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University Programs—Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru logo

University Programs—Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

4.5 (12)VerifiedSince 2003

Maximo Nivel offers university programs year round including Fall Semester, Winter Session (J-term), Spring Semester, and Summer Session. University students can study part-time or full-time. University credit is awarded by California State University-Monterey Bay and/or our local university partners in each country. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES - International Development - Business in Latin America - Conservation & Biology SUMMER SESSION-only (Peru) - Ecology & Conservation of Marine Mammals - Community Medicine & Service Learning - Multidisciplinary Research on Medicinal Plants in Peru - Biology Conservation Techniques of Parrots and Macaws - Global Health, Public Health, and Medical Spanish - Natural History of the Peruvian Tropical Coastal Marine System SERVICE LEARNING SPANISH LANGUAGE UNIVERSITY GROUPS Maximo Nivel works directly with universities in the United States, Canada, and Europe to organize semester-long programs as well as short-term group experiences from 1-4 weeks. We work directly with faculty-led groups, as well as independent student groups, and Alternative Spring Break programs.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Lima, Peru
  • Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundTerms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Conflict Studies
  • Continuing Education
  • Culture
  • Ecology
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Latin American Studies
  • Marine Biology
  • Medicine
  • Pre-Med
  • Service Learning
  • Social Work
  • Spanish
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 04, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.5

Total Reviews

12

Delta college study abroad program

June 21, 2026by: Joel Blank - United States
4

Administration and staff were excellent. Without their united team effort the our program would probably would not have happen. As the actual program, excellent visits, although unfortunately visits to the University of Costa Rica Department of political science and law school didn't occur given the problems of getting further off the ground no one's really to blame

learning about myself

June 21, 2026by: Tais Villalobos-Gatica - United States
5

While at my time with Maximo, I had a lot going on back at home. Ultimately, I felt that being here in Costa Rica has allowed me to learn so much about myself as well as my fears. In which Michael and Gabby contributed to. The immense support received not just by Maximo but specifically by Michael has been the most significant to me. There is nothing I could say to express what it is that I feel within. I have never met anyone like Michael, I say that from the bottom of my heart. I have never been someone who cared about losing friendships, yet I feel that I’ve established such an amazing friendship with Michael that it brings sadness to my heart knowing that it may be a while until we meet again. You are blessed to have such amazing staff. As someone observant, I watched as Michael took on each and every responsibility. I could feel how he felt, and witnessing first hand how he quickly responded to each scenario was honestly impressive. I’ve never met someone as loving, and soft. With a light that brings joy to others. I feel extremely blessed to have met them.

Best program!!!!

June 21, 2026by: Kathleen Gallup - United States
5

The political, cultural and environmental activities organized by Maximo were wonderful. Our guide for our two weeks was Michael and he is the best guide ever. He took care of us, changed plans on a dime if needed and was a lot of fun. Based on this experience I would recommend Maximo’s study abroad programs in Costa Rica.

Absolutely incredible!

May 31, 2026by: Anushka Nichani - United States
5

This program was so incredible! It really opened my eyes to new experiences, new people, and new perspectives! The entire staff was so helpful and engaging!!! I am extremely thankful for this program and the opportunities and people it brought me!

GREAT week

March 15, 2026by: Helena Ibrahim - United States
4

Had so much fun this week studying in costa rica and being around all the wildlife! I really enjoyed the balance between studying and cultural immersion and I can’t wait to come back to costa rica and do it again!

Best trip ever!

January 04, 2025by: Megan Stowell - United States
4

Maximo Nivel made my study abroad experience fun, exciting, and easy. They were so welcoming with open arms and smiles. This was my first time traveling another alone and abroad, and I was nervous. But Maximo made sure I felt comfortable and safe in a new place, offering great support. They were great!

Unforgettable experience

September 03, 2023by: Evely Reyes - United States
5

Not only did my Spanish fluency improve but I got to meet some amazing people and make life long memories. The teachers and staff were super helpful and welcoming. They showed a lot of interest in their students

Good times, my friend!

March 18, 2023by: Jhatiana McMurrin - United States
5

I had fun meeting new people and learning Spanish! My teacher Tatiana was fun and very informative. She made learning Spanish easy. She is a great teacher, very encouraging. Also, getting the chance to eat Costa Rican food was an experience. I enjoyed the night life and embracing the culture here. I have befriended a local here, he took me and my friend to downtown and we saw the museums and gave us history lessons. Despite the rain, I really liked walking around and looking at the architecture. The Dinner Dance was an experience. The view was gorgeous. I would love to come back!

A time to remember

December 24, 2022by: Junita Middleton - United States
3

I came to Maximo Nivel with the intent to improve my Spanish and I did that and so much more. I attended the institute in San Jose, Costa Rica for a month and it was a wonderful experience. The staff were super friendly, welcoming, and very resourceful. Literally any question that I had, they had an answer for. My time here was split between two Spanish teachers and although I was nervous of that at first, it turned out to be very beneficial. Both teachers had two completely different teaching styles and that helped me a lot. Because of my work schedule, I was unable to participate in many of the activities, but I did get a chance to take the salsa class and it was a lot of fun. We even learned how to dance Swing Criollo which is a popular dance particularly in Costa Rica. It was my first time hearing of it! If you are ever thinking about studying abroad or learning Spanish, I highly recommend this school. It is one of those things that you just have to experience for yourself. Thank you Maximo Nivel for making my first visit to Costa Rica a memorable one. 10/10!

Learning Spanish in Costa Rica

October 22, 2022by: Inez X - Netherlands
5

I went to San Jose, Costa Rica, for 4 weeks to improve my Spanish language skills. The school facilitated my stay at a very nice host family. I got to meet a lot of international students and locals at this school. Furthermore, the travel agency located within the school helped me in my plans to explore Costa Rica during the weekend. It has been an AMAZING experience and I would recommend it to everyone!

A fast and wonderful way to learn Spanish

September 08, 2022by: Marissa Howser - United States
4

I have spent 7 weeks at Maximo Nivel and I have had an amazing time! I spoke no spanish when i got here and i have noticed such a huge improvement from my classes and my immersion. I was at the San Jose campus, as well as the Quepos campus. San Jose is a great city with a lot to do! The classes themselves, are truly wonderful with very talented teachers. I did not do too many cultural activities while at the San Jose campus and you might need to request more information from the front desk . Overall, a great way to learn spanish!

Do it!

March 15, 2019by: D bradley - England
5

So pleased I did this - I highly recommend this course to any one on the fence/ thinking about if they should do it....you should! I didn't do much research and got very lucky - Audra is a fantastic teacher, I doubt there is anyone better teaching the TEFL course.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

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

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Conflict Studies
  • Continuing Education
  • Culture
  • Ecology
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Health Sciences
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Latin American Studies
  • Marine Biology
  • Medicine
  • Pre-Med
  • Service Learning
  • Social Work
  • Spanish

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Terms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Accommodation Options

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

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    MAXIMO NIVEL

    MAXIMO NIVEL

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    Maximo Nivel offers university programs year round including Fall Semester, Winter Session (J-term), Spring Semester, and Summer Session. University students can study part-time or full-time. University credit is awarded by California State University-Monterey Bay and/or our local university partners in each country. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES - International Development - Business in Latin America - Conservation & Biology SUMMER SESSION-only (Peru) - Ecology & Conservation of Marine Mammals - Community Medicine & Service Learning - Multidisciplinary Research on Medicinal Plants in Peru - Biology Conservation Techniques of Parrots and Macaws - Global Health, Public Health, and Medical Spanish - Natural History of the Peruvian Tropical Coastal Marine System SERVICE LEAR...

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