Disappointing Experience: Subtle Racism, Unprofessionalism, and Feeling Unwelcome - I AM FILIPINO
I came to Máximo Nivel excited to improve my Spanish and earn my TEFL certification. I hoped it would be a rewarding opportunity to learn and meet people from different backgrounds. Instead, parts of my experience left me feeling unwelcome, overlooked, and disappointed. I’m Filipino, and English isn’t my first language. BUT I’ve also lived and worked in several international settings: I worked in South Korea, studied in Singapore, worked in Switzerland, Oman and spent nearly ten years as a First Class flight attendant in Dubai- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, and am now Canadian citizen. I’m familiar with multicultural environments, so I was especially troubled by how uncomfortable I sometimes felt at a school that promotes cultural exchange. My experience at the International Office: I often felt uncomfortable approaching Maia for help. When I tried to talk about difficulties I was having, I felt judged rather than supported, and her manner came across to me as cold and dismissive. I also noticed what seemed like a change in her demeanor when a white person entered the office while she was helping me. She appeared warmer and more accommodating. I can’t know what she intended, and I can only speak to my own experience, but the contrast left me wondering whether my ethnicity affected how I was treated. My interactions with Reese, also working at the international office, also left me feeling uneasy. Over time, I found myself hesitating to approach the International Office, even though supporting international students is its purpose. I’ve also encountered people (especially Americans) who made assumptions about my education or abilities because I had worked in Dubai. Those experiences made it all the more important to me to be treated with respect and without cultural stereotypes. I did have positive experiences with Gabby, the head of the International Office, and Rico, who is from South Africa. Both were welcoming and helpful. Questions about the teaching program: During my TEFL course, our instructor, Sean, asked us to apply for a Máximo Nivel teaching program with opportunities in Costa Rica and Guatemala. I submitted my application before some of my American and British classmates, but I never received a callback or meaningful follow-up. My application stated that I’m Filipino. I can’t know whether my nationality played any part in the outcome, and I understand that applying early doesn’t guarantee selection. Still, given how I had already felt at the school, the lack of communication left me with questions. I wasn’t expecting a guaranteed position. I did expect clear information about the selection process. If passport eligibility, visa rules, or other hiring requirements affect who can participate, I believe those requirements should be explained upfront—especially when an institution invites its students to apply. My Spanish classes: My experience in Tania’s group Spanish class was also disappointing. I was the least proficient speaker in the group, which was exactly why I had enrolled. Instead of feeling encouraged, I often felt overlooked. At times, class started about five minutes late. Tania would sit down, turn the fan toward herself, and sometimes apply face powder during class. I also felt that too much of our four-hour class was spent hearing about her personal life, including her dog, or doing seatwork rather than practicing conversation. I had hoped for structured lessons, patience, and plenty of speaking practice. Instead, I left feeling that the class didn’t give me the support or engagement I needed to learn. The people who made a positive difference Not everyone at Máximo Nivel disappointed me. Sean was a professional and capable TEFL instructor, and Nelly, my private Spanish teacher, was excellent. Gabby and Rico were also approachable and helpful. Their conduct showed me the kind of teaching and support I had hoped to experience throughout the program. Final thoughts: My main disappointment is the gap between the school’s message about international exchange and how I felt during parts of my time there. Students should be able to ask for help without feeling intimidated, and language learners should feel supported rather than embarrassed about where they’re starting. I’m sharing this especially for Filipino and other Asian students considering Máximo Nivel. I can’t speak for anyone else, and others may have a different experience, but I want prospective students to know about mine. I didn’t expect special treatment. I expected courtesy, professional instruction, fair consideration, and respect—regardless of my nationality, appearance, or language level. Being a non-native English speaker doesn’t make someone less educated, experienced, or deserving of respect. For the cost and the expectations I had, my overall experience was deeply disappointing. Based on it, I wouldn’t recommend Máximo Nivel. I hope the school takes concerns about cultural sensitivity, communication, recruitment transparency, teaching quality, and staff professionalism seriously.
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