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Get TEFL Certified in Latin America! Job Placement Guarantee

$1,395Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
69Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Get TEFL certified with Maximo Nivel, and start your career as a professional English teacher, a role that is in high demand all over Latin America and the rest of the world!

Maximo Nivel’s 4-week, 150-hour TEFL Certification Program is a thorough and practical introduction to TEFL. It is fun, intense, and pushes aspiring teachers to hone their classroom skills.

During the course, you become familiar with the principles of successful ESL teaching and develop real-world skills to be an effective English teacher.

The TEFL program focuses on practical teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, and more. The training program includes 100 hours of in-class instruction, 35 hours of required reading and written assignments, and 15 hours of observation and practical teaching. All Maximo Nivel TEFL Certification programs include a guaranteed job placement and lifelong job-finding support.

If you’re unable to complete the intensive 4-week course on-site at our institutes in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru, you can earn your certification 100% online, or opt for the flexible hybrid model—combining two weeks of online study with two weeks of hands-on training in Latin America.

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

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Program Highlights

Complete your certification through a 4-week intensive onsite immersion in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru, a fully online self-paced program, or a hybrid option.
Earn a globally recognized 150-hour certification covering 14 comprehensive modules, including ESL methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management.
Gain hands-on classroom confidence with 15+ hours of practical teaching and live observation working directly with ESL learners.
Launch your teaching career with confidence through Maximo Nivel’s Job Placement Guarantee and lifetime international job-finding support.
Receive personalized 1-on-1 coaching, active observation, and continuous constructive feedback from highly qualified, full-time TEFL Trainers.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
All Program Activity Costs
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Assistance Booking Travel
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
TEFL Certification
Job Search Support
Teaching Practicum
TEFL Course Tuition
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support
Job Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

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

Fields & Subjects

  • English as a Second Language
  • TESOL

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round
  • Terms Available
  • Throughout the Year

Eligible Nationalities

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

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Bachelor’s degree

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • Short Term

Starts At

  • 4 weeks: $1,395

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.7
69 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
50
4
19
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Course Instructor
4.9
Quality of the Course
4.8
Pre-Enrollment Advice
4.8
Practical Experience
4.7
Job Search Guidance
4.6
Published Content
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 69 reviews

Oskar LambertUnited Kingdom · December 2025

My time on the TEFL course

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.

Juliet LanceyUnited States · June 2025

Spectacular Hybrid TEFL

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!

Althea KerrSouth Africa · March 2025

TEFL online course - Better than expectations!

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.

Jonathan BrinkUnited States · March 2025

A1 Experience!!!

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.

Carey GerdesUnited States · July 2024

The tools you will need for success

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!

NoxySouth Africa · December 2020

Best experience!!

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.

David BoganUnited States · August 2019

Everything I had hoped for!

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!

Photos

Caitlyn StanleyUnited States · January 2019

Should have jumped into this experience sooner!

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!'

Aaron WalkerUnited States · March 2018

TEFL course in Cusco is the best!!

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!

Marco CabreraGuatemala · November 2017

The Journey

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.

AaronUnited States · November 2017

Great program

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!

Rachel KacerCosta Rica · October 2017

TEFL Maximo Nivel

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 :)

Alexandra MuttiUnited States · August 2017

Chance of a life time

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.

RoseUnited States · August 2017

Dynamic trainer + beautiful location = excellent TEFL course

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.

Lauren PonderUnited States · August 2017

Informative and fun!

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!

ian wigginsUnited States · July 2017

TEFL with Audra Wooldridge

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

LyonUnited States · March 2017

Life changing

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.

Photos

VictorFebruary 2017

Great and unforgettable!

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!

Chloe GabrielleUnited Kingdom · February 2017

Amazing!

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 :)

Photos

Anthony CostaFebruary 2017

Thinking about TEFL? THis is the place!

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!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about MAXIMO NIVEL.

Does this certification include Job Placement Guarantee?

Maximo Nivel offers a job placement guarantee and lifetime job-finding support for our TEFL graduates. If you have a native English proficiency (C2 CEFR) and pass your TEFL course with a Pass-Good or higher grade, we have a teaching position waiting for you! Your TEFL course includes a workshop and resume/CV preparation to find the best international teaching positions.

Where can I teach with Maximo Nivel's TEFL Certification?

When you earn your Maximo Nivel TEFL Certification, you have completed a rigorous teacher training course that exceeds all global standards. We have successfully trained more than 5,250 TEFL graduates since 2004, and Maximo alumni continue teaching all over the world.

Does this TEFL Certification include Practical Teaching?

Yes! You begin teaching mini-lessons in week 1 and continue throughout the course. The TEFL course also includes 6 hours wherein you observe experienced ESL teachers leading their classes. In the final week of the TEFL course, you take over a live English class with real, non-native students and teach 60-minute lessons for 5 days, during which you are observed and coached by your TEFL trainer. 

Why get TEFL certified at Maximo Nivel?

When you earn your Maximo Nivel TEFL Certification, you have completed a rigorous teacher training course that exceeds all global standards. We have successfully trained more than 5,250 TEFL graduates since 2004, and Maximo alumni continue teaching all over the world. Maximo Nivel is a well-known, first-class language training center in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and online, with 3,000+ English students enrolled every month.

Is Maximo Nivel an ESL institute, too?

Yes. Maximo Nivel is not just a TEFL program provider. We are an English as a Second Language (ESL) institute with 20+ years of experience. We teach English to more than 3,200 learners every month in person and online. As an ESL institute, we understand the unique needs of second-language learners and integrate this knowledge into the TEFL Certification program. TEFL Program participants learn how to teach in a real ESL school!

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

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

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