



MAXIMO NIVEL
Why choose MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel is a leading educational travel and study abroad organization. We offer a range of programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, Native Spanish Program, TEFL Certification, Adventure and Culture programs, and more. We offer comprehensive instruction and learning, academic credit for most programs, and a fun and professional environment. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, and client. We aim to deliver safe, affordable, high-quality programs, provide the best Spanish language immersion in Latin America, improve the impact at every volunteer project site where our volunteers work, train and certify world-class ESL teachers, organize excellent internships, and help people see the world.
Maximo Nivel is a leading educational travel and study abroad organization. We offer a range of programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, Native Spanish Program, TEFL Certification, Adventure and Culture programs, and more. We offer comprehensive instruction and learning, academic credit for most programs, and a fun and professional environment. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, and client. We aim to deliver safe, affordable, high-quality programs, provide the best Spanish language immersion in Latin America, improve the impact at every volunteer project site where our volunteers work, train and certify world-class ESL teachers, organize excellent internships, and help people see the world.
MAXIMO NIVEL Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I learned a huge amount in a short space of time
August 18, 2026by: Dominique Baptie - South AfricaProgram: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The Online TEFL course was a big surprise to me once I got started. I did not expect such a comprehensive program, covering the depth that it did. As a complete beginner, not just to Teaching Mythologies, but also to online platforms and computer technology, I felt rather overwhelmed in the beginning. As I got into it, I realized that a great support system has been built into the entire experience, from start to end. There was always a trainer/facilitator available to me for any questions or assistance I needed. The learning platform was user friendly and easy to navigate, even for a "newbie". Loads of learning material and class observation sessions were provided throughout the course. The mythologies taught, proved imperative and extremely valuable when applying them to teaching classes during my practical assessment week. It was a tough, challenging course that was also fun and offering lots of room for creativity. I surprised myself with just how much I learned and gained through Maximo Nivel's TEFL course. Instructors were friendly, open to all questions and queries and most importantly, available! I did not feel at any stage, "left in the dark". The support system that is built around this program, is what I was most impressed by. Every student has immense talent to bring to the table. A solid support structure is essential to crossing the finish line or standing at the beginning of a brand new path. Great instructors, great communication, great challenge and lots of fun! I had an awesome experience and I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone looking to gain their TEFL certification.

I had an amazing time
August 16, 2026by: worthy Idahosa - CanadaProgram: Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
I really enjoyed becoming interconnected with the Costa Rican experience. My host parents Tulio and Carmen were the best people ever. They became my home away from home. They were so kind and showed me the true Costa Rican kindness everyone talked about!
Amazing
August 16, 2026by: Valerie Casserly - CanadaProgram: Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
It was a great experience I would do it again 100 hundred percent would recommend to everyone I know.i loved my host family so much and the food was great the kids were amazing and the people were super friendly
An Unforgettable Costa Rica Experience
August 15, 2026by: Noemi VitaliniI volunteered in Costa Rica, working with children, and had an amazing time! I met many wonderful people, made new friends, and enjoyed incredible experiences like ziplining, waterfalls, and many adventures. I highly recommend it!
My Volunteering Experience in Costa Rica
August 15, 2026by: Noemi VitaliniMy Volunteering Experience in Costa Rica My volunteering experience in Costa Rica was amazing and unforgettable. I had the opportunity to work with children, and I really enjoyed spending time with them. different countries and made new friends. We worked together to plan activities and help the children, which was a very rewarding experience. During my free time, I explored Costa Rica and visited beautiful waterfalls. The nature was incredible, and I had so much fun. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to help others, meet new people, discover a new culture, and have an amazing adventure. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget!
My experience was so fun!
August 13, 2026by: Ana Laura Caligiuri - BrazilI had a really good time in Costa Rica. It was my first time in the country, and probably not the last! The children I worked with were so adorable and I enjoyed every moment of it, when teaching, feeding, putting them to sleep or just disciplining them! I also had some excursions, in the Catamaran and Manuel Antonio Park, and I was lucky enough to get both days very sunny with a clear water. The program in general was so fun, not to mention that I met so many amazing people that helped me throughout the journey.
I completed the Online TEFL program
August 13, 2026by: Siana Smith - United StatesProgram: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The TEFL program had a lot of information. There was so much to consume. I appreciated the live recordings of the classrooms and critique assignments that were a part of the modules. My instructor was consistent with their feedback and was always available when I needed them. I appreciate that they were accessible and responded quickly whenever I needed some assistance or extra feedback.
Happy
August 09, 2026by: Hamza Talhawi - MoroccoProgram: Explore Latin America! Volunteer, Internships, TEFL, Spanish
Lettre de motivation – Candidature pour une mission de volontariat Madame, Monsieur, Je souhaite vous présenter ma candidature pour participer à votre programme de volontariat. Motivé, sérieux et ouvert d’esprit, je souhaite vivre une expérience internationale qui me permettra de développer mes compétences, de découvrir une nouvelle culture et surtout de contribuer activement aux activités de votre organisation. Je suis une personne dynamique, responsable et capable de m’adapter facilement à de nouveaux environnements. J’apprécie particulièrement le travail en équipe, la communication avec les autres et l’apprentissage de nouvelles compétences. Je suis également prêt à participer aux différentes tâches proposées et à m’investir pleinement dans la vie quotidienne du projet. Pour moi, le volontariat représente bien plus qu’un simple voyage. C’est une occasion de rencontrer des personnes venant de différents horizons, de partager nos expériences et de contribuer positivement à la communauté d’accueil. Je suis prêt à sortir de ma zone de confort, à apprendre et à donner le meilleur de moi-même. Je serais très heureux d’avoir la possibilité de rejoindre votre projet et de mettre ma motivation, mon énergie et mon sérieux au service de votre équipe. Je vous remercie pour l’attention portée à ma candidature et reste à votre disposition pour tout entretien ou information complémentaire. Cordialement, Hamza Talhawi

<childcare <review
August 08, 2026by: <heather <street - United StatesProgram: Working with Kids—Volunteer in Peru!
<we had a lot of fun working with the kids at our daycare placement. <also, the care and attention of the <maximo Nivel staff was top notch. <i had a minor illness while abroad and they got me all the treatment <i needed to be back on my feet in a day without missing my excursions.
Medical volunteering
August 08, 2026by: Braeden Chipman - United StatesI really enjoyed my volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel at the nursing home. The staff was welcoming, supportive, and made me feel like part of the team. While it wasn’t quite the hands-on medical experience I was expecting, it was still incredibly rewarding to spend time with the residents and learn more about the local culture and healthcare environment. The experience reminded me that compassionate care is about more than medical procedures. Overall, I had a great time, met amazing people, and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica.
Volunteering in Peru
August 08, 2026by: CHIARA MARUCCI - ItalyProgram: Working with Kids—Volunteer in Peru!
IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOMING, KIND AND HELPFUL. IT WAS WONDERFUL SPENDING TIME WITH THE CHILDREN, HELPING THEM WITH THEIR HOMEWORK, AND PLAYING WITH THEM. I LOVED BEING HERE.
Great way to be immersed in another language. Had a brilliant time!
August 08, 2026by: Aiden Lindsay - ScotlandProgram: Explore Latin America! Volunteer, Internships, TEFL, Spanish
The home stay was great, felt very welcome always and the food was great. My lessons were well organised and the teachers were always passionate in helping me improve, and felt like I improved a lot in only 3 weeks. Great experience overall, and i would recommend to anyone that wants to learn a new language.
amazing opportunity to grow
August 08, 2026by: John Avasapian - United StatesI had a great time volunteering for this program. I did not know what to expect from Cusco and it was a cool way to throw myself out there and get out of my comfort zone. For people solo travelling alone, this program made it easy and comforting to do. I learned a lot and had lots of hands on experience.
The most fun time!
August 07, 2026by: Julia Hiel - NetherlandsI was teaching kids in Costa Rica and it was so much fun the people there were really nice and always smiling. I made many friends in the time that I was here and I always was busy with fun exciting stuff.


Amazing experience
August 07, 2026by: Martina Lara Gasparotto - ItalyI did the teaching project in a community center for two weeks and it was an incredibly memorable experience; the people in San José are so lovely and I got to immerse in a lively culture through the students and the host family. Absolutely recommend this project!
It was an experience amazing
August 07, 2026by: Adélaïde Graux - FranceProgram: Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
It was amazing to meet all these People ! meeting these children and teaching them was incredible. I learned every day. My family was really Nice ! I made friends for life !! I recommend this trip for everyone !
Absolutely Phenomenal Learning And Immersion Experience
August 01, 2026by: Merrill Scarbrough - United StatesProgram: Intern Abroad in Latin America | Top-Rated Internships
The medical internship was amazing. I interned at Hogar Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza and was able to be fully immersed in Costa Rican culture by participating in La Romería with the patients. In addition, I was able to learn so many medical terms in Spanish and was able to do many hands-on patient care activities within the clinic.

A great experience!
August 01, 2026by: Max Otto - SwitzerlandProgram: Explore Latin America! Volunteer, Internships, TEFL, Spanish
Honestly, I went into this with no expectations and then was really surprised with the beauty of peru. We got to see evey hike that we wanted to see, and they were all so beautiful! I also got a great room allocation with a lot of friends and made new ones as well! My first time in South America was such a different experience toi what I had known before and I was happy to contribute, if only for such a short time to this project.
Volunteering in Peru
August 01, 2026by: etan bryois - Franceit was an amazing experience, I had a great time and made many new meaningful connections that I never would have been able to make anywhere else. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience as it is truly eye opening and will change your life.
A great trip and voluteering experience in Cusco
August 01, 2026by: Antoine Khatchatourian - United StatesProgram: Explore Latin America! Volunteer, Internships, TEFL, Spanish
This experience was my first time in South America and I couldn´t have wished for a more satisfying visit. Maximo was very helpfull in any inquiries I had and provided a tremendous amount of aid with city life, exploration, and my construction project. Finally, my host family was great and made me feel comfortable and welcomed me to the new country.
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Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sarah Danielle Mestas
Participated in 2018
Sarah Danielle is a 24 years old who is currently a kindergarten teacher in California. She has worked with children ages 1-16 over the last six years...

Sarah Danielle Mestas
Participated in 2018
After teaching English in Italy in 2016, I realized that I wanted to take this career path more seriously and invest in my education with a TEFL certification. I want to teach in a country that is different than America, where I can genuinely make a difference and help children to have more opportunities in their lives by speaking English and having me as their teacher.

Ken Jones
Interviewed in 2018
Ken and his partner Giovanna are the Founders of Maximo Nivel—the Intercultural Center of Latin America. Maximo Nivel is a locally-based, social enter...

Ken Jones
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Today on GoAbroad we bring you an interview with Ken. Our interview today jumps into some of the new and exciting developments at Maximo Nivel. See why going abroad with this dynamic organization could be the perfect fit for you!

Tyler Werboweski
Participated in 2017
Tyler is a primary care paramedic from Canada. He has traveled to many places before as a tourist, and this experience has given him a new vision of the world.

Tyler Werboweski
Participated in 2017
By volunteering with Maximo Nivel, I was able to volunteer and be immersed in the culture of the city I helped in. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and this program allowed me to travel the world in an aspect most tourists never get to experience!

Joy Lafferty
Participated in 2017
Joy has two sons and three grandchildren. She is a retired social worker, but she spent the majority of her career helping people with disabilities, a...

Joy Lafferty
Participated in 2017
I love to travel and felt I needed a purpose, and volunteering in any capacity certainly fulfills that need.

Casandra Fountain
Participated in 2016
Casandra is from Calgary, Canada. She hikes every weekend in Banff and Kananaskis. Casandra has traveled all over Canada and the United States, and ha...

Casandra Fountain
Participated in 2016
The purpose for this trip was to "find" myself.

Yijia Wen - 2016 Program Participant
Participated in 2016
Yijia is a Chinese girl living alone in New Zealand. She is currently in university and planning for a master’s degree in teaching. Yijia has traveled...

Yijia Wen - 2016 Program Participant
Participated in 2016
I am always longing to live with a clear purpose, to make sure I am pursuing what I really want. So, I chose to go abroad to find myself. Before leaving, I was always not sure whether "I want to be a teacher" or "my mother wants me to be a teacher", whether "I want to live in New Zealand" or "my mother wants me to live in New Zealand". In my first year at uni, I have been getting to know that something you like might not be what you really like. Instead, you are just imagining "I like it. I like it." The only way to clarify my genuine enthusiasm and imaginary enthusiasm is to try to experience it by myself.

Candace Taylor
Participated in 2015
Candace is a registered nurse from Canada. She is currently specializing in critical care in Calgary, Alberta. A few years ago, she took up solo trave...

Candace Taylor
Participated in 2015
I have always loved traveling. I've been to several counties within Asia, Europe, North America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. I was always moved most when I traveled to 3rd world countries and saw just how much they needed and yet how welcoming and happy they appeared. I wanted to go to South America, particularly Cusco, Peru. This time I decided it was time to give back. So I applied for a volunteer mission as a nurse, which is the profession I hold in Canada. As expected, there was a very strong need for nurses and health care workers in general so the process was short and sweet. I saved for my plane ticket and off I went.

Emily Zaye
Participated in 2016
Emily is a 25 year old Spanish teacher from Ohio, where she has been teaching high school for almost three years. She studied abroad in Spain twice, b...

Emily Zaye
Participated in 2016
As a foreign language teacher, languages and travel are my passion. I try to travel as often as possible to improve my language skills and create new experiences I can share in my classroom.

Katherine Trudel
Participated in 2015
Katherine is an English student, born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada. She has a business diploma and two years of experience as an administrati...

Katherine Trudel
Participated in 2015
I never did much when I was in high school. I wasn't exactly the ambitious type. Then when my Mom died, something changed. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and see the world. All I did was work and study. Life is too short to be stuck behind a desk! At that point, I had made a list of places I wanted to visit and Machu Picchu was at the top of that list. Originally, a group of us were going to go; just a quick, week long trip. But that never happened, because there was too much work to be done, bills to pay, and never a good time.

Gerhard Uys
Participated in 2016
Gerhard is an outdoor teacher from the beautiful country of South Africa. He studied communication science at the University of South Africa, and late...

Gerhard Uys
Participated in 2016
I've always wanted to travel and see the world, but fear of the unknown kept me back and I slowly began to settle into a stable but monotonous job. Near the end of 2015, I realised that if I did not take action I could very likely live my whole life without ever having traveled abroad. After reading many motivational books and considering the pros and cons of my big decision over and over again, I finally decided to take a leap of faith and signed up for the TEFL training course, with the plan to work abroad immediately after completing the course.

Maggie Kirkpatrick
Participated in 2016
Maggie has dreamed of living in Latin America since she began university in 2010. Once she graduated and realized she was no longer bound, she wasted ...

Maggie Kirkpatrick
Participated in 2016
I studied Latin American Studies and Spanish in University, so working abroad was always the goal in mind. I have also been interested in teaching English for years, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to blend all my interests.

Jennifer McCarron
Participated in 2016
Jennifer is from western New York. She has lived, worked, and traveled in Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. Currently, her master’s degree in speech, language...

Jennifer McCarron
Participated in 2016
Last year, my husband and I visited Cusco briefly as a part of guided tour of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Over the four or five days we were there, I was thrilled to feel my Spanish-speaking muscles bulking up quickly. On a cab ride back from the train station at Ollantaytambo on our second to last day, I was practicing my Spanish with the cab driver. He mentioned that many Cusquenas and Peruvians want to learn English and take advantage of the area's booming tourism industry. In that dark and bumpy ride, I began planning my return trip! The clouds of ideas were forming. I wanted to learn to teach English as a Second Language, and teach it Cusco.

Josue Alcantara
Interviewed in 2016
Born in Puerto Rico, Josue moved to the Dominican Republic when he was four years old, later returning to Puerto Rico at the age of 13. After completi...

Josue Alcantara
Interviewed in 2016
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Since I was a child, I always enjoyed traveling. I grew up between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, traveling to several parts of the U.S. often. Also, during high school, I carried out several missions trips with churches to Colombia and Mexico. So, you can say the travel bug definitely bit me pretty early on, and it definitely infected all of me.

Chelsey Rickert
Interviewed in 2016
Born in Colorado, Chelsey moved to Hawai’i when she was 17, spending many years on the island of Maui, which she considers her real home. When it was ...

Chelsey Rickert
Interviewed in 2016
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I first came to Maximo Nivel as a volunteer in 2013. I worked in a childcare project at a preschool for about three months.

Jennifer Herndon
Participated in 2015
Jennifer is a senior, non-traditional student, at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She had never volunteered abroad before vent...

Jennifer Herndon
Participated in 2015
Why did you decide to apply for an international program?

David Garner
Participated in 2015
David is from Manchester, England. Although he earned a TEFL certificate in 2012, he has yet to have an opportunity to use it. David decided to travel...

David Garner
Participated in 2015
I applied for this program because I wanted the opportunity to live in a different country, to be able to work there, and experience a new culture. I knew also that it would give me new skills and potentially lead to a new career in a rewarding profession.

Christine Olijnyk
Participated in 2015
Christine is from Canada. She went to school for marketing and event management, but decided to take a year off from work and go traveling, which ende...

Christine Olijnyk
Participated in 2015
As my favourite saying goes, life is not meant to be lived in one place. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and be immersed into a culture completely different from the one back home in Canada.

Gabriela Pechova
Participated in 2015
Gabriela is a 39 years old, worldly, Czech, living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is always eager to visit new places and learn about new cultures and sees ...

Gabriela Pechova
Participated in 2015
I traveled to many places, but as tourist only. I think I was just ready to take my experiences to a new level, really get to know the country as if I lived there. I traveled to India and China in the past, saw all the touristy places but didn't experience as much of their culture as I would like to. Volunteering in Guatemala was exactly what I was looking for: interaction with locals and living just like one of them.

Jordan Parry
Participated in 2014
Jordan grew up in Colorado and taught Spanish and ESL in public schools for a few years in Wyoming. She studied abroad in northern Chile in college, a...

Jordan Parry
Participated in 2014
I want to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD in Romance Languages. I have a degree in Spanish, but I knew I wanted to live abroad, immersed in the language and culture, and really perfect my Spanish skills before beginning such a high-caliber program. Having a degree in teaching ESL already, I knew I could get a job teaching English abroad without going through a TEFL/TESOL Certification program, but I wanted to go through an organization so that I would have a support system in my new home and could ease into life abroad with a group of peers who were doing the same type of thing as I was.

Riley Dwyer
Participated in 2014
Riley is your average 19 year old Engineer dropout from the Sunshine Coast, Australia. He’s hooked on travelling and doesn’t see himself returning to ...

Riley Dwyer
Participated in 2014
I'd previously volunteered in Cambodia teaching English, and I was keen to head somewhere else and help out. I had previously quit university and was tired of working two jobs...so I booked a ticket to South America.
Ready to Learn More?
Maximo Nivel is a leading educational travel and study abroad organization. We offer a range of programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, Native Spanish Program, TEFL Certification, Adventure and Culture programs, and more. We offer comprehensive instruction and learning, academic credit for most programs, and a fun and professional environment. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, and client. We aim to deliver safe, affordable, high-quality programs, provide the best Spanish language immersion in Latin America, improve the impact at every volunteer project site where our volunteers work, train and certify world...

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL
Ready to Learn More?
Maximo Nivel is a leading educational travel and study abroad organization. We offer a range of programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, Native Spanish Program, TEFL Certification, Adventure and Culture programs, and more. We offer comprehensive instruction and learning, academic credit for most programs, and a fun and professional environment. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, and client. We aim to deliver safe, affordable, high-quality programs, provide the best Spanish language immersion in Latin America, improve the impact at every volunteer project site where our volunteers work, train and certify world...
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Awards
Check out awards and recognitions MAXIMO NIVEL has received





























