Top-Rated TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee

I spent 4 weeks on the TEFL course in Quepos, Costa Rica. This is a relatively intensive course including multiple opportunities for practical teaching and theoretical assignments. This is not a cheap course, but you pay for what you get. Lewis is an excellent instructor. His lessons are high quality, thorough and very engaging. You will not be bored! For the first two weeks our class had only myself and one other, which was not what I had been expecting. However, this allowed for a more personal lesson environment, which was very nice. There are frequent feedback opportunities and the learning curve is appropriate. You are not jettisoned right into full teaching right away. Things build up nicely so that you are fully prepared for full class teaching. There is no stress, But do expect to work hard and dedicate time away from class to prepare for lessons and complete your assignments.

The TEFL course was spectacular - exemplified by the wonderful, supportive teaching of Sean and Christina. The online modules provided a solid foundation that was commemorative and informative. This provided the critical groundwork for a productive two weeks, learning more about TEFL techniques and implementing them in the classroom. Sean and Christina went above and beyond, including modules on job search, English exams and more. Thank you!

Embarking on a career transition in one's sixties can be a daunting yet ultimately fulfilling endeavour, particularly when fueled by a desire for change and a latent passion waiting to be ignited. The shift from a long-standing career in finance, specifically as a Senior Bookkeeper/Accountant, to the realm of Teaching English as a Foreign Language represents a significant departure, driven by burnout and a yearning for a more stimulating and personally rewarding professional path. I found all this, beyond expectation, when I took the TEFL online course. I found the course material to be comprehensive and the manner in which it was presented, made learning so much easier and a lot more fun than one would expect from doing an English teaching course. My personal trainer, Sean Barter, who is stationed in Peru, was immensely patient, extremely helpful and was more than happy to have me listen in on others' classes. The online teachers gave me invaluable advice and during my practical training, Sean guided me through with unstinting advice , not just on the teaching but also how to better use the Zoom platform. This is the best thing I have ever done and I look forward to my new life as an English teacher.

Sean and Christina were welcoming, instructive, flexible, and accommodating. I could not have imagined a better facilitating team. Great people, great teachers, and as we would say in Maine: A1 FINEST KIND! All in all, very enjoyable experience.

If you are looking for an amazing adventure and want to dip your toes into teaching into another country this is the place for you. You will gain lifelong friends and learn a few new things. The food is amazing the staff is helpful and kind. It is safe and fun. Come to Costa Rica!

I had the best experience doing the program with Maximo Nivel. I love how the stuff is dedicated to getting the students to become the best teachers, the program was intense but we had the best instructor (Karen Wilke). For me she was more than just my instructor, she was my counselor and friend. I absolutely loved how she would constantly come up with ways to make every lesson more fun and less stressful. I would highly recommend Maximo Nivel to everyone that's thinking of getting their TEFL certificate, they truly are the best.

I decided to put all of my eggs in one basket and take a shot at following my dreams. I wanted to travel the world, and teaching English seemed like a viable option to sustain that lifestyle. I was not sure what to expect. I had never considered teaching before. Even before I signed up, Maximo Nivel offered online assistance to any questions that I had. They told me all about the options and different types of programs that they offered. Throughout the process, I only needed to ask, and they instantly responded with the help that I needed. I chose the program to get my International TEFL/TESOL Certification in Cusco, Peru. Included in the program was everything that I needed to make my dreams come true! They constantly stayed in contact with me to ensure my comfort and confidence with my decision. From picking me up at the airport, my included private apartment as housing, the friendly staff and faculty, amazing teachers, to even helping facilitate my sightseeing, they ensured that I did not need or want for anything! The one month here absolutely flew by as I received one of the best educational courses of my life! My last week of practical teaching solidified that I want to do this from now on. By the end, I was confident that I could go out into the world and actually teach. I have found pure joy and happiness in a rewarding new industry! Without a doubt, this was the best experience I could have asked for! I can not say thank you enough for changing my life and opening doors for me!

I hope to give some details on my personal experience, and on things that I was looking for in a review before I did TEFL. I only wish that I would have jumped into this opportunity & experience sooner than I did. I found out about TEFL about 3 years ago, and dreamed and planned...and dreamed & planned. The desire came back around a year ago as well, and for all of life's reasons it wasn't my time to go yet. THEN, November 2018 became official--I was on a plane to Costa Rica, had a homestay set-up in San Jose for my first night, where I woke up to find 3 lovely other students that would be on my journey with me. I would then travel off to Manuel Antonio to take my TEFL course with Maximo Nivel/COSI. Our instructor Audra was hands-down INCREDIBLE. She was not only very knowledgeable and educated but also extremely easy to learn from and get along with. I said it then, and I'll say it again, this course could have been real dang dry and boring, but not with the lovely, energetic, & hilarious prof. Audra in the room! Grammar & literally everything else was 'Fun, Fresh, & Frisky!' My 8 other cohorts and I effortlessly bonded with one-another and sometimes laughed 'till tears in class. This made it easy to retain the information we learned and it kept us engaged in the sometimes grueling 8 hour class days. I'm not going to lie, the course isn't for the faint of heart. It is solidly 150 hours of learning, 40 hour weeks of in-class work, time studying outside of class and a whole week of practical teaching that you will be so grateful for. IT IS SO WORTH THE WORK AND THE TIME. I've never been a big lover of school, but this is the most motivated and best effort that I have given to formal learning--it's the best kind. You will come out the other end alive, and more knowledgeable and experienced than when you went in. Audra doesn't let you go down without a fight (or you know, AT ALL). I came to this course being shy, hating public speaking, not even sure if I wanted to teach, and not a clue with what I wanted to do with my life. I made it through, I made incredible friends, enjoyed my local Tico Family, loved the heck out of beautiful Costa Rica and I am so grateful that I had Audra and the entire Maximo team on my side, for support & encouragement throughout my month with them. It's very organized, goes like a breeze and there's always a staff member on the ground ready to help you & answer all of your questions. If you're debating on this, and mulling over whether or not you should dive in and do it, my advice to you is JUST DO IT! And do it with the lovely Maxmio! Do it for me, but most importantly do it for yourself--chances are you won't regret it once you get past any fears you may have. And as they say....'You can do anything for 30 days!'

I had a great time studying and learning in the TEFL class in Cusco. My classmates were amazing and the course itself was challenging and very rewarding. Our instructor Sean made the course fun and interesting. He was always available, always willing to help and I couldn't imagine a better teacher. Sean lives for it and you can see that through his dedication. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in languages, teaching, or travelling. What an adventure it was. I had a blast throughout the whole course, and you will too!

I would like to start this by saying that I had a lot of fun. Karen Wilke will always be important in my life. Karen is the most amazing teacher I ever had in my life. It was a pleasure to be in your class, Karen. Thanks to Maximo Nivel for such a nice service. Thanks, Maximo Nivel.

Audra is a remarkably good instructor! Great personality, engaging, and gets the most out of her learners. The curriculum is well thought out and will definitely set you up to succeed after the class. And boy is it a beautiful location! I couldn't be happier!

Getting my TEFL certification in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was one of the most incredible experiences I have had thus far. When I first got here, I was terrified. I was homesick and didn't think I could stay abroad. However, on the VERY FIRST DAY, my instructor (Audra) noticed I seemed upset. She asked if I was okay and then asked me to go in her office. I started crying to a person I didn't even know, yet I felt perfectly comfortable doing so. She reassured me on EVERYTHING I was feeling stressed about. I felt so much better knowing I was in a place where everyone genuinely cares about you and your successes. I have never felt more supported in my life until I got to Maximo Nivel. Audra was the best instructor anyone could ever ask for. She taught us so much and made it fun in the process! I looked forward to coming to class every day, because I knew I would enjoy myself and I would grow as both a teacher and a person. If you are even considering doing this program, JUST DO IT! There is always going to be something holding you back from an experience as new as this one. But I promise, you will not regret it. If anything, you may regret not doing it. Take it from someone who was absolutely terrified and unsure if they even could do this. Let me tell you, you can do this and you will be so happy you did! Thank you Maximo Nivel for the memories, job opportunities, friends, and growth I have experienced while being here! Pura Vida :)

The TEFL program at Maximo Nivel is worth every single penny. You are greeted with friendly faces from the staff, and that support continues throughout your stay in Peru. They go above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable, and have all the resources you need to succeed. I would confidently recommend this program to anyone. If you are interested in pursing a TEFL degree - PICK MAXIMO!! You will not regret it, and you will also fall in love with Cusco, Peru.

It's hard to imagine a more effective TEFL trainer than Audra Wooldridge. She was able to support our class and maintain high engagement throughout this intensive course. She was an excellent model for the strategies and techniques being taught both in the TEFL classroom as well as the ESL classroom. She also was available to offer useful advice and recommendations for job searches around the world. With her support, I was able to secure a job in Guatemala with a start date immediately after my certification. Additionally, Karen and the rest of the staff at COSI were always kind and super responsive to student needs. The building was clean, with a beautiful view, and some of the rooms had air conditioning. The large iguana that lives outside the school also provided some visual entertainment during long classes. Overall, this was a wonderful experience and I am glad that I choose COSI Manuel Antonio to get my TEFL certification.

Audra is on her game! She is extremely high energy, funny, knowledgeable, and makes the information palatable even when you have been sitting in class on those very long grammar days. There were a lot of handouts and it would have been very useful for the school to have the foresight to organize those into a bound notebook for each student upon arrival. The view from the school in Manuel Antonio is amazing and although the free time is not exactly what I thought it was going to be, you will have enough time to enjoy the beaches and surrounding towns. I encourage you to do your due diligence before arriving and ask specific questions, especially if you are staying in student housing (is there hot water, is the internet/water reliable, which houses have air, etc). Or, simply look for something on air bnb (but ask the same questions and don't pay everything up front). Overall the experience was one that I would recommend!

This was a very challenging course! Audra could not have done a better job at teaching us the necessary information and pushing us to go further. She is truly an excellent TEFL trainer and ESL teacher as well! Her assistant Laura is also delightful! The rest of the COSI/Maximo Nivel staff here in Manuel Antonio is also very friendly and willing to assist at all times. I will say that the conditions for learning in the COSI/Maximo Nivel building in Manuel Antonio are less than optimal. Make sure to bring your own laptop as the internet is very spotty on the computers here at the school. Also if all computers could directly access the printer it would make everyone´s life easier as we have a lot of printing to do during the course. Lastly, it would also be nice if the large classroom we held our course in would have been air conditioned as it tends to get warm during the day. With all that said, this has been a very challenging but enjoyable course, Audra is a very effective teacher and I highly recommend her! Ian Wiggins

Become certified to work practically anywhere in the world! I have left this course with the confidence to go anywhere and I am excited to see the world, and get paid doing it. This course gives you the advantage of earning teaching experience, which is highly desirable amongst employers. Teaching is truely an amazing experience, and my instructors Audra and Dani were the best teachers I could have asked for; the best in the world? Possibly.

Joining Maximo Nivel TEFL program in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was one of the best choices in my life. This was probably one of a very few trainings that was worth the money spent. It is far from the presentation based and dull courses that I would normally get. Starting with very energetic and passionate trainers, Audra and Dani, through relevant and thorough content and finishing with amazing opportunity of practical teaching. If you have any doubts, don't! You will not regret choosing this course!

Thank you so much, I have loved it, met amazing friends and also the teachers are so supportive and kind and are there for you every step of the way, wouldn't change this experience for the world! Best course ever. Love chloe xxxxxxxx :)

This course turned my world around 360! With the training that I received at Maximo Nivel during the course, I gained valuable knowledge and instruction on how to teach English as a foreign language. I am now teaching English a two universities in Colombia and I owe it all to Maximo Nivel. Extremely professional and a hell of a lot of fun!

I recently completed the 4-week TEFL/TESOL certification course with Maximo Nivel and am very happy I chose to get my certification through them! Audra, the lead trainer, is an absolute professional and very good at what she does. She was knowledgeable, brought great energy to the classroom, and was always very helpful. The rest of the staff at Maximo Nivel were also extremely friendly and accommodating. No matter what issues you may run into, they will be ready and capable to help you out. The course is definitely a bit intense, but I absolutely feel prepared to step in front of a group of English learners to teach. This course is well worth the time if you are committed to teaching English abroad.

Claudia was definitely the highlight of the course for me! She shines in the classroom and makes the course not only bearable, but tons of fun! The course can get a little difficult at times, but her availability and helpfulness definitely keeps you afloat! She is a great role model teacher to have- I know I certainly want to be a teacher like her. Along with Claudia. the facilities and staff are all very helpful and supportive and readily available! Great value for all that's included! I highly recommend this course!

My TEFL experience was amazing in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I enjoyed every minute of it. The location itself is beautiful and being able to go down to the beach after class was great! One of the best beaches in Costa Rica. The school overlooks the ocean and the institute itself is awesome. All the people that work there are very helpful and friendly. The TEFL trainer Audra Wooldridge was beyond amazing. She is very energetic and passionate about what she does and she makes every class very exciting. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had and I wish we had more than 4 weeks together. Get your TEFL certification through Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio!! You won't be disappointed, I promise! It is well worth the experience.

It was quite a journey. Aside from a few bumps on the road, everything worked out well with Maximo. The instructor was awesome beyond description and materials mostly enjoyable. Do not think going 50% on this course, as you will be challenged as a teacher and a person, but only for the sake of your competency and developing you for TEFL. Manuel Antonio is a stunning location to travel to, and the locals are very friendly and open. Four weeks went by quickly for me, thanks to the wonderful people in and out of the classroom. COSI/Maximo staff was always ever so helpful and all smiles around the clock. I enjoyed everything from day one to final moments. It is an amazing experience, but you need to work for it.

This program was awesome! I loved the community Maximo Nivel was able to create and it made studying in a foreign country so much better. There were so many good parts of this course, but the highlights were definitely the amazing instructor (Claudia), the practical teaching, and my awesome classmates! I highly recommend this program.

I wasn’t expecting the high energy I experienced on this course when I signed up. I knew that it would be very intense, and it was, but the Maximo Nivel team were so supportive and encouraging, and I genuinely had so much fun with my teachers and my class. I don’t think I’ve ever taken such a high quality course, where every little detail is taken into account. The teaching style was excellent: clear, fun and really didactic, and there were a lot of opportunities to practice teaching. I definitely recommend taking the TEFL course with Maximo!

I had such an incredible experience with the TEFL program at Maximo Nivel. The International Office was so helpful with everything from my coursework to making sure I was settled and comfortable in my private apartment. My TEFL Instructor, Claudia, was so knowledgeable and pleasant. She made the whole experience so simple. Even though the coursework was heavy it did not feel so stressful because the entire staff was readily available for any questions or concerns. I bonded with my fellow teachers and I am so happy to have taken this course.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Maximo Nivel's TEFL program. Coming from a teaching background I did not expect to learn much. But Maximo went above and beyond all my expectations. I was impressed with their organization and the intensiveness of their course. Administrations was so informative and willing to help. The instructor, Claudia really knew her stuff and made the class super enjoyable. I know I have a strong foundation and all the necessary EFL tools to be an effective English teacher because of Maximo. Due to their constant and thorough feedback I learned everything I needed to confidently start teaching English immediately. I feel so grateful to have gone through their TEFL program. I 100% recommend doing your TEFL certification here if you are serious about teaching in a foreign country.

In these past four weeks I have mastered more than I ever thought possible. I have learned such valuable skills that will definitively be put into use during my teaching career. My expectations of this course were more than exceeded, and surely gave me the necessary confidence and skills to teach English anywhere in the world! It still sounds a bit unreal to say this, but I am officially a teacher, something I never thought could be possible. All thanks to "Mamma Clau Clau" and Maximo Nivel. I was really nervous starting out since I did not know what to expect of this course and how it could be possible to learn to teach English, with all its grammar and theory in four weeks time. Then I got introduced to the 4 critical ESL techniques which are basically the heart and soul of teaching English as a foreign language. These techniques were introduced to us by "Teacher Claudia" and frequently used and CCQd throughout the course. The practical teaching part of our course started right away with a 20 minute mini lesson on Fridays. Just the thought of teaching had me terrified in the beginning but I quickly realized that teaching is actually fun and not something to be scared of, especially if you're prepared for you class. These mini lessons really helped me prepare myself for the practical teaching week. The feedback after the mini lesson was extremely helpful. I learned that it is "ok" to make mistakes in the beginning since they actually help you realize what your strengths and weaknesses are, plus areas that need improvement. Observing my classmates teach their mini lessons was extremely helpful as it allowed me to see different teaching techniques and styles plus how to deal with situations that could go wrong and teaching under pressure.( how they handle it) I also observed five different teachers and five different class levels at Maximo Nivel on which I had to write observation critiques. This allowed me to see a variety of teaching styles, identify strengths and weaknesses and gain ideas for objectives, games and activities that I will be able to use in my future classes. "Teacher Claudia", without a doubt, the best teaching I observed throughout my course. The way she taught us to teach English is beyond amazing. Never had I thought I would be able to teach and just through observing her teach us, as well as the warm up teaching during our mini lessons left me inspired, with loads of new teaching techniques and ideas.

Just bring your open mind, a pen, and something to write on and you're set for a journey that is productively challenging, socially rejuvenating, and culturally exquisite. Keep record of all you do because it will carry you into future careers and travels.

Maximo Nivel packs an incredible amount of information and skill building into a four week program. I received an in-depth refresher of English grammar, invaluable teaching techniques and classroom management skills, and, most importantly, many opportunities to practice everything in a real classroom with real English learners. The course even included a seminar on finding a job abroad, writing a CV, conducting interviews, and reviewing contracts. The instructor not only provided all of this with the deepest knowledge and genuine enthusiasm - she unerringly modeled these techniques as she taught them. The school encourages teachers to strictly maintain an English-only classroom, which is not only a better way for your students to learn, but also allows you to teach English to speakers of any language without needing to speak their native tongue. Having successfully completed this course, I am now entirely confident in my ability to construct a curriculum, plan lessons, and teach English effectively at any level, in any country. The course was challenging and a lot of work, but very informative and provided invaluable experience. Expect to stay up late writing papers, observations and lesson plans, and expect to receive critical feedback after your practical teaching hours. By the end of the course, you've truly earned your certification. The classroom experience alone was worth the price, but the course came with many additional benefits. The facilities were excellent and centrally located in Cusco's Centro district; internet and printers were always available and the school had its own cafe. The cost of the program includes lifelong job finding assistance which comes in very handy when on the job hunt. Finally, despite the rigorous coursework, I had time to travel on the weekends and bond with my classmates. Overall, a fantastic experience and definitely worth the money.

This was the best experience! Our trainer was phenomenal and the staff was amazing! Everyone was so helpful! Always willing to help, friendly, positive, energetic, and simply a great environment! Definitely the best program! I would highly recommend it to anyone! Plus, you can't beat the view from campus :D

This TEFL course was everything I was looking for and more--- challenging, rewarding, informative and provided the practical experience I was looking for. The instructor , Audra, was awesome and she will always be "Awesome. Audra" to me. High energy and always positive with a solid background of how to teach English immersion style, she always kept the "you can do this" attitude with her TEFL students.

I have always wanted to be TEFL certified, and I am so glad I went with Maximo Nivel. The staff is super friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable. Anytime you need something, someone is there to help. The course itself is extremely intensive, but super fun. You'll make some amazing friends along the way, and have a time of your life. Don't underestimate the work load! It prepares you and gets you beyond ready to teach English. The way the course is set up, giving you practical teaching experience, observations, an intense grammar lesson, and more really sets you up to begin teaching. I truly wouldn't recommend somewhere else! Thanks Maximo!

In short, the intense 4-week training, along with practical teaching week was well worth all the long days and hard work that one must put into it. Being in a tropical, lush rainforest isn't bad either but be prepared for heat and humidity! The instructor was beyond proficient and her expertise made me a better person and teacher. The staff at the school was also very helpful and arranged everything from local tours to buses back to San José. Overall, the TEFL program is highly recommended.

I took the TEFL course at Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru. It definitely succeeded all my expectations. My TEFL teacher Clau was amazing, her energy and great support made the intensive month go much easier. Even though the course was quite intensive, her lessons were so much fun to learn that it encouraged me to do my best and achieved much more than what I expected. I ended up gaining so much confidence and techniques that I feel absolutely prepared to teach English anywhere in the world. Its amazing how much one can achieved in so little time if you put the effort to it, and if you are in the right place with professionals that prepared you to be the very best. The training and support was above and beyond. I'm more than thankful for taking this course and for having the amazing teacher/trainer that I had. Thank you Mama Clau!

I enrolled in the 4-week certification course in Manuel Antonio, and had very high hopes based on the reviews and the school's marketing materials. Maximo Nivel met or exceeded those expectations in almost every way. Their support staff was outstanding and helped out with any number of issues, from the serious to the mundane. My home stay was amazing, and made the difference in my cultural assimilation. And finally, their trainer was incredible. Her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for teaching English was contagious and made a very intense course much more than just classroom training and lectures. Audra demonstrated over and over again that TEFL is challenging and rewarding on so many different levels. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone who is considering teaching in Central America.

I did not have clearly defined expectations for myself coming into the course as I do not have a teaching or academic language study back ground. I spoke with quite a few people about TEFL courses and did a lot of research on the internet so the one thing I did expect was that a four week course including a week of practical teaching would be far better training than an on-line course that I could complete in two weeks at home with zero practical teaching. My expectations were far exceeded by Maximo Nivel and especially Claudia Behnke. I was fortunate to have some very hard-working and caring teachers back in school but I never had a teacher who loved teaching like Claudia. She gave 110% all the time and never held back. There were what appeared to me to be a full spectrum of learners in our class with a much broader range of challenges that I would have anticipated. From an on-line learner coming in half way through to illnesses and other incidents that took people out of the course and required incredible flexibility on Claudia’s part. To be fair, the entire staff exceeded my expectations. They were friendly, warm and never hesitated to stop in the middle of their busy day to help with whatever we needed at the moment. This included the teachers we conducted our observations with. They were more than happy to speak with us and answer any question we had about their style and the level and character of their classes.

Just completed the fastest/longest but most rewarding month of my life and I am forever indebted to my incredible instructors for this. Audra Wooldrige and Kevin Martinson were there every step of the way that I needed them. Audra was there and willing whenever my plate felt a little too full, she assured me that it could be done. They were there to make us laugh everyday and teach us all the tools and tricks to be an incredible ESL teacher. After this course I feel more than prepared to go anywhere in the world and be the best teacher possible.

If there is one thing that I really took from the course was the energy that my instructors brought. First, Audra came in and got us all started, and then we heard that the new teacher, Karen would be stepping in. I was nervous, but Karen was an amazing teacher with lots of positive energy and BIG LOVE for her students. I have friends who are considering taking the TEFL course, and I will certainly direct them to Maximo Nivel! Thank you for a wonderful experience... I look forward to teaching! Elena

I am so glad I chose Maximo for my TEFL certification. My instructor, Audra, was an excellent teacher. She was so helpful, provided great constructive criticism and advice, and really just knew her stuff like the back of her hand. Antigua is also such a gorgeous town to study in with a wealth of wonderful cafes to study in with delicious coffee. The program was intensive but really fun. The staff at Maximo was also always friendly and helpful. I've already recommended it to friends back home who are also interested in taking a TEFL course.

Recently graduated from college and being your typical 20-somethings with no desire to enter into the daunting real world, a few of my best friends and I opted to become TEFL certified and fulfilling our life long dream to live (and work) abroad together. Honestly, we didn't look into what the course entailed AT ALL and were completely blown away by how intensive and educational it was. I think it's safe to say we all learned more about the English language-specifically grammar, within the 4 weeks of class then in our 23 years of life combined. I know you're probably asking how is this possible, how can one learn that much in such a small amount of time? Well, let me tell you, the entire staff at Maximo Nivel is why. They religiously go above and beyond to help the TEFL students out and make them feel right at home. I've always been a very average student, not necessarily good but by no means bad, however the TEFL instructors expected the best of us and constantly pushed everyone to do their absolute best. Not to mention they made the class engaging and fun, always holding our attention and keeping the stoke levels very high. If anyone is debating taking the class I would strongly recommend doing so. On top of being a great experience and having guaranteed job placement for the rest of my life, the Maximo team makes it clear they will always be there to help. Whether it has to do with TEFL or you just simply need some pearls of wisdom about life-they've got your back. Keep calm and TELF on.

The TEFL course at Maximo Nivel not only prepared me to be a teacher - but also gave me life skills I will forever carry with me. The staff was nothing but helpful and the training I received was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the greatest time and fully recommend this TEFL course to anyone!

I did the TEFL program in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and absolutely fell in love with this Program and everything about it. I learnt so much and actually wanted to learn!! I felt a part of cosi Maximo's community and was able to adapt really easily. I will highly recommend this experience. Very beneficial and fun!

Love everything about this program. Highly recommend it! An amazing experience with great people. Met the best teacher I could have met and ready to be the best teacher I can be! Stressful at times but totally worth every minute

I came into the TEFL program as a teacher, and it challenged my teaching strategies right from the start. The class is intense but at the end you are better then when you began. I greatly appreciated the mini lessons and practical teaching, as it allowed me to grow the techniques that were being taught. I will admit at times I felt overwhelmed, but the staff is more then accommodating and are always available to help you. The instructor, Audra, was always bubbly and entertaining and taught the course using the techniques being taught. The ability to observe other teachers in action was also very helpful, as it allowed you to see the techniques in action as well as consequences of not using them in the classroom setting. I recommend this program for any level teacher. I also utilized the host family option and was very pleased with the accommodations and the family was more than welcoming. The location of Maximo was great for walking to various restaurants and staff at Maximo were always recommending places to visit or sites to see. Everyone is friendly, helpful and like a huge family. You won't regret giving it a try!!

This program was everything I wanted and more! It sparked my interest back into teaching, which is what I studied in college. My teacher was amazing and even when she was sick, she always made for a 150% fun filled class. It was never a dull moment. She responded to emails quickly and was full of ideas for practical teaching week when my brain wasn't functioning. Thank you Audra! I don't think I'll ever have the words to express how happy you've made me with this course! :)

I decided to do this course on a whim, and it was the best choice ever! The 4 weeks course is intensive, but manageable. You begin to gain experience teaching a real class in your first week, which helps to build your confidence over the few short weeks of the course. I have never taught before, but now feel confident to stand in front of a class and teach them English. Audra was a wonderful teacher, she offered us all support when we needed it and will do everything in her power to help you succeed. We had a small group of 7 people, which I think was better as we had more 1-1 time with Audra and we all got to know one another. If you are thinking about teaching and have never had any experience before, this is the course you want to do! It may not be the cheapest, but I believe it was worth every penny. As long as you pass the certification you stand a great chance of getting a job with Maximo Nivel, otherwise they provide lifetime job assistance, which to me is a great benefit. Go for it!

I completed the TEFL course earlier this summer and had a wonderful experience. I was a hybrid TEFL student so the first half of the course was all online and Suzanne could not have been more helpful and available via Skype and email. I am pursuing a Master's in Education and ESOL in the U.S. and the TEFL course was a perfect addition. It helped to fill in so many holes and gave so many practical opportunities to observe and teach actual classes. Suzanne and Audra were a phenomenal team of teachers who have so much expertise and made the class so fun. The course is definitely a lot of work but you will gain great insight into teaching as well as practical experience. This was my second time going through Maximo Nivel and the team in Antigua was wonderful to work with! I highly recommend the course anyone interested in teaching abroad or improving your teaching skills for working in the U.S.

I wasn't too sure what to think of the TEFL course before arriving in Antigua but the Maximo staff are welcoming and look after you very well. The course is tough and demanding but as long as you are prepared to work hard and want to do well, you will have no problems. My teacher, Audra, was so great...she has so much energy, is dedicated to her students and is hilarious. I highly recommend taking this course with Maximo Nivel as you are well looked after, you can meet all sorts of people and you are sure to have blast! It is well worth having the TEFL certification whether you are travelling or not.

We just completed our TEFL training course for June/July. I really had no idea what to expect about the course. I had read online reviews of other courses and none of them seemed that great and didnt offer practical experience. Maximo has a wonderfully developed program and I have learned so much over these past 4 weeks. I truly feel confident to go out and teach English! Our teacher, Audra, was also fabulous. She made the class so fun; I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Our entire class (all 14 of us) got so close and we all just had a blast with each other. I recommend this class to any and everyone! There is so much to be learned and it is a wonderful experience!

Obtaining my TEFL certificate in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was a life changing experience. If there is one thing that I will take with me after completing this program, it is the understanding that being a great teacher is one of the most challenging professions, which we often take for granted. Fortunately, I chose the right program to prepare me with the various skills and strategies required to teach ESL. Maximo Nivel and specifically my instructor, Karen Wilke, taught me about what it really means to nurture and foster learning, let alone acquiring a second language. As a global thinker who has been to University twice, I've often reflected on the ways that traditional classrooms are taught and whether I retained the information. There are only a handful of teachers/classes in my lifetime that could compare to this past month in Karen's class. She was constantly engaging and knew exactly how to adapt each class to suit each student's learning styles or our moods that day. There was never a time that the tools she taught were forgotten or hard to grasp, because she made learning fun. At the same time, she was constantly demonstrating to us exactly how to teach our own classes. I will not lie, the program was intense, however, Karen is extremely compassionate and is the ideal teacher you want to model yourself after. I say that this program was a life changing experience because it changed my outlook on teaching and how I can impact the lives of my students. If you are planning to take a TEFL certification, do not even consider completing an online program. There is no way that an online course can prepare you to walk into a classroom and teach, especially if you have no experience like myself. This program gives you the opportunity to teach several classes and even teaches you how to set up your own private lessons (if that is what you are looking to do). This TEFL program was worth every cent and the administration, Barbara and Karen, were amazing as well and extremely accommodating. Overall, great people and great program with a great view! :)

Anyone looking to do a TEFL course which is great fun and extremely rewarding should hit up Maximo Nivel! From the administration team to the absolutely incredible teacher to the classes you'll end up teaching at the end of the program, the course is incredibly fun whilst really preparing you for the world of teaching! Really cannot say enough great things about this course at Maximo!

I really loved taking TEFL at Maximo Nivel. I learned so much, had so much fun, and made some great friends. Yes, you will work hard, but the teacher is a blast, and you will get your certificate knowing that you really deserve it. If you're thinking about this program, do it!!

The TEFL program at Maximo Nivel was one of the most professional courses I have ever taken (and that is a LOT of courses). I am 66 years old, have a bachelors degree and and MBA, and am a retired USAF Colonel. This course challenges you on all fronts...the TEFL process is somewhat foreign to a long-time instructor...and getting back into details of grammar was not easy. The course requires lots of reading, course participation, several detailed lesson plans, a grammar paper, and practical teaching. It is the practical teaching that culminates the course, where you get a chance to put to use all the techniques and skills you've been studying. When you can see the results first hand in the response of your students, it becomes clear how valuable the course is. I would recommend this course at Maximo Nivel to anyone contemplating teaching English abroad.

After researching multiple TEFL courses around the world I chose to certify with the Maximo Nivel program in Antigua, Guatemala. The teachers, directors and staff could not have been more supportive and caring about the success of each of the student teachers and students. It was a very challenging program, which I appreciate. Maximo Nivel sets the standard of learning in high regard, while also maintaining the importance in the joy of learning. Knowing what I know now, would I do the same program? 100% YES!!!!

This program was much better than what I expected! It was a very intensive course but I learned a lot! I think the ESL techniques that I learned are extremely useful. The trainers were also amazing. They were always available and willing to help. It was a great experience achieving my goal in a nice environment and with great people!

I cannot say enough positive things about the month I spent with Maximo Nivel and their 4-week TEFL certification course. The quality of the instruction, the organization and helpfulness of the staff, and ease of coordination was all very impressive and top notch. The course is intense, but richly educational, and the instructor is very supportive and always available for help. If you want to teach English, this is your best jumping block. I landed a full-time teaching job just two weeks into the course thanks to a connection through Maximo. The experience as a whole was professionally, personally, and profoundly life-changing. I will (and already have begun to) recommend Maximo Nivel to everyone I know who is interested in teaching English, studying Spanish, or volunteering. And being on the most beautiful beach in the world isn't bad, either! Stop your search, you found the creme of the crop!

My experience at Maximo was great. The staff was always helpful and the facilities were beautiful and very clean. Most importantly, due to the training I received, I really feel confident that I've had sufficient training to begin a career as an English teacher abroad.

The class was super fun and very informative! The teacher was fantastic and so were the rest of the staff. Everything was taken care of. All we had to do was attend class every day. The class definitely builds on itself so it's important to keep up with the work. As long as you do that it's very manageable. And plus you get to have fun on the way so it doesn't feel like work. The city was great and my host family was amazing. Great food and lovely people. Can't think of anything bad to say! Great decision!

Maximo Nivel's TEFL Certification program met and exceeded all of my expectations. As I was already a certified English teacher in the US, I was a bit skeptical about it being redundant for me. On the contrary, many of the strategies, and methodologies I learned were new and easily applicable to the classroom. The practicality of what I learned is what impressed me most. At the end of three weeks, I felt more than ready for the practical teaching week. Through that week of practical teaching, I learned about the similarities and differences between the traditional and ESL classroom, and through some very helpful feedback, my teaching practice improved. I would without a doubt recommend, and have already recommended, this course to anyone interested in TEFL certification. Karen is an superb teacher, and will give you all the tools you need to be successful in the classroom. If you are contemplating signing up, just do it.

Skepticisms of TEFL courses around the world are well known but in a matter of hours these feelings will evaporate when at Maximo Nivel, Karen Wilke was my course teacher but I think vanguard and mentor is more appropriate. An insatiable passion for encouraging her students to learn coincided with vast knowledge and experience as a teacher made the course extremely fun and informative. She is also a pretty nice and cool person to match. The books and materials I also found to be very applicable and useful. I feel very prepared and confident starting a career as a ESL teacher and I owe a great deal to Karen and Maximo Nivel. The international team at Maximo Nivel were great to me too, Sylvia helped me with anything I bestowed upon her with a smile, from information I needed about my accommodation, Spanish classes, changing my money etc. I could make a list. Other members of the team gave me advice for in class teaching ideas, job opportunities and even assisted with finishing my resume on a Sunday! Every member of the team I encountered made time to help me and make me feel welcome. #Ateam? I found Maximo Nivel as a facility to be a very friendly atmosphere and exceptionally clean, the on site cafe is reasonably priced with fantastic avocado, cheese, pepper, ciabatta bread sandwiches and a selection of other items as well as free tea and coffee. The city Cusco is an immense place to do a Tefl course with Incan ruins amidst beautiful Spanish colonial style buildings, an abundance of tours to incredible archaeological sites without even mentioning MACCHU PICCHU the most sensational experience I have had in my existence to date, all of which are easy to do on the weekend or after the course. The local people are funny, friendly and to eat lunch at their authentic restaurants you will taste some of the best soup you´ll have ever tasted, plus a meal and a drink included costing around 1 British Pound Sterling/1 Euro/a couple of US Dollars. Cusco, Peru and a TEFL course at Maximo Nivel is highly recommended.

I have just completed the TEFL certification course at Maximo and I would strongly recommend this course to anyone considering getting a TEFL certification. The staff was extremely professional and helpful from the very beginning, from picking me up at the airport to settling me into my apartment to answering any questions I had about the course or the city. The course itself is very organized and thorough with an emphasis on practical teaching. We had many opportunities to work with real ESL students teaching real English lessons, it was a great learning experience! My instructor Karen was amazing. Besides being a great teacher and extremely knowledgeable about her subject matter, she went above and beyond to make sure we had a good understanding of the material. She met with us outside of class time and gave advice about looking for jobs and helped tweak our resumes. Thanks Karen! Maximo Nivel also offers lifetime job searching assistance, which will be a great recourse for me in the future. I also got to spend a lot of time with my classmates both in and outside of class and we became a very close bunch. We helped each other get through the course and it is great hearing their ideas about future teaching jobs now. I will really miss spending so much time with these amazing people. This community is a definite plus to taking a TEFL course in the country you want to teach in. Coming in with an educational background in the U.S. I was very impressed with this program and I would do it all over again if I had the chance!

Although getting my TEFL was MUCH more difficult than I ever anticipated, the struggle was made more than bearable by the wonderful team at Maximo. The entirety of the Maximo Nivel staff are incredibly friendly and supportive, from the Administration to the other ESL teachers, but the main even was really my TEFL instructor; Suzanne Harle. It is thoroughly impossible to fail the TEFL course with this woman at the helm of your learning. She drills the teaching skills and techniques until your sating them in your sleep. Suzanne teaches in a very engaging manner (marshmallow fight inclusive in course), and was always available for additional help or to discuss concerns. The TEFL course honestly runs at a mile a minute, and she kept the class up to speed with infallible efficiency. Maximo also offers "post-graduate" assistance in job searching, and is partnered with Guiness travel so it's very easy to plan trips and coordinate transport for your days off. The classroom are also in a gorgeously picturesque location, and although Practical Teaching Week was one the most actively terrifying missions I have ever endeavoured upon, I could not be happier to have completed my TEFL certification at Maxmo Nivel, Antigua, Guatemala.

My journey to Guatemala was incredible. It was everything I dreamed it would be and more. The town of Antigua is very energetic and colorful. Walking out the front door at my home stay each morning to an awesome view of Volcan Agua was unforgettable. I came to Guatemala to get out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself. The TEFL course was very intensive. It is four weeks of non stop learning. The key is to stay at on top of the assignments, show up for class, and ask questions. The staff of Maximo Nivel was very helpful. The energy of the town, my instructor Suzanne, and the other classmates made the course fun and rewarding.

I went into the experience with positive expectations, but not many. My first surprise was the friendliness and helpfulness of the International Office. Jack gave me a tour with Mate de Coca, coca tea, to help with any altitude sickness I might have been about to feel. Next was the apartment. I had signed up for the shared apartment option through LanguageCorps, and being the cheapest option, I was prepared to live in a pretty rough place. However, upon arrival, I discovered that was not the case. Two sides of the house were lined with panoramic windows: one with a view of the city and one with a view of the hills and statues. The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. The shower was hot. The kitchen was big and so was the house and so it became a perfect place to host dinner parties with pasta and wine. It was incredible. Then the course blew me away. It was practical, fun, fast-paced, but without stress. We were teaching twenty-minute, How-To, mini-lessons to classes of six to twelve on the third day. Grammar week taught us what we may or may not know about the rules of our language in a finally interesting way. Practical teaching week was like being a teacher for a week: every day, you made your own lessons, brought your own class through them, and got a little bit closer to those students you gradually came to call your own. At the end of the day, though, one of the very best parts of this course are the friends you make here. We drank together on the second night, we smoked cigars at the end of practical teaching week, we got lunch together from the first day frequently on, and, brought together from around the world for a common cause, bonded in a special, lasting way. All things considered, this has been another experience of a lifetime and I can't wait to live whatever comes next because of it. Go Maximo!

I did my TEFL/TESOL certification in Manuel Antonio with Máximo Nivel on April 2014, and I am grateful beyond the scope that I could share in a review, and I fully recommend this certification not only for the quality of the beaches nearby, but more so, for the holistic composition of the program itself. Selecting the right program was difficult, because there are so many providers and so many locations to choose from. My friend and I decided on Manuel Antonio because the location was close for both of us, and yet it offered access to "paradise". The program itself looked like an attractive option that offered lots of practical training- so we winged it! As the days of my trip approached, I imagined all kinds of scenarios about the program, our classmates and accommodations. None of the things that I imagined came to pass, as the program exceeded all my expectations. The course was super, mega organized; our teacher (Claudia a.k.a Mama Clau) was nothing but approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and energetic; my diverse class mates nothing short of amaaaazing (no, really, there was this British girl that said "amaaaaaazing" with her accent like every 5 minutes); the staff beyond the definition of helpful; and our accommodations and transportation quite suitable for our needs. The program itself was quite comprehensive including a variety of topics including methodologies to teach vocabulary and grammar, building solid lesson plans, theory discussions on an array of relevant topics, how to assess new learners, etc. Perhaps the most valuable aspect, though, were the opportunities to share ideas with our teacher and classmates, apply the theories for the entire last week during our practical training with real students, and observe other trained professionals teach (Ooo, also the personalized feedback after each time we taught!) This course trained me as a teacher, gave me so many creative ideas which I am now implementing, and helped me create lasting relationships with my classmates (and the institute itself). I am 100% satisfied with my decision and investment in this course.

All I can say is "WOW!" :) Never in my lifetime did I think I had what it took to get TEFL certified. But thanks to Maximo Nivel, I did just that. My instructor, Suzanne Harle, was simply amazing - not only was she knowledgeable and helpful in terms of the coursework, but also so hilarious and easy going. She really made me, and my other classmates, feel at ease in the program. It was definitely a demanding 4 weeks, but it was also more than worth it. Thanks to Suzanne's help I feel ready to take my certification to the next level and pursue a job teaching ESL. I highly recommend this program, along with this location and instructor. The combination of everything made doing TEFL a breeze!

My experience at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was great. Our teacher, Phil was amazing! He really made the long, hot days of class fun. He taught us TEFL using the same techniques we learned throughout the course--demonstrating that the theories really do work in practice. The administration at the school was also very helpful. Each of us students found the school through different means, and the administration did a good job keeping the details of our different host and Spanish class packages straight so that we were all taken care of appropriately. Best of all, there were 18 people in our course and I can honestly say that I've made lifelong friends with most all of them. The month was hard work but made well worth it with interesting lessons, a great teacher, fun classmates, and a beautiful location. My home stay was also a really positive experience. My husband and I were fortunate to stay with two other classmates and three other Spanish students. We had our own quarters, but could interact with the family any time we wanted. The food our Mama Tica served us had great variety and was always delicious. The family was great and we all felt really welcome in their home. Keep in mind, it is Central America, and not everything is perfect. The water did go out in the area a few times, but the school was quick to purchase gallons of drinking water from the local store for all of the students to stay hydrated during these times. Overall, I would recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone interested in becoming TEFL certified. I feel completely prepared to teach English when the right job comes along. Speaking of, I have asked for leads from the school several times for different locations I'll be traveling and the school administration has sent me great leads within hours. They aren't kidding when they say they provide lifetime job placement assistance. This was one of the main reasons I chose Maximo Nivel and I don't regret it. My experience has been top notch with Maximo and I trust most would agree.