - Audra was extremely engaging and made classes interesting and entertaining, it had a beautiful view and the location was filled with kind faces and really made me me feel at home. Although at some points the course got intense, Audra did a great job affirming and pushing students to achieve their best results. I left the course feeling not only confident in my teaching, but prepared and excited to continue on my teaching journey within the ESL classroom. I am currently utilizing my certification and this course prepared me for my own classroom in more ways than I could’ve imagined.

This course was beyond wonderful! As other people said, there is a lot of work that needs to be done however the time flies! The days in the classroom go by so quickly because of how engaging and fun Audra is as an instructor. Also the practical teaching completely changed my perspective on teaching adults, I didn't realize I would love it so much! I feel completely prepared to teach an ESL classroom after this course

My experience with Maximo Nivel can never be repeated. I happily looked forward to everyday and stayed eager to learn. I went from 0-100 in my 4 weeks, broke out of my shell, became a better teacher and a better person all around. Thanks Audra!

This course was amazing and it’s all thanks to my teacher. She made everyday fun! It is so practical and I felt like all the lessons were useful. This course (and teacher) can take anyone from anywhere from my background and turn them into a teacher in 4 weeks!

The course was wonderful, really interesting and engaging, and Audra is the best! She’s super knowledgeable and just an all around great teacher! Being able to both observe and get some hand on teaching experience really prepared all of us for a future of teaching abroad. Audra has also been incredibly helpful to everyone looking for a job directly after the class. Awesome month!

This class was far more in-depth and effective than I could have ever imagined. While I did get a chance to enjoy the beach and rainforest, this was an intensive course that prepared me to teach English language learners. I already hold a master's degree in education, and I have about a decade's experience working in schools. But this course taught me techniques I've never before even touched upon. Audra is an incredible trainer. Her energy is unmatched, as are her wit and ingenuity. She and her assistant, Nicole, take the time to meet with trainees individually on a regular basis. She was incredibly clear about what she needed from us in terms of our assignments and practical teaching, and more importantly, she knew what we needed to do to best teach our learners. Finally, she made the course fun! If you are having trouble deciding where to get your TEFL certificate, the team at Manuel Antonio is the one to work with. Plus, the view from the school is beautiful (Pacific Ocean and mountains)--a toucan flew right up to me while I was on the school's patio! I can't believe this course was only four weeks long; it was such an immersive experience.

Being surrounded by this beautiful jungle and the friendly locals made all the long hours and hard work worth it! Our TEFL trainer is absolutely amazing and she made sure to make every class fun and exciting.

I had a really goot time in Manuel Antonio. The course isnt easy, and you will spend lots of time doing work on assignments, leason plans, and teaching prep, but it is worth it. The course gives you 2 three day weekends we used to travel, and on other weekends hungout around the town or at the beautiful beaches/natural parks. Our instructor Audra was a blast, and really fun person who kept the class fun, interesting, but also laid back. She understood that this experience is about fun too! Overall, had a great time and will miss Manuel Antonio.

I enrolled in the TEFL course as a way to travel after college. I ended up learning so much from Audra and Maximo Nivel in four, short weeks and now really enjoy teaching! For anyone interested in TEFL certification, this is the place to do it!

This course has been amazing. I learned more in 4 weeks than I ever thought possible and feel like I am on my way to becoming an actual teacher now. The practical teaching experience was invaluable here and I am so thankful for the experience. Audra is pretty great too and makes even grammar week pretty fun.

This four week course was very challenging but so fulfilling. I learned more than I could ever have expected. I feel more prepared now and I'm ready to take this TEFL certification all across the world. I was able to practice what we learned in class with real students! I made connections that will last a lifetime. On top of everything else, I got to live in a little piece of paradise while doing it.

The TEFL course at the Manuel Antonio location was fabulous in every sense of the word. The curriculum, the assignments, observations, etc. are essential to the teaching English experience-- the hands-on approach follows the logic of practice is perfect. The instructor Audra is incredible because she is knowledgeable, dedicated, helpful, extremely available, and fun (you best believe that last descriptor is important during grammar week). When I was doing research on my TEFL program, I wasn't able to find any negative comments, critiques, or criticisms. That's because ''this is the Cadillac of TEFL courses'' [some of Audra's first words to us] and you absolutely get the quality you pay for.

The last four weeks at Maximo Nivel have been some of the best of my life. Not only is Manuel Antonio a beautiful location with amazing people, but it also welcoming and culturally rich. Ticos are warm, friendly, and helpful. Taking the TEFL certification course in a beautiful place only made the experience even more magical. The actual TEFL course was intense, fun, challenging, interesting, and useful. Audra Wooldridge is an amazing teacher and person. She cares for her students and teaches with genuine enthusiasm and passion. It obvious that she is committed to her work and loves her job. The course is a whirlwind and every moment is used wisely. Every lesson, observation, writing assignment, and discussion is purposeful and meaningful. There is no fluff. It's all real. Even having been a high school Spanish teacher, this course has challenged me and taught me so many useful techniques and skills that I am ready to use and implement. Thank you, Audra and Maximo Nivel for making my dreams come true!

Maximo Nivel rocks. When I first came across the opportunity to take the TEFL course in Costa Rica I was sceptical of the overwhelmingly positive comments and almost didn’t take the opportunity. I am so glad I did. The TEFL course was everything I hoped it would be and more. If you have ever wanted to teach English abroad, taking the hands-on TEFL course in Manuel Antonio is the place to do it. The beach is wonderful and a great balance to all of the hard work in store for you. After taking an online TEFL program, I still didn’t have the skill set or confidence to go into a classroom, so I came to Manuel Antonio to learn how to teach. I leave having become a teacher. Audra, the TEFL trainer in Manuel Antonio, is a force to be reckoned with. She definitely won’t sugar coat it to be sure, but she will take you under her wing and failure is not an option. For me, she exemplifies everything it means to be an educator and a mentor. I am also truly blessed to have met 6 amazing people that I hope will prove to be life long friends. Forged in the heat of an intensive 4-week training program, we have learned more about each other than most people do in decades. They are now family and I wish them all the best as they follow their passions. I am so excited about the possibilities going forward. The world is truly my oyster.

Taking this TEFL certification course has been one of the best decisions I've ever made! I have met so many wonderful people and have gotten to enjoy the nature and beauty of Costa Rica. My classmates and I worked very hard through the entirety of the course, but it was so worth it. Big thanks to our amazing instructor Audra - she made the course (even classes about grammar) so exciting and interesting for all of us. I'm looking forward to using this certification in the near future after graduating college! If you've EVER wanted to learn to teach English, this is the place to do it!!!

I loved my time here in Manuel Antonio. Maximo Nivel exceeded my expectations in every way. This course is challenging and so worth it! Audra makes it really engaging and she is by far one of the best teachers I have ever had. If you are on the fence about whether or not to take this course, do it! I am SO glad I did and I'm starting my new job in San Jose because of it!

Loved my experience at Maximo Nivel, Costa Rica! I am sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful staff who work there, you are all darlings. Even though I couldn´t speak a lick of Spanish and came not really knowing what I was letting myself in for, everyone was very patient with me and accommodating. The host family experience was fantastic, I´ll definitely miss them a lot! Staying with a local family made my experience in Costa Rica so special and taught me a lot about Latino culture. Overall I can´t fault Maximo Nivel for their professionalism, positive attitude and enthusiasm about what they do. Would recommend to anyone looking to do a TEFL course for sure. God bless you Audra, you´re an inspiration to us all. Hope to see you all again sometime soon! Pura Vida Hombres.

The whole process has been a life changing experience for me. I have learned completely new skill sets that have challenged what I have learned and executed over my teaching career. Even with my language training in English, Latin, and Spanish, I have learned new information regarding grammar and certainly new techniques to teach second language learners the most efficiently. I look forward to attending class every day as my instructors personality, passion, and knowledge drove the class forward. I could not ask for a better experience.

This is a difficult course, but it is one of the most rewarding experience's of my life. Other programs don't have this level of practical, real-life experience, and other programs don't have Audra Wooldridge teaching you! If you're energetic and devoted, Manuel Antonio is the place for you! Maximo Nivel has been such a pleasure, and a privilege.

Are you thinking about enrolling in the TEFEL Certification Course offered by Máximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio? I just completed the 4 week course (July 2018) and I give it my absolute highest recommendation! The lead instructor, Audra Wooldridge, is a fabulous teacher. She is very strong on content (you will learn A LOT and work hard!) and brings her engaging, dynamic, and fun personality to class each day. With her guidance and enthusiasm, our group of 12 developed a unique group chemistry that helped all of us work together and learn from one another. Audra is supported by a very competent and friendly staff at Máximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio. In addition, the support we received from New York based Yvonne prior to our trip was first rate!

I just recently completed the course with Audra. Be prepared for a challenging bit of work but Audra does a great job in making the month super enjoyable with her fierce personality! She's lots of fun! TEFL is an unconventional way of teaching, as most of your learners do not speak English, so be prepared to learn a new and invaluable skill. Once you've completed it, you'll feel so accomplished! I feel fully renewed with purpose. Maximo Nivel is already helping me get started teaching. Many of my classmates have gotten employed by Maximo Nivel, so there are a lot of opportunities for immediate job placement after the course. The accommodation was great, I had absolutely no complaints on my trip. Which was amazing! Quepos/Manuel Antonio is a beautiful tropical town all about Pura Vida! So you'll have a great time, just as I did. Do not second guess, take this course if you're looking for an unconventional change that has lucrative possibilities for your future (travel and make money travel and make money!) What more do you need?!

I' ve never been to Costa Rica so i was really looking forward to coming here and of course to start my TEFL Certification program! your TEFL trainer and everybody on staff are really amazing! You can always approach them if you're having trouble and they'll take the time to talk to you. You will get overwhelmed at some point or another but your trainer, who's your counselor, mentor and "pep talking coach" all rolled into one will have your back and get you back up!

My favorite part about this program is how much the TEFL instructor Audra cares about her students (not to mention her unwavering optimism). Despite how busy she is, she makes time for her students - both current and alumni. When Audra learned I was interested in teaching in Spain, she got me in contact with one of her previous students who is currently teaching there. When I applied for a job in Spain, she happily wrote me a specialized, second letter of recommendation. Now, I'm planning on moving to Spain in three months! I'm so excited and grateful to have such an opportunity, and I wouldn't be in a position to pursue this dream if it weren't for Audra and Maximo Nivel. Thank you!

I contacted Maximo Nivel and chose to complete my TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and I was thoroughly pleased with the professional nature of the language school. They made the process easy to follow and arranged a driver to pick me up from the airport, a host family for my night in San Jose, a driver to take me to the bus station and another host family when I arrived in Quepos who picked me up from the bus station. When we arrived at Maximo Nivel for the first time, we received the biggest, most genuine greeting from the office staff and our teacher. My class spent four weeks together learning everything about the English language our teacher Audra always knew when we were feeling a little drained and would re-engage us with hilarious stories. She constantly asked us questions and gave us examples and suggestions for our future classrooms based on her many years of experience teaching the TEFL program as well as her experience in teaching English to native Spanish speakers. Myself and many of my TEFL classmates left Maximo Nivel with a teaching contract for six to twelve months. I would highly recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone who is looking for a career, location or life change.

Choosing Maximo Nivel for my TEFL certification was one of the best choices I have ever made. The live chat from their website was super helpful in answering all my questions and I felt totally comfortable and easy travelling to Manuel Antonio. The course was great and my TEFL instructor Audra made it fun and fresh! I can{t wait to put my TEFL certification to use!

I had the choice between taking this course in Tucson, Arizona and Costa Rica. I'm soooooo glad I chose this location. The view is gorgeous and the staff is even more beautiful... But really, they are all extremely helpful and attentive through the entire process. The course is professional and difficult, but you will have a ton of fun during the process. You will love your time here and never want to leave, I promise!

I loved every minute of my TEFL course in Maximo Nivel, Manuel Antonio. My teacher, Audra, was vibrant and so helpful throughout the entire course. I loved the people working at Maximo Nivel too as well as my fellow TEFLers.

Coming into this program was really different from what I had imagined. A packed curriculum and high expectations for 4 weeks made me think of a daunting study environment. But it was quite the opposite. The caring staff at Maximo, partnered with a skilled and fun teacher and very concrete goals made this experience very enjoyable. The workload is significant, yet the journey is pleasant with the right company, which I believe Maximo has accomplished in their Manuel Antonio Institute. It helps to be by the beach, though I can´t say I got to see it that often. Audra is really talented as a teacher and interesting as a person. I recommend it!

I have nothing, but wonderful things to say about Maximo Nivel's TEFL Certification course located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Amazing people, amazing atmosphere, and so helpful on my educational journey as a teacher!

I thoroughly enjoyed my tefl course. My teacher, Audra, made it 100x better than I ever thought it could be. Maximo Nivel is a great company! I had a wonderful time and I feel very competent to conquer a classroom after this course.

First off, this course was incredibly well laid out. At the beginning, it seemed overwhelming, but the way that the curriculum approached everything that needed to be taught in the short amount of time that we had was so spot on. I feel very fortunate that I chose to take this course! Our instructor, Audra, is an expert at what she teaches and loves what she does (which made us love learning that much more). I am thankful I took this course with Maximo Nivel and feel prepared to take on whatever is next for me with TEFL/TESOL!

When I arrived at Maximo nivel Manuel Antonio, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the information and school hours and had second thoughts about being able to finish it. After all, I was not used to a day time agenda and following instructions or speaking in public. My TEFL teacher, Audra, has an wonderful personality ! Besides her dedication and professionalism with her student's both in class and out. She always has time for us! I would say Audra, and all the staff at the institute did a great job everyday pushing me forward with their warm smiles and positive advise and support. The coffee also helped, hehe! Thank you so much ladies for helping me accomplish the course! It was a lot of work, a lot of fun, and worth every penny :) Highly recommended! I feel confident to stand in front of a class and teach English. Audra you're the best!

Taking the TEFL certification in Manuel Antonio has been a wonderful (but emotional) experience. After tons of research, I picked Maximo Nivel as my school and I cannot express how happy with the decision. I would highly suggest taking it in class instead of online. Audra is an AWESOME teacher! Her energy and enthusiasm made learning even the most mundane lessons interesting and relatable. She really knows what she is doing. Going in to the class I had no idea how it would be possible to teach someone English without knowing their native language. Now, I can honestly say I feel prepared to go out into the world and teach English. I would recommend TEFL at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio to anyone considering TEFL!!

My TEFL experience with Maximo Nivel has been a once in a lifetime experience. Led by our fabulous instructor Audra, we were directed through a highly demanding course with enthusiasm, positivity and a genuine desire to help her students, which made us even more eager to do our best! Her commitment to assisting us with feedback and lesson planning was superb and she was always willing to speak via email or in person if we ever needed her. I can honestly say that doing the TEFL course with Maximo has given me new skills for life and although intensive it is worth every second.

I did an online TEFL course with Maximo Nivel Costa Rica. I also enrolled in a Teaching Business English Course that was never held. The communication was terrible for both courses. My online teacher was distant and hard to reach. She was slow to respond to emails and provide feedback. And the business course was cancelled on me one day prior to the course when I already had made all of my travel arrangements. A total disappointment and very unprofessional. A complete disregard for people's time and schedules. Upper mangement is great, they offered to refund my nonrefundable hostel fees. However, the class of people that they hire for you to be in direct contact with is completely lacking competence. I would not recommend this program. It's a shame there are no competitors in Costa Rica for me to study with.

I had a really great experience with TEFL at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. My teacher really made the course fun and entertaining. I thought the practical teaching week was really helpful to actually see what teaching in a classroom is like and to get comfortable with it.

Can't recommend this course enough. The staff were incredibly helpful, our Trainer Audra was amazing, being professional, knowledgeable and supportive whilst also being funny, full of energy and just generally fun to spend 4 weeks with. I met a lot of really awesome people whilst here, created some very strong bonds in a surprisingly short time in some very beautiful natural surroundings. I was truly sad when the whole process came to an end.

I recently spent a month getting my TEFL certificate at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and loved every bit of it. Across the board from the quality of the Instructor to the classrooms themselves everything was wonderful! I recommend highly!

Had a blast getting my tefl at Manuel Antonio. Audra is by far the best teacher I have EVER had. She somehow made grammar fun. I learned so much and can’t wait to start my teaching career. Would 100% recommend doing this course.

Yo this program was awesome. By far the most productive educational experience of my life. Audra is the greatest instructor of all time. Perfect way to start my professional career in teaching English.

I took the TEFL Certification program at the Maximo Nivel Manuel Antonio and I am so so so happy with my decision to come here. I learned SO much in four weeks and Audra was an amazing instructor! I am just so impressed with the program, and I feel so prepared to take on the ESL world.

Audra and Laura were the best!! Their course was impeccably organized, and they are incredibly fun to have in class. I can't recommend this course enough to anyone. After going through their course, I felt very confident in my ability to teach English.

No matter if you are already a trained teacher or just discovered your inner teacher, allow yourself this 4 week course with Maximo Nivel. It's intense, inspiring and simply fantastic. The staff here in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica are extremely professional an will give you a warm welcome, and help you with everything you need. Don't miss the opportunity of having Audra Wooldridge as your TEFL trainer and mentor - 4 week with her is an adventure in itself. I would never have thought that English grammar could be so much fun:) She is by far the best teacher I have ever had - thank you for 4 amazing weeks.

I didn't have many expectations coming into this course, but I definitely enjoyed it! It was such an awesome experience and I already feel like I'm a real teacher! I would absolutely recommend, especially here in Manuel Antonio because Audra makes the whole experience 100x better!

I did not know what to expect when I first signed up for TEFL. I was initially going to take my certification course online but decided to look at options for in person training in a foreign country. Maximo in Manuel Antonio was really great experience. Audra the instructor is excellent and puts so in work! Everyday provides a new set of challenges, all with the view of the ocean off the back terrace. I learned a great deal with people who genuinely cared. Thank you Maximo!

This was a wonderful TEFL certification course. I had no idea what to expect, but I can tell you that this course was far more engaging and hands-on than most of the courses I ever took at a university. Our teacher Audra was amazing!! She helped make everyone feel comfortable right away and created a great learning environment. You will never have a dull moment with Audra. She also is of course a great teacher, and is always willing to go out of her way to help you with anything you need! You will have many opportunities to observe real classes, and teach your own! You will leave with many new friends from the program, as well as meet wonderful people from the community. I am so happy I chose Maximo Nivel.

As someone who didn't learn English as a first language, I have to say that the experience was wonderful. I didn’t come to Costa Rica to enjoy the beaches and warm climate. In fact, I moved here to help my family so when I heard about the TEFL course I had no idea what it actually was. I decided on a whim to do the classes, however I never thought it would be this good. The teacher, Audra, is a wonderful person that not only teaches with enthusiasm but also understands their students. I would recommend this course to anyone that aspires to become an English teacher at some point.

From the moment I arrived, everyone at Maximo has made me feel comfortable and welcome. The TEFL course was structured well and I left feeling confident in my abilities as an English teacher. Audra is an incredible instructor! She truly cares about each of her students and is always available for questions and advice. It was worth every penny to have the hands on practical teaching experience no feedback in the beautiful Manuel, Antonio! If you are thinking about TEFL, DO IT!!!!

I had the most incredible experience getting my TEFL/TESOL certificate in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica at COSI. My school had a warm atmosphere and all of the staff was supportive and kind. My teacher was the most delightful and helpful person, and made the experience that much better. The beach was only a 5 minute bus ride from school, and was a perfect get away whenever I needed it. Although the course moved quickly, I never felt like I didn't have proper guidance. Finding the "balance" of work and life was an additional valuable lesson I learned along the way. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity, and I encourage anyone interested in this journey to use Maximo Nivel!

I walked into this program having no idea if this was going to be for me or not. After meeting Audra and observing her teaching style, I realized, this may not be so bad. Her upbeat nature was naturally encouraging and the way you are taught here makes things feel super comfortable. These two pieces really switched up my attitude about getting my certificate. It was no longer just about getting it, but about striving for the level of excellence. The way this program is structured, it really motivates you to succeed to your best ability. They truly care about you and you see this in the way they give up their time to help you. Though it is an intense program, it was a wonderful experience and I am glad I had this opportunity. I can only imagine how fun it would be to actually work for them. Maybe one day my journey will bring me back here.

Job placement was helpful, but generally we were re-directed to organizations that work specifically with job placement - still very helpful! The building has a beautiful view. Overall, I would not have wanted to go anywhere else but Maximo! Practical teaching week gives you great exposure to real-life teaching preparation. Our instructor was great and took time to help all students individually. Constant feedback was great for self-motivation and general improvement. I would absolutely recommend Maximo to family and friends.

This course was really well done. It was a perfect blend of fun and hard work. The teacher, Audra Woolridge is a veteran of the industry and has years of experience teaching. Her ability to make teaching fun and inviting was inspiring. The most interesting part of the course was how we were taught. It was the same way we will teach English to new English learners, so it was great to experience that style first hand and see how successful it can be.

Hands down, one of the best experiences I have had. Audra is an AMAZING teacher!! She is so passionate about what she is teaching and it is incredibly contagious. I came into this program with very little confidence in being an English teacher. As I sit here writing this review a month later ... I feel like I am ready to take on the world and pursue a TEFL career with confidence and excitement! I HIGHLY recommend this program if you are looking to be a TEFL teacher. If you are on the fence about it all (like I was when I started), I guarantee you that your mind will change by the time you finish the program. A huge thank you to Audra and Maximo Nivel for a truly unforgettable experience! You guys are AMAZING!

I had just graduated from college in May and knew I wanted to teach English abroad. There were so many programs and places to choose from and I felt overwhelmed, until I got in contact with Maximo Nivel. From the moment I chose this program they have been nothing but wonderful. They responded to my ridiculous email questions that same day, provided me with all the necessary information before I arrived, picked me up from the airport, bought my bus tickets and made sure I was safe at my living destination all before class even started. The month I lived in Costa Rica truly changed my life. I know that people say that all the time, but it really was an experience I will never forget. My teacher, Audra, somehow made hours in the classroom learning about grammar extremely fun, AND I gained the confidence and knowledge to become an English teacher. The skills and strategies that I learned throughout this TEFL course are skills that are going to benefit me professionally as well as personally. It was definitely 110% worth every minute, dollar, and travel minute. If someone were to ask me about teaching abroad, I would recommend Maximo Nivel instantly.

Audra was amazing throughout our program, and very passionate about her job. She was more than happy to help all of us find jobs at the end of the program. I had a great time during the program and am now good friends with many people I studied with. Would recommend 100%.

I can't say enough positive things about Audra and the rest of the Maximo Nivel staff. Even though this course is short and sweet, I feel that I am leaving with the skills to command my own classroom. Audra worked tirelessly to help each student, and provided in-depth feedback in an engaging manner. I recently accepted a teaching job in Latin America thanks to this program! I highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering TEFL!

By far, this was one of the best experiences ever! In just one month, I learned so much about teaching English, how I can help others succeed, how this certificate benefits, and I also learned a ton about myself. Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica was everything I expected and more! It was literally paradise. Audra and Laura are AMAZING! They're always willing to help no matter what. Audra is also such a great trainer! When I first arrived, I was like, "how in the world am I going to learn to teach when I've never taught in my life?" Now, I feel so prepared, it's like I've been doing it for a while. And it was all thanks to Maximo Nivel COSI, Audra, and Laura! Thank y'all so much for changing my life! I definitely recommend this program to anyone. It will be one of the best decisions ever made! =)

So why would you want to do TEFL at Maximo Nivel Costa Rica. Well, the better question would be why you wouldn't want to and I would say this for several reasons. The teachers are great, it gets you actively teaching pretty quickly so you get that practical experience straight off the bat. Also, the way the class is set up, you get to know your fellow students pretty quickly, which is great as you spend a lot of time together. This experience is so much more than just a course. It makes you question yourself, what you are capable of and what you really want out of life. If anything, you get to be in the beautiful location of Manuel Antonio for 4 weeks and I have to say it’s a great place to be! So for me, all that’s left to ask yourself is why am I not there already!

This course was amazing! Audra & Laura are great teachers, they make learning fun & easy to understand. The course is a little intensive & will keep you busy but it is very rewarding & in a great location! Also the staff at the institute are so helpful and great.

My experience has been incredible and I would absolutely recommend this course and location to anyone who may be interested. Audra is a tremendously gifted educator, and a frankly wonderful human being. I am very well prepared to effectively teach our wonderfully complicated language to anyone who may want to learn it. The course itself is no walk in the park, but the delightful manner in which the material is presented makes four weeks of intense study fly by. Just do it!

I will definitely vouch for the fact that class was very fun, and full of content and information. I was able to get up there and teach and the students were really learning! This program will inspire you to push your limits!

One thing this program does not advertise enough is the beautiful scenery around you while you are learning about TEFL. That being said, the quality and content of the class was superb! The instructors do such an amazing job making sure that everyone in their class comes out of this program as the best possible TEFL teacher they can be. 4 weeks is not a long time to learn something, so this course is no walk on the beach (although you will still have time to do this), but they are able to squeeze in the perfect amount of content while you are living in paradise and enjoying it. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in teaching TEFL.

This course was very in depth, intense, and definitely prepares its students well to able to teach English as a second language! The instructor and staff were always very kind, helpful, and attentive!

I'm a certified elementary teacher in the United States, so when I tell you that this is the best teacher training EVER I know what I'm talking about. From the incredible host family accommodations Maximo Nivel found for me, to the facility in Manuel Antonio and all of the incredibly helpful, kind people working there; from the Teaching English books and the TEFL Manual, to the dynamic, experienced, talented trainer (shout out to the Amazing Audra!), my experience with Maximo Nivel and their TEFL training program was EXCELLENT!!! If you're looking for a TEFL Certification program, look no more...this is IT!

I had an amazing experience at Maximo Nivel! I took the native Spanish program and I took the TEFL program with Audra. Audra was an amazing teacher who made the course tons of fun! I'm very glad I chose Maximo Nivel Costa Rica!!

Deciding to get my TEFL certification in Manuel Antonio was one of the best decisions I have had in a while. The program was harder than I expected, but I really enjoyed it regardless. Audra makes learning the content that would normally feel really dry, fun and exciting. We definitely laughed every day in class and had a beautiful teasing view of the ocean. The practical teaching week was the best because we actually got to teach local students and develop relationships. Feedback was given promptly and Laura was great to have as support. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation while getting your TEFL certification, think twice, but it will be a very rewarding experience if you decide to do it. The staff in Manuel Antonio is superb. Everyone was extremely helpful and approachable. If you want to get your TEFL certification while in a beautiful place, I highly recommend this place. PS: that picture was legit taken from the building you'd be taking classes in.

This is no joke! It is a hard class. However, that doesn't mean you can't have a blast! I have learned so much and such a great time. Audra and Laura are great and really care about you. They make what could be a super boring course into a great experience.

Receiving my TEFL Certification through Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio was one of the most enriching, rewarding, amazing experiences of my life! I had an absolute blast every single day in my class and went from zero knowledge on how to teach English to teaching hour long lessons in four short weeks. Audra is an absolutely FIRE instructor - she is always at the top of her game and will do anything to help her students and inspired all of us to make the most of our teaching careers. She gives positive and improvement feedback after every lesson and really wants to help her students grow to be the best they can be. I also had an amazing experience with my host family in MA and wouldn't have changed a single thing about this experience. It was magical.

This a great TEFL program in Manuel Antonio, CR. Audra, the instructor, is phenomenal at her craft and makes the hours of classroom engagement enjoyable. The school sit atop a mountain and your views of the Pacific Ocean from the classroom are spectacular (and make it somewhat difficult to focus :)). I have to stay that the information provided by the company prior to arriving in CR was pitiful. I literally had to call and email several times to get answers to simple logistical questions, i.e., what is the address of my apartment (never did get that answer). The "provided" living arrangements are hit or miss (there seems to be no real standard for this). Prior to signing up I asked for information about my apartment and was provided with such. My apartment had everything that I was promised. Sadly, others did not ask for this information and their apartments were lacking air conditioning, hot water, etc. Like anything else you must do your due diligence but overall I would do this program again!

Maximo Nivel was above and beyond what I expected. At first the program was very helpful in answering all of my questions during the on board process. Once I arrived in Quepos the host family I was paired with was a perfect fit. Maximo Nivel has done their due diligence in choosing these families. The real reason that this program was so amazing was because of the amazing teacher I had. Audra was a flawless. In a multi-cultural filled class of students wanting to learn how to become TEFL teachers, she was able to identify our strengths and play on them. Each day I was excited to show up to see what I was going to learn next. She gave constructive criticism when needed but most of all made this whole experience amazing. Easily one of if not my favorite teachers ever. Going forward as a TEFL graduate from Maximo Nivel, I have no doubt that this was the right move for me. So if you have any doubts, whether it be the length of the course or the cost, throw them out the window and take a chance. This was hands down the best move I have ever made in my adult life and hope that this helps anyone who is on the fence about doing the onsite one month program. The only thing you can never waste your money on is traveling. Having this amazing course under my belt now is proof of that.

This is a very intense but rewarding program. Our days were packed with interesting lectures, observations and HOMEWORK! The staff at Maximo are extremely supportive and work hard to ensure you make the most of your experience. Quepos and Manuel Antonio are beautiful cities that you must TAKE time to enjoy. The people are very friendly and the area is full of culture. And my host mom, Miriam, was the best! Her welcoming spirit and her fabulous cooking. Pura vida

I recently took the TEFL certification course in Manual Antonio. Not only is the school located on top of "the hill" it has a magnificent view of the Pacific and is filled with numerous helpful people. Great experience but it goes by way too fast. Unforgettable memories were made here. :)

Where to begin? I guess I'll start by saying that going to Máximo has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Tired of the 9-5 grind, I decided to take a leap of faith and venture down to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, to learn how to teach English. I didn't know a single person and you could count the number of Spanish words I knew on one hand... I kept wondering to myself on the flight down, "what the heck am I doing?". However, at this end of this experience I was asking myself "why didn't I decide to do this earlier!?!". Audra and Dani, my awesome trainers, were nothing short of incredible. They taught us all the ins and outs of the classroom and how to most effectively teach English. My classmates were also some of the coolest people I have ever met in my life! It's amazing how much you can transform in 4 weeks, not just as a teacher but as a person. Also, the classroom has an OCEAN VIEW! Not too many places offer that! Anyways, I can honestly say that you will not regret your decision to do this program. It changed me for the better, and there is no amount of money or fame that you could give me in exchange for the experiences I had in Costa Rica both in and outside the classroom. Pura Vida!

I have a teaching license and was teaching English to newcomer adults for about a year before attending this course. However, because my classes were so basic I didn't have much experience teaching grammar, so I decided to take this course. I did the hybrid option (2+ months online, 2 weeks on site). Although I did get support during the online part (and my instructor Audra was very flexible), after participating in the in-class portion I would strongly recommend folks do the full one month program if it's an option, just because Audra is such an amazing teacher and I learned so much more in the in-person class. Unfortunately, as a full-time professional the 1 month program wasn't an option for me, but I also felt that I was able to catch up during the 2 weeks I spent in country. I chose a homestay in order to work on my Spanish and my family was really nice and had delicious food. I'm glad I did it, but think I would have really enjoyed staying at the hostel down the street too. The school itself is beautiful and since our classes were all day (9-4) we got to learn in an air-conditioned room. Getting to school from Quepos was really easy and it was fun to get to know that neighborhood as well as Manuel Antonio. My only regret is that I didn't get to spend much time at the beach because classes were so long and there was quite a bit of homework....but then I'm a bit of an overplanner. ;) Honestly, Audra made the program for me. She's an excellent teacher and very engaging. Seriously, there wasn't a time in class I was bored (and I've a touch of the ADD). She's a gem and Manuel Antonio is so lucky to have her!

I come from a teaching background and so I thought I had a good grasp on what the course would be like, but I was mistaken! Audra was my trainer and she did a really good job taking my core teaching skills and converting them into English (as a language skills). Even though I had been teaching, I learned so much more about teaching English from her and the course itself is absolutely amazing! I had one issue, but that was with the host family. I didn't have a good experience with the host family I was staying with so I wouldn't recommend opting for that, but the rest is 10/10. Plus being walking distance to a beautiful beach isn't half bad either.

I took my TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and absolutely loved it!! This is the best thing I have ever done for myself especially knowing that my opportunities are endless. The school environment was beautiful and my teachers were INCREDIBLE (big thanks to Audra and Danny) Even before arriving to Manuel, Karen was so consistent and very helpful in making this a smooth transition. Thanks so much Maximo!!

I can honestly say that Máximo's class changed my life, both because of the course itself and the experience. While I had some tutoring experience beforehand, I had never had self confidence in my teaching abilities. In this course, not only did I learn strategies and methods that helped me become an effective teacher, but Audra and Dani (my trainers) made me feel empowered as an individual. I couldn't be happier with my experience and I'd recommend this program to anyone who is even remotely interested.

It's my last day of the TEFL course in Costa Rica and it's so bittersweet. The days have been long and hot, but the challenge was so worth it! I've met incredible people and learned so much in such a short time. I can't wait to put my skills to use! My TEFL trainers Audra and Dani were amazing and truly made this experience what it was. They have really inspired me!

The course in Manuel Antonio is taught by two of the best people I have met on this planet. Audra and Dani are two genuine human beings that take their passion for their jobs to a new level. They find a way to connect with everyone on a deep level, and want to see you succeed as much if not more than you do. They believe in you even if you don't believe in yourself, and will help you though anything. Never once did I felt a lack of support or advice. They practice what they preach and create an environment where you are feel comfortable failing. If you pass the class and want a job you will find a job hands down. I got emails from Audra at 9 PM on a Friday night concerning job opportunities. Outside of the classroom they took the time to educate us on Quepos/Manuel Antonio, and how to take advantage of all the best spots. I was terrified to come to a country I barely spoke the language and had no friends in. Now that the month is over I feel shocked at how fast it went and saddened that it is now over. But I will never forget the friends made and the laughs had. This experience has been life changing and will be something I remember long after I forget my name. Life, Love, and TEFL.

There really aren't enough good things I can say about both Audra and Dani. Right off the bat, Audra was incredibly engaging, full of humor and wit, and has an incredible textbook like knowledge of TEFL and grammar. She made roasting in class every day an absolute pleasure. Dani is one of the most patient, kind, and knowledgeable teachers I have encountered. She is full of life and is one of the kindest souls I know. Both Audra and Dani have hearts of gold, and are amazing teachers, TEFL trainers, and human beings.

So, When I decided I wanted to take a TEFL course I look through several groups but Maximo seemed right from all I read. I signed up, quite easily, and got set up to arrive. In just one month Maximo worked my skills and supported me in all ways to teach me this trade and get me ready to travel and make money. Audra, the main TEFL teacher in Manuel Antonio CR, is phenomenal and supportEd all of us every step of the way. The final week I got a job with Maximo in Peru and I leave for there this week. I could not have asked for a better month of education, teaching experience, or FUN! If you're going to do TEFL, Maximo Nivel is the way to go!

I am 63 years old and just graduated from TEFL class in Manuel Antonio. I have lived here in Manuel Antonio by myself and had blast. People over 50 or 60 should not be intimidated. This is a safe place if you use common sense. The course is hard work, you are not just paying Maximo Nivel to print you a certificate, but you have something worthwhile when you finish!

At this very moment when I’m writing my Professional Development Paper just hours before our graduation party and looking at a beautiful Costa Rican sunset I can say that this program was fantastic. It is not easy, you will have to work for it, but thats why you call it an intense course! After completing the TEFL course I am ready to roam the world and teach some English to people all around our planet! Pura Vida!

This was my first ever experience in teaching and it was one hell of a ride. I will never forget the incredible time I've had here at Maximo Nivel. It is a very intense course but so worthwhile! The teachers are absolutely amazing (Audra and Dani I adore you!) and give you so much support along the way. You will make friends for life and skills that will apply to so many jobs, teaching or not. The school is situated in the most beautiful location and has such a friendly atmosphere that you will just fall in love with it and never want to leave. Do this course - you won't regret it!

Great program! Be prepared to work hard and have a lot of fun! The course is very intense but you definitely learn so much and feel totally equipped to teach English when you graduate. The teachers go out of their way to invest in you as a person.

The team at Maximo can't be faulted. They're kind, capable, and heaps of fun to be around! Work hardly seems like work when you're surrounded with people like that, not to mention the beautiful facility you get to spend most of your days in. Prepare to learn all about teaching ESL, learn a few valuable life lessons, and leave a piece of your heart in the beautiful Manuel Antonio

I loved my program in Manuel Antonio. The course was very dense and a lot of work, but I learned so much in only four weeks. My TEFL trainer Audra was a dream and a half and the team even helped me line up a job before I graduated. It is so humid I gotta sweat out all my toxins and then some, but I really enjoyed working with the Maximo Nivel team.

Taking the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The class is a decent amount of work but I learned so much over the course of four weeks and I feel well prepared to teach English to ESL students. The instructor, Audra W. is an amazing teacher and she made every class engaging and fun. I woke up excited to go to class everyday! Every part of this course and living in Costa Rica was a great experience. I strongly recommend getting your TEFL certificate with Maximo Nivel!

Seems you can achieve a lot in 4 weeks. The structure of the course was really clever and got a lot out of us without ever forcing too much on us. There wasn't a single day where I was bored or wanting out. My host family was delightful as well.

Maximo Nivel´s TEFL Certification program has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned so much more than I ever thought I was going to learn here. You will absolutely learn the technical aspects of being a great English teacher, but you will also learn what it really means to connect with your students. Our trainer Audra was hands down the best instructor i´ve had. She makes you feel very comfortable, especially if you have no previous teaching experience. I certainly didn´t and now I feel totally prepared to plan a lesson and teach a class. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone wanting to receive top TEFL training.

I would highly recommend coming to Manuel Antonio to get a TEFL certification. Audra Wooldridge, the instructor is absolutely wonderful and is always available to help. The course is rigorous and prepares you extremely well for the next phase of English teaching. Manuel Antonio is beautiful and my host family allowed me to practice spanish daily. Highly recommend!

This was, hands down, the greatest experience of my entire life. The moment that I stepped foot into Cosi, I felt home. I was greeted by the most amazing staff and the family vibe was contagious. Audra is MAGICAL. By far, the best teacher that I have ever had. I looked forward to class everyday and the bond that was formed between our group members is indescribable. My host family took me in and treated me like I was one of their own. Take a leap of faith and head to Manuel Antonio. Not to mention, you literally live in paradise. PURA VIDA MAE!

Hello everyone! I just completed the TEFL Certification course here at COSI in Manuel Antonio, and I could not have been more pleased and satisfied with the experience. It was pleasure and I have grown close with many of the employees here. The course and school itself exceeded my expectations and I can't express my gratitude for the amount of care, compassion, and effort put forth by everyone at the school! I would very strongly recommend it to anybody. I'm sure you won't be disappointed! (By the way, I am neither an employee nor was I bribed to write this, I simply love this place!)

I just completed my TEFL certification course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and I cannot say enough good things about the experience. This program went above and beyond in meeting my expectations. There is so much support and guidance within the program and it is organized extremely well. I can't imagine having a better experience than I have had with Maximo Nivel.

Dope experience all around!!! Audra was the woman!!! lol and everyone who had a hand in the experience was amazing as well!!!!!!!!!!!!! Manuel Antonio is the perfect spot to go for your tefl certificate if you want to have class with a wonderful view and even better vibes!

I recently completed my TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in pursuing a TEFL certification. Our course instructor, Audra, exceeded my expectations. She genuinely cares about everyone's success, and is a constant source of support throughout the one-month course. Thank you to Audra and Maximo Nivel for a wonderful experience!

This is definitely a challenging course; Maximo Nivel delivers your money's worth. The course is well structured, the venue delightful and the staff is professional, warm and helpful. Their current TEFL instructor, Audra W., knows the material inside and out and is there to support and encourage you 24/7. I couldn't have asked for a better program or more qualified instructor!

I took my TEFL course through Maximo-Nivel Costa Rica. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I met amazing people and Audra our trainer was so wonderful and taught us everything we needed to know to begin working as a TEFL teacher. Audra also assisted me in finding my current job in Antigua, Guatemala. I am so happy with my choice of Maximo-Nivel for my TEFL certification.

TEFL at COSI-Maximo Nivel is one of the best decisions I ever made. My trainer was phenomenal. She kept class up beat, fun and interesting. I never thought that I could learn so much in such a short time. My trainer and the staff's support was incredible. I felt like everything I needed regarding TEFL was just a question away. I give this course a Pass/Excellent and recommend it to any and everyone who is looking for personal/professional development while traveling!!

I spent four weeks in Costa Rica taking the TEFL/TESOL certification program. My instructor, Audra, was focused, talented and motivating. The course was demanding but Audra presented and taught the program in a way that made it fun. She went above and beyond to insure her students left with the confidence and knowledge needed to be a successful teacher.

Where to begin. This has been the most amazing four weeks. Costa Rica is one my favorite countries I've traveled to. It is beyond gorgeous and the humans I've met during the course are downright amazing. The course is intense. You learn so much information in such a short amount of time- but that's what makes it so amazing. I have absorbed an insane amount of knowledge in the last four weeks. Not to mention my instructor is one of my favorite humans I've met in a long time! She's full of energy and fun, and you will never be bored in class. 10/10 would recommend this course. Costa Rica is the dream location as well. You can't go wrong.

I cannot say enough good stuff about the course. It is amazing to think how much I've learned in the past month. In only four weeks, you will transform into a real teacher with an understanding of ESL. The combination of classroom assignments, teaching practice with Costa Ricans, and teaching observations functions as excellent prep for a career of teaching. The instructor, Audra Wooldridge is incredible and really cares about her student's success. It is very clear that she wants us to reach our maximum potential and is willing to do anything to get us there. Aside from demonstrating excellent teaching every day, she knows the material inside out and ensures that her students feel knowledgeable and prepared. 10/10 would recommend. I cannot imagine a more helpful and life changing course or instructor.

Máximo Nivel provides an incredibly comprehensive TEFL/TESOL certification course. The four-week course begins with a really thorough grounding in critical ESL techniques. TEFL trainer Audra Wooldridge is incredibly well-versed in ESL techniques and in the mechanics and details of English grammar. Furthermore, she is an incredible teacher. Not only does she bring massive amounts of energy to the TEFL certification course each day, but she is amazing at teaching English Language Learners. Doing class observations of Audra and other teachers at Máximo helps TEFL students to ground their book learning in a more real context. Another great thing about Máximo's course is how much hands-on learning is required. Before week one ends, teaching has begun, and this is a huge asset. It is through teaching mini-lessons and practical teaching that the bulk of the learning is solidified and Máximo Nivel provides ample opportunity for this hands-on approach. Audra was consistently and constantly available to provide feedback and support at every step in the process-- from lesson planning, to teaching, and applying for jobs.

I have absolutely loved my experience with Maximo Nivel! The course is well structured and the staff are awesome! The TEFL instructor, Audra is an extremely good teacher, she is a pool of knowledge and super supportive throughout the course. TEFL with Maximo Nivel is a good mix of teaching theory, grammar theory and hands on experience. The practical teaching week is a particularly valuable part of the TEFL course, the experience I gained during this week has left me feeling confident and excited to begin my career as an ESL teacher. As the course came to end I was offered a huge amount of support to look for a job, with the support of the Audra and the awesome reputation Maximo Nivel has earned, this has been a quick and painless process. While this is a busy month of study, my classmates and I still had plenty of opportunities to explore this beautiful part of the world in the weekends or after class. The beaches are beautiful and there is an abundance of tours to choose from if you're feeling adventurous! Would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel to anybody wanting to gain an international qualification to travel with!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I signed up for the TEFL course with Maximo Nivel. I am extremely pleased with the program and I feel that it was a great value and a great experience. The teacher, Audra Wooldridge, did a great job of keeping the material and classes engaging, and she managed to challenge us and set the bar high without being discouraging. I would not have wanted an "easy" class. I wanted to be challenged and to learn and grow, and I feel that this course helped me accomplish that. The combination of classroom experience, homework assignments, and practical teaching has given me the confidence to teach students who are at any stage of learning English. I especially appreciated the opportunity to teach Costa Rican students who live in the area. They were a lot of fun to teach, and I am glad that I was able to have a "real-world" teaching experience before applying for a job in Latin America.

The TEFL Certificate program in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was an experience I will never forget. The teachers, students, and volunteers made me feel at home in a country far away from anything I knew. Audra Wooldridge was an inspiration to complete this heavy loaded course. Her encouragement and personality made me want to try my hardest in a course that had much more work than I anticipated. The city of Quepos/Manuel Antonio was such an amazing experience. Though the course is challenging, there is plenty of time to do tours, beach days, and the national park. Manuel Antonio will be somewhere that you will want to go back to for the rest of you life.

I am an English teacher in the USA, and I learned a lot from this TEFL course that I can use back in my "real" job. I plan to use my knowledge from TEFL to assist my English Language Learners (ELL) develop important language skills to help them obtain employment and further their education. Maximo Nivel staff are all very supportive and friendly. The coffee is also really great! We have a beautiful view from the school, and I can't say enough about my positive experience here! I highly recommend this course for anyone with any level of teaching background wanting hands-on experience!

The TEFL certification course in Manuel Antonio is one of the best things I've ever done. There's a good amount of work, but it's totally worth while. By the end of the course I felt super comfortable in the classroom and I owe that to the wonderful instruction of our trainer, Audra. She's fantastic. What I think was the most helpful was the practical teaching experience. Being able to get real experience teaching real students was a great way to really see how much I'd grown as a teacher. It was awesome to put everything I learned into action, and to see the progress I'd made in a real classroom setting. Overall, it was an incredible experience. Thanks Maximo!