MAXIMO NIVEL

I 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.

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.

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

<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.

I 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.

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.

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.

I 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.

I 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.

I 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 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 !

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.

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.

it 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.

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.

The whole city of Cusco along with the Volunteer Abroad doing construction was an experience I will never forget, and one that changed how I view everyday life. Looking at the lived experiences of individuals in Cusco and Peru as a whole really changed my perspective. Overall, doing construction, living in Cusco, and experiencing the culture was unforgettable.

best time ever, everything was great. saw amazing things, and was able to do amazing things. The host house was amazing with really cool people. We were able to do our own thing and that made my trip just amazing. Maximo was just great.

During my stay here, the teachers and organization were exceptionally professional and constantly checked in on me to ensure everything was up to standard. The curriculum was professionally curated, and as a student I was allowed to ask to hone in on certain aspects if I had any confusion. If youre considering studying here, I would recommend taking private classes, as it ensures progression will match your own pace. Overall, 5 stars across the board :)

I have traveled before and Iove to experience new cultures. Learning spanish, talking to the locals, and getting to know everyone at Maximo Nivel was amazing! The staff were patient and listened whenever I had a problem, the tourism mixed with volunteering was a perfect mix. I learned so much from the children I taught and the teachers I got to know. I really loved the enviroment and feel this is a place anyone could thrive. Would not suggest coming for just one week, the longer you stay the better as theres so much to do, see, and learn!

I spent two weeks in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel. My Spanish level was minimal when I arrived. I felt like I was able to have a basic conversation and move around the city with the Spanish I learned. My homestay was very nice, and the staff here solved any issues I had; I would definitely do it again.

Living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been an incredible experience. It helped me integrate myself into the culture, language, and nature of the country. I was able to learn Spanish for 4 weeks with no Spanish to being able to form sentences and talk Spanish in tandem with not only my teachers but with the locals. The staff have been excellent in taking care of all my needs including changing accommodations, health issues, checking up regularly. This experience is 5 stars overall!

My field manager, Ellen, was awesome. She was supportive throughout the program, although I do wish she had been able to attend my final presentation, as I had understood she would. I think Máximo could improve a few things moving forward. First, the check-ins felt very generic and seemed copied and pasted to all students. More personalized communication would have made students feel more supported. I also felt there was a lack of communication between Maximo and the internship sites. It seemed like the purpose of the students' roles and the program wasn't always clearly communicated. Additionally, I think the mandatory workshops took away from valuable internship time. Scheduling them differently could allow students to get more out of both the internship and the workshops. Lastly, the required daily journals felt like they were never actually read. I spent a lot of time writing thoughtful, page-long reflections every day, but I never received any feedback or a grade.

I had a great time! Living situation was comfortable, the other volunteers I met were all amazing, and the park rangers and dorm we were at were all welcoming, a bit quiet - but friendly and kind. I think from my time here, and having spoken to a few different volunteers about their experience and perspective, my only issue would be that I think Maximo Nivel doesn’t always paint an accurate picture of their programs. Despite this, I still think it’s worth coming here if anyone is thinking about it, but that it’s really important to do your research on the program you want to do. As for example, me and another volunteer were confused as to why over email they’d been led to believe our program was on the Caribbean coast, when it in fact ended up being on the Pacific Ocean Coast. And also that online our sea turtle programs talk about various activities like helping hatchlings etc but doesn’t inform you if the season you are going on is nesting season or not etc. Host family were lovely, and transportation was fairly clear. The online and in person admin team at Maximo were especially helpful, and Kaylie was especially wonderful! Overall, would definitely recommend - just think it’s important to ensure the program detailings are clear to you before you arrive. Thanks! Miss Costa Rica already!!

Everything was super great. My host family was excellent, Monica was genuinely the sweetest lady ever. I did the Jungle conservation program at pantera sanctuary and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Everything from the food to the people to the work was excellent. Maximo was very helpful with any and all questions or concerns me or my friends had. 100% would recommend.

We would spend the days doing often manual labour and venturing deep into the jungle to collect data, but we still had a lot of time to bond with other volunteers and the staff. Emily, Aldo and Cristobal were all very helpful and they really embodied genuine passion for the conservation of nature. I highly advise anyone interested to try the program, as you really begin to appreciate the Amazon and its importance

Ha sido una experiencia muy agradable me encantó trabajar con los niños. He podido también viajar por Costa Rica aprendiendo mucho. La familia acogida también ha sido muy agradable. Una cosa que se tiene que decir probablemente dar una ayuda Major para llegar a los sito de trabajo porque los primeros días no es muy fácil entender donde están los varios lugares.

Teaching English in Costa Rica was a dream! My wonderful host family made me feel right at home, and the kids were incredibly sweet, kind, and eager to learn. Such an unforgettable pura vida experience!

This was the best two weeks I’ve had. Helping out with the kids teaching English to exploring the Costa Rican adventures. Also the host is very nice and makes sure that we are taken care of. I really believe this program is a worth of money and that you will not regret doing this program

When I first got here to Cusco all the people of Maximo made me feel very welcomed. I got placed into my internship and Spanish class and was not sure how both were going to be, but after the first days of both I thought they were both great. The overall facilities of maximo are great aswell any time during they week if you want a tea or coffee you can come in and get it for free.

I absolutely loved my time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel- amazing program, people, accommodations, and just such a fun experience overall. Was a great program for traveling solo for my first time!!!

I had such a great time in Antigua. My host family was amazing. They were so kind and all the food was so good. My teachers were excellent as well. I learned so much and they were so kind. The travel Guiness program was great too. I had so much fun traveling to Lake Aticlan and going to the beach.

My Spanish teachers at Maximo were very knowledgable about the Spanish language and consistently provided me with feedback and explanations that helped me improve my Spanish very quickly! My classes had a good balance of authentic conversation and grammar, and it was clear that my teachers had put a lot of thought into the sequence and pacing of the lessons.

I am happy to report that I’ve had a magically adventurous time here, my Spanish has noticeably improved, my hosts were kind and accommodating, and the Maximo and Inca Trails staff were wonderful. Special shoutout to Martha and Susan! They are amazing teachers and people. I’m sad to be leaving but happy to be heading home renewed, inspired and closer to fluency. You all run an excellent program!

I absolutely loved my time here! The locals are so nice and Antigua is beautiful. My only complaint is that I wish I had more time here to explore, but I tried to make the best of what time I did have. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend it!

Everybody was so helpful and supportive. It felt comfortable the entire time! I would 100% do it again. The experience, culture and Spanish classes were amazing, and Maximo Nivel was always checking in and ready to help.

I was welcomed as soon as I arrived in Maximo. I made new friends each week both inside the programme and with locals down the road that I played football and basketball with most days. The programme was both fun and beneficial for my Spanish. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Where to begin? They say we change every day—that we are constantly evolving—and that sums up my first volunteer experience, which certainly won't be my last. I arrived in this country feeling a bit lost, but I’m returning as a completely different person. I came hoping to help, yet I think what I’m taking away with me is far more valuable. I’ve met incredible people who have stolen my heart; I haven’t just made friends—I’ve found family. I felt welcome from day one, and I’m so excited about the future. I’m ready for Guatemala in 2027 with Maximo—we make a great team. This definitely isn't a goodbye, just a "see you soon."

Hola. Yo soy el papá de Isabella Bermúdez. Ella quedó encantada con la experiencia que tuvo durante la semana del campamento de verano en Manuel Antonio. Me dijo que la mamá anfitriona fue excelente. Las actividades y la puntualidad no puede ser mejor. Gracias

My experience in Maximo Nivel was wonderful specially with all the personnel in charge of the programs. My choose Child Care and it was a beautiful experience working and helping those precious children were the best of all ( love children) My accommodation in general with my Tica family was great including the time the family used to know more about me..They always game me care and support from day one…I even enjoyed time playing with their little dogs inside the house… I appreciate everything I received from Maximo Nivel here in Costa Rica. Thanks to them I had the great opportunity to visit different places in my free time feeling safe and secure with the tour personnel and drivers always on time to pick me up at my location…. I will recommend any body to who wants to have a beautiful and professional experience traveling as a volunteer to do it with Maximo Nivel with any country on the list to choose Thank you Maximo Nivel / Costa Rica and Pura Vida

I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. It is a beautiful country and Maximo Nivel enabled me to see all of it at its peak. I also racked up community service hours while having a great time with my friends. Would recommend to anyone.

An experience that allowed me to meet incredible people, greatly improve my English, and let go of the fear of new opportunities—embracing them with the utmost positivity. It was also a time to be away from home while finding people who made it feel like home, and a chance for new moments of discovery, trying new things, and taking on new challenges.

I had a wonderful 2 weeks at the summer camp. I enjoyed discovering new cultures through the host families. The volunteer part was also rewarding seeing communities and helping them in Quépos and San Jose. The activities didn’t leave any time for boredom. I loved exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful nature with a bunch of visits. We did surfing, cooking classes, scuba diving and a lot more great activities! The group was also the perfect size with between 20-14 campers and was great for a warm atmosphere. I made friends I definitely have to visit. The staff was also professional and friendly. Would recommend to any teenager who likes travelling and meeting people! Loved it.

I enjoyed a deep immersion in the the culture and history of Costa Rica. The counselors were very knowledgeable and helpful. I especially enjoyed Zip-lining in San Jose and and hiking with Rainmaker. I highly recommend coming with a friend as I think it greatly improves your overall experience.

Very fun and eye opening experience, with lots of great immersion and opportunity to make new friends. The program felt very smooth and was fun day to day with new things to learn and experience as the days goes on.

During these two weeks, i made so many new friends and new memories i will cherish forever. I really enjoyed spending time with them and experiencing new things together. The counselors were always there to make sure we were okay and were very supportive. I will miss Nico and Rosa a lot as well as all the friends i have made these past two weeks. Time went by too fast and i wish it lasted a little longer. The hardest part of this trip was saying goodbye. I’m very thankful for everyone who made these two weeks what they were and everything we experienced together will stay with me for a long time. Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart and i hope our paths will cross again someday. Thank you for everything.

I had an amazing time at camp. I got to try so many new things, like surfing and scuba diving, which I had never done before.I made friends from different places. The instructors were awesomethey were really fun, supportive, and made every activity even better. It was such a great experience, and I’m really glad I was part of it

The trip was very fun, I felt really immersed in the culture. I learned a lot and made a lot of friends, and counselors were really fun. Taking the spanish classes taught me a lot and I feel like the experience was even better because we were with locals.

I made so many new friends and I was very immerse in the culture there I had the best time ever. I love this game so much even if it has a few bumps the smooth bumps outweigh the bad bumps. Nico is the best.

This summer camp was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I came here expecting to have a good time, but I left with so much more than that. I met incredible people from different parts of the world, made friendships I’ll never forget, and created memories that I’ll carry with me forever. Every day was filled with fun activities, new experiences, and moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. The staff and counselors were amazing, always supportive, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to making sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. What made this camp truly special wasn’t just the activities, it was the atmosphere. It felt like one big family where everyone looked out for each other, laughed together, and made every moment count. The two weeks went by way too fast, and saying goodbye was much harder than I ever imagined. I’m incredibly grateful for everything this camp gave me. It helped me grow, meet amazing people, and create memories I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I would recommend this experience to anyone without hesitation, and if I had the chance, I would come back in a heartbeat. Thank you for an unforgettable summer.

My time here was quite eye opening. It caused me to learn more about a foreign culture and allowed to have life experiences to talk about. Teaching children about oral hygiene was my favourite part of the program.

This trip was important for 3 reasons. 1. It was the furthest I’ve been from home 2. It has been the most culturally interactive trip I’ve been on 3. This is the most Independent I’ve been abroad I have learned so much about myself on this trip and I couldn’t ask for more.

I've been learning a lot about the Guatemalan culture while volunteering in a local school and wandering on the streets of Antigua. I've learnt Spanish very quickly thanks to my fantastic teacher Francisco who is a marvellous language teacher.

I did the TEFL class from 22 June - 19 July 2026. I found this program through endorsement by Ramsey Solutions. Something I didn't know is Costa Rica is the most expensive country option: your money will go further in other sites. My instructor was highly qualified and taught the course exactly how we are expected to teach. It crams a semester's worth of information into 4 weeks, including 2 6-page papers. If you come prepared to work and not vacation, this is an excellent option. I'm not sure what the job placement guarantee is, since I want to teach online, and was told it takes several months to build up to a full schedule. Something I wish I knew: there is no air conditioning if you stay with a host family. However, it's an extremely valuable opportunity to improve your Spanish if that's something you want to do.

I came alone as a 17 year old, not really knowing what to expect. As soon as I arrived I met loads of people from around the world who were a mixture of ages including lots of 17 year olds. We made so many plans and did so many things together and it made my experience volunteering way more than just the childcare aspect. I made lifelong friends whilst giving back to the community.

I learnt Spanish with a native speaker, she was very kind. There is a very nice atmosphere there. The teachers teach very well. They have a professional approach to learning. They come up with games that make it easy to consolidate words.

this was definitely one of the more interesting programs. I truly had such an amazing experience here. I think If i were going to recomend this program to someone, I would definitely say to bring a friend. when you are in a place where no one speaks english, it can feel quite isolating. but the people are so friendly and kind it will truly change your life.

Maximo Nivel has been a great organization to work with while taking the TEFL course in Costa Rica. The staff has been helpful from first asking questions, to arrival, and throughout our stay. They have great recommendations for food, recreation, activities and anything you need during your stay. Lewis has been an absolute blast to have as a TEFL instructure. He makes grammer enjoyable and helps the entire class grow in their teaching. Plus, living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been phenomenal! Our apartment has been perfect! The onsite pool has been a wonderful stress releiver and the common area is great place to socialise with other folks doing all sorts of Maximo activies and programs. The rainforest, animals, and the beach has been unforgetable.

I had an amazing experience completing the TEFL Certification course with Maximo Nivel. The program was intensive but incredibly rewarding. Quepos, Costa Rica is incredibly hot and humid, so it was great that the TEFL classroom has AC. Overall, if you’re looking for a TEFL program that gives you practical experience and knowledgeable instructors, I highly recommend Maximo Nivel. It challenged me in the best way possible, and I left feeling prepared, motivated, and excited to begin my journey as an English teacher.

This TEFL course is simply the best. From how to manage a class to grammar rules to job searching assistance, this course will help you with everything in your teaching journey. What sets this course apart from me is the opportunity to teach actual language learners. They were a pure delight. Plus, your instructor encourages you and challenges you every step of they way. As a twenty five year educator, this TEFL course has reminded of the joy of teaching. I can't recommend this course enough! Go as soon as you can. The hard part will be--you won't want to leave Costa Rica!

I really enjoyed my time here; Maximo offers everything you need and more – the pool in particular was brilliant, and you could always get free water. The host family were very friendly and the food was delicious and varied. It didn’t have air conditioning, but that wasn’t a problem. My teacher was brilliant; I learnt a great deal in two weeks through lots of conversation. Also the staff is very helful with everything. I really loved it here:))

I really enjoyed this TEFL course. The instructor was very funny, knowledgeable, and created a positive learning environment. The lessons were well organized and included a great balance of theory and hands-on teaching practice, which helped me feel more confident in the classroom. I especially appreciated the practical activities, lesson planning, and opportunities to observe and teach real students. This course gave me valuable skills that I can use in my future teaching career. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in teaching English abroad or working with English language learners.

Getting TEFL certified with Maximo Nivel was amazing. The instructor Lewis was amazing in every aspect. Whether it was giving feedback to better myself, or engagingly teaching grammar, this is an experience I am extremely glad to have done.

I learned so much in this program and had the best teachers. Odilia and Aracely were so attentive and knowledgeable. Admin was so great too! Antigua is a beautiful and fun city with so much to do. Thank you for everything.

The instructor, Sean was focused and creative, providing a learning atmosphere for each and every TEFL student. We had a great time and appreciated the training and support. Cusco is a great location.

My 17 year old daughter joined this camp from the UK. It was the first time she had travelled on her own. I was extremely pleased with how she was looked after right from arriving at the airport to when she left to come home. She has made some great friends and had some wonderful experiences. I would thoroughly recommend for a teenager wanting to experience travel and volunteering.

You learn a lot about different cultures here and also get to experience it! This program helped open me up to different experiences/opportunities and it’s so much fun. You meet different people from all over the world and create extraordinary connections and unforgettable experiences:

I did a 4-week veterinary internship with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica and had the most incredibly time! The people I worked with at my placement were incredibly patient and helpful in learning both Spanish and veterinary skills. The Maximo team does a great job at checking up with you and making you feel comfortable. I absolutely recommend any of Maximo Nivel’s internship programs!

Este lugar está lleno de personas hermosas, aprendí se todos y me llevo lo mejor de Costa Rica conmigo. Estoy súper agradecida de coincidir con todas las personas y de poder aprender de ellas, me voy con el corazón lleno.

My experience in Maximo was absolutely perfect. It was my first solo travel ever and I felt absolutely guided through it. My teachers Runnia and especially Francis were perfect. It was super fun in the classes which made the learning feel less boring but super fun and rewarding. The staff around the organisation is great, some of the nicest people I’ve met. The cooking and dancing classes are well organized and super fun. They also do their best to adjust classes to your expectations. Wishes are not seen as criticism but rather as a possibility to make the clients happy. Quepos/Manuel Antonio itself is a nice town, offering great beaches nice accommodations, aswell as bars and most importantly great people! I will remember this trip for a long time and I’m super happy I made my experiences in Costa Rica with Maximo. I hope to return one day.

Oscar was a great guy and I had a lot of fun with everyone in my group. The host family was very nice and all the staff were super helpful. I would definitely want to do this again. I felt very appreciated when people would thank us for painting the school.

Excellent construction company! The team was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to every detail. They completed the project on time with high-quality workmanship and great communication throughout the process. I would definitely recommend them to anyone building or renovating in Costa Rica.

In my case, Maximo Nivel is most ideal for those looking to improve their Spanish through an all encompassing immersion. I would suggest taking advantage of the free salsa and cooking classes, along with the tandem conversation opportunities.

I would highly recommend the online TEFL certification offered through Maximo Nivel. My instructor was engaging and provided valuable feedback to help me build my confidence during the teaching practicum. The online portal made learning easy and enjoyable. I just completed my course and I already look forward to beginning my job search with Maximo Nivel. This was a very positive experience!

My 16 year old daughter was part of this program and had a wonderful time. A great balance of good food, great adventure and a nice safe environment for travel and exploration. Nico the guide was very helpful and a great communicator. This was a great program.

My experience was honestly unforgettable and one of the best experiences I have ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the staff and the other people on the programme. The activities and trips were definitely some of the highlights of the camp. Every day felt different and exciting, and I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, explore amazing places and try things that I probably wouldn’t have done at home. The programme was well organised, and the staff were supportive, approachable and always made sure everyone felt safe while still allowing us to have fun and be independent. One of my favourite parts was meeting people from different places and creating friendships and memories that I will never forget. The experience helped me become more confident, independent and open-minded. I learned so much about the local culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. Overall, I would definitely recommend to any teenager who loves travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new things. It was an incredible experience filled with fun, adventure and unforgettable memories, and I would happily do it all over again.

This program is such a beautiful experience, because we are not only helping and taking care of children that are in need of comfort and love but we are having fun planning the activities and playing with them. We love the kids and I would come back a thousand times more to see them again.

I am loving this experience. Everything is really well planned and I have done everything I’ve wanted to do! I’ve helped and done volunteering and served at a school, all while traveling to a place I have always wanted to go!

It was incredibly enriching helping the kids and the school teachers were incredible! The beatch is beautiful and the housing options make you meet a lot of people which is so much fun! 100% recommend

This was such a great experience and I was able to meet so many wonderful people I will forever be grateful for the kindness I’ve experienced here. I’ve traveled all over the world but have never experienced something so special. Thank you again for all of your kindness and support. Pura Vida!

**Unforgettable Experience** This Costa Rican summer camp was an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting activities and amazing memories. The counsellors were caring, supportive, and always made everyone feel welcome. I’d highly recommend this camp!

I had a great time meeting new people and going and doing fun activities and volunteering. I liked eating the costa rican food and practicing my spanish. I would recommend this program to my friends and i will tell people about jt

it was good there were a lot of long bus rides but also a lot of good memories made such as playing soccer with the kids or talking to the local girls at paddle ball. The kids were really nice and so were the instructors

This summer, I joined a summer program in Costa Rica. It was a very fun and exciting experience. I met many new people from different countries, and we became good friends. Everyone was kind and friendly, so I felt welcome from the first day. The program had many interesting activities. We learned about the culture, practiced our language skills, and worked together on different projects. We also visited beautiful places like beaches, forests, and small towns. Costa Rica has amazing nature, and I loved seeing the animals and plants. One of my favorite parts was spending time outside because the weather was warm and the views were beautiful. The teachers and staff were very helpful. They always answered our questions and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. I learned many new things from the people around me. This program helped me become more confident and independent. I improved my communication skills and learned how to work with people from different backgrounds. I also made memories that I will never forget. I think this summer program is a great choice for students. It is a wonderful way to learn, make new friends, and enjoy the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I would recommend it to anyone

Two unforgettable weeks in Costa Rica, lush rainforests, stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and the kindest people. Every sunset, adventure, and moment made this trip truly unforgettable. Pura Vida!

The people at Maximo Nivel are incredibly helpful and provide an amazing experience. My host family was super nice and was super fun getting to live and work with people my age. The food provided was super good and had hot showers.

I needed to complete a TEFL internship to satisfy my university's graduation requirements, and the prerequisites for my internship course were somewhat specific, so I needed to find a program that was flexible and able to provide a large amount of hours within two months. Maximo Nivel's internship program was able to deliver on these requirements, and from the beginning I was impressed with how easy it was to communicate with the staff via email and how smooth the process was to make sure that all my requirements were met. The accommodation was great, and at one point when I got sick, Maximo Nivel contacted the local clinic, and in a very short period of time, I received the medical care that I needed. The environment was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and there were many weekly events to meet both locals and other interns and volunteers working with Maximo Nivel.

My project was amazing , loved the staff . Everyone is so welcoming, supporting and friendly . Will definitely come back again , try a different program in a different country so glad I decided to be part of this !

Máximo Nivel offered a wonderful Spanish immersion experience in San Jose, Costa Rica. The staff are incredibly friendly and the entire institute is very well organized. The methods used in class really encourage conversation and useful practice of your linguistic skills. Within even just the first few days of my program, I felt as though I was already breaking down the barrier in my language learning journey. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the Spanish language, Máximo Nivel is a must!

I had two different Spanish teachers throughout my 7 weeks - Angie and Dulce. Both were amazing teachers and I learned so much! I learned not only lots of Spanish grammar, Guatemalan slang words, and conjugations, but also about the culture and history of Antigua and the Guatemalan people. The classes were always so much fun! Thank you Maximo Nivel!

We had an amazing time and the Maximo Nivel is really helpful! They answered all our questions and kept in contact throughout our trip! We stayed at Finca Garúa and helped cut down banana trees and construct the garage!

I really loved my experience. I was scared of coming here alone but I met some really cool people and made some great memories. So I was never alone. The staff and my teacher were great. I’ll be back!

I came into this volunteering program with scared feelings of what to expect. However, as time went on, I could not have had a better experience than I did. And If time allowed I would do it all over again a second time.

I had been looking for a TEFL academy for a while, and I couldn't have chosen a better place than Maximo Nivel in Cusco. Sean is an amazing trainer. The course was challenging, but he always made it feel manageable with his guidance and support. The school is beautiful, and one of the best parts is that you get to teach real students in an intercultural environment. Everyone on the staff is incredibly kind and always willing to help. They provide all the materials you need for your lessons, from markers to unlimited printing, so you can focus on becoming a better teacher. Cusco is also an amazing place to do your TEFL. The food is great, the people are friendly, and it's easy to get around the city. The Practical Teaching Week was my favorite part of the course. I absolutely loved it! The students are so kind and motivated to learn English, and teaching them was such a rewarding experience. Of course, there were some challenging moments, but Sean was always there to support me and help me improve. I also met wonderful people who share the same passion for teaching, and I made great friends along the way. As a non-native English speaker, I always felt supported and encouraged. Maximo Nivel is an amazing place to earn your TEFL certification, regardless of whether English is your first language. They truly help you build the confidence and skills you need to become a successful English teacher. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can't recommend Maximo Nivel highly enough to anyone thinking about getting their TEFL certification!

I had such a fun time during my stay in costa rica! I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to travel aboard for the first time alone it’s a great experience! All the activities were so fun and it was so cool experiencing the culture!

All six weeks were great. I did not know a ton of what we were going to do but most everything was new. learned a lot about the flora and fauna in the region and the more conservationist work was great, I only wish I could have done more specific conservation work. But on average every day was new and our interactions with the forest were always interesting. The down time was good for reading, and playing games. I also loved being disconnect and off the grid.I

This program was so much fun. I did so many things I’ve always wanted to do but never did before. I got to see things like I have always wanted to see. The host family’s were so nice and the food was so good.

Over the course of one week i did so much new stuff and learned so many new things. The host families and camp directors were so nice and made me feel so welcome. I really hope that i am able to come back.

I had a blast working at Panthera Sanctuary through Maximo Nivel. We were about two hours down river of Puerto Maldonado. It allowed us to enjoy in-person community while staying offline. I saw over 100 different species of birds, anteaters, caimen, and tons of reptiles and amphibians. The local team at Panthera are all jungle experts. They really enhanced my experience!

My name is Eli DeSimone, I was placed in Fanny´s homestay, and participated in the construction project with site manager: Marco. During my weekdays we would work renovation/construction of a school and it was quite fun. I learned alot and got alot of experience within the feild of construction which was exaclty what I was looking for. On my weekends I went on several side trips such as Machu Picchu, Humantay, Ausagante, Saqsaywaman and much more. Thank you Maximo Nivel.

It was fun I truly had a special and wonderful time here and made many friends and I would not change a thing about it. If you want to get the most out of this experience all you need to do is engage with the people.

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

Great instruction and they were very helpful for activities outside of the classroom as well. We can’t wait to come back. They were so helpful. We did many tours, the zip line the night jungle hike, which was excellent as as well as visiting the national Park Manuel Antonio.

This self-paced course was well organized, easy to navigate, and broken into manageable lessons. The classroom videos were particularly helpful, providing beginners with realistic examples of effective ESOL instruction. The practicum was an invaluable opportunity to put the concepts into practice, reinforcing everything covered throughout the course. Overall, the training was comprehensive and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to handle a wide range of situations in the classroom.

Máximo Nivel is a very well organized program. A suggestion I would make for future volunteers is to have an open mind coming in. Overall I had a great experience. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

All of the activities that Maximo Nivel organizes (cooking class, Cusco tour, salsa class, etc.) are really a great opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture & know the other volunteers. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Rogelio taught me what it means to be selfless & serve the community without being funded by the missions that do not resonate with what´s being offered. Keep the values, stick with what resonates. Love is an endless act of forgiveness, forgiveness is an endless act of love! Forgive all, love all! We are one, blessings! I love you all!

I book a week of Spanish Immersion in San José along with a week of surfing. I had a great time combining the time and found everyone I interacted with to be super pleasant and friendly. The spanish course at Maximo Nivel were very thorough and helpful and the surf camp was a lot of fun with great instructors. Pura Vida, I will return.

The Volunteering was fun and engaging. We helped build a playground for a special ed school, and the kids'reaction to seeing us was heartwarming. However we dont recomend doing both spanish classes and volunteering at the same time unless its in small quantitys of each becuase we didnt have much time to truly explore the city. Other then that one small nitpick i had an increadble time.

Out of the 10+ countries I´ve been to this has been the most impactful by far. The diversity in culture, cuisine, and landscapes all in one country is an incredible experience. I feel honored that Peru took me in and allowed me to learn more of their culture and share more of mine.

My instructor, Karen, was amazing! I have nothing negative to say about her or the course. When I initially signed up, the partner company I booked through didn't provide much information about the institute, however, I have no regrets about coming here and doing my program with Maximo Nivel.

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

Overall it was fine, though the volunteering left something to be desired at times and they definitely could've provided more resources. The staff were extremely nice and helpful though! Overall, a pretty okay experience.

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.

I had the best experience with our Guide Michael for our Political Science Study Abroad. Michael was very easy to speak to in regards to personal matters and not once was there any judgement whatsoever. For my first experience on a study abroad program I’m glad that it was with someone as a guide so caring like him.

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.

I had a wonderful time at Maximo, learning Spanish each day with my teacher and participating in several cultural activities on the weekends (Lago Atitlán, Tikal Mayan Cultural Site). It has been a pleasure to experience Guatemalan culture and I hope to return soon!

My volunteer placement was extremely insightful. Not only were the children learning from me, I was learning Spanish from them aswell. It was quite challenging, since i spoke very little spanish but everyone was so kind and helpful as long as you communicated your needs. I love that i got to live with a host family, it helped me immerse myself in a different culture and it was truly a great experience. There is also a travel agency in-house so we got to go on a few different excursions and meet other volunteers.

I have had an absolutely wonderful experience here at Maximo under the tutelage of my excellent Spanish teachers. I feel I have really learned and improved a lot in the 2 weeks I spent learning here, and was additionally overjoyed with the quality of the textbooks I am returning home to continue my studies with! Highly recc Maximo Guatemala for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Spanish :)

What a life-changing experience! I had the absolute best time, and met some of the kindest, most genuine people. I learned so much, and grew in a way I never expected. Maximo Nivel truly made this experience possible. They were there every step of the way, and were a constant support. Costa Rica, I’m gonna miss you!

I really like my whole experience with Maximo! I was here for 5 weeks and didn’t know what to expect but it was so much fun overall. I worked in childcare at CETEE school. You can really tell how much the staff cares for the kids and I felt so welcomed! Maximo was very helpful with everything:)

When i first got here I was very nervous, but as time went on i realized that i was very safe with maximo. My placement was very fun and i learned a lot about animal care. I would 100% come back and try to do something like this again.

I stayed in Umasbamba for one week with Zenobio and Rafaela. I have agreat time. I was glad that another volunteer was there since I didnt speak great spanish. We wer able to have mopre in depth conversations. I appriciated wearing the traditional wear, and how inviting the family was.

Had a wonderful time with my daughter visiting Cusco but also volunteering at the local zoo. From the first interaction with Maximo it was very professional and well done. All staff members were very accommodating and reached out several times during our stay to make sure everything was good. Our host family was wonderful, the food was authentic Puruvean which made the experience that much better.

Volunteering was a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone was so friendly and super supportive. I never once felt unsafe or unsure of what to do. Working with local communities was great and they helped me practice my Spanish as I taught them English. Would recommend this experience to everyone and will for sure be coming back to volunteer through Maximo!

Taking this course was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This course stands out because of the practical teaching week. I had so much fun with the high basic English class that I taught and gained so much practical teaching experience. My teacher toolbelt is so much fuller now, and I feel ready to attack anything that EFL teaching shows at me!

I did the hybrid TEFL course in June 2026 in Antigua Guatemela. My first two weeks were self paced online and the second two were in person. It was located in the beautiful city of Antigua with create culture and food, I really enjoyed living here. My instructor was Lewis Murphy, he was very English: lots of energy and very experienced and knowledge. There were 4 other onsite students and I joined half way through their 4 weeks in person. I am graduating today and very happy I did this course!

My expectations have definitely changed, although I’m not quite sure I have a solid set of expectations now. TEFL has really taught me to be prepared for anything and everything, and for that reason I think I’m having trouble setting expectations for the rest of the course. What I can say is that my expectations regarding how I’d be teaching have changed drastically. I’ve always relied on my explanations and speaking skills to teach, so having that taken away and replaced with eliciting and CCQing was quite a challenging task. Though, as said in the faithful TEFL certification manual, the best teaching method is eclectic, which in my terms means : trick question, there isn’t one. Every student, every classroom, and every situation will differ, and that will require multiple different methods in different moments. After being “TEFLed” myself, I really started to understand how and why the method works. A standout moment in this realization was when our instructor, Lewis, taught us a TEFL class as if we were native speaking students. He did this by teaching it entirely in German. I speak English and French, and I’ve learned Spanish, but without that one simple hour I don’t think I’d ever truly comprehend how it feels to be a student in a TEFL class. As you can imagine, it was very confusing and overwhelming at first, but with good elicits and CCQs, I actually felt like I was beginning to understand in a language that had absolutely no meaning in my brain. It was incredible, and since then I’ve been holding on to the compassion I felt in that mock class. So yes, my expectations have changed, but I think it’s fair to say that change is purely positive

Lewis Murphy was my TEFL teacher in Antigua and it was really awesome. I never even knew what TEFL was and I had so much fun with my friends and I will teach in honour of Lewis he isn’t dead but he is leaving Maximo so RIP

I came to Peru 2 months ago for trekking but i felt like i could not get a complete experience without learning spanish. I came back to cusco and sighned up to Maximo Nivel. the apliccation was very easy and the costumer help was very eficiente as well [i sighned up and started the next day]. i loved the teacher and the fact that we study grammer but practice speaking too with the group. the only thing that i think you should consider is that in my claas, i had students that took spanish allready in an other MAXIMO NIVEL school and were very advanced [finished the book already], that made me question multiple times if i am placed at the right level. other than that, the explications of the teacher were clear and i felt like i understoud the homeworks after class. overall, had an amazing experience and i will continue studying spanish in my country!.

This experience was amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. We absolutely loved making connections and interacting with the children. Even the man in charge of Un Mundo Mejor was very welcoming and kind in showing us the ropes and helping us figure out our bus stop. This trip would not have ran so smoothly if it weren't for Maximo Nivel. They made it clear from the beginning that they valued our safety and experience within the program. I felt very safe and secure considering the fact that the employees of Maximo Nivel worked hard to ensure that we were provided with good food recommendations as well as information about where to get access to clean water and how to stay away from potential dangers. I am very grateful that we had a family at Maximo Nivel to come to in case we felt unsafe or had any questions or concerns. Overall, I really value my experience within the program and I am glad that I participated!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

I had a wonderful time volunteering in Cusco! I worked in an after school program to support kids in need. I was able to provide emotional support, assist with homeowrk, and help with their English. Can not wait for my next opportunity!

I had the best time at Maximo. The support has been great and it is definitely set up to help younger/newer travelers. It has been very easy to meet other people here due to the social spaces and classes run by the company.

The experience was definitely fun and immersive. I really enjoyed interacting with the locals by using public transport and having independence to explore the city. Additionally, the host family was very welcoming and understanding. They tried to learn english from us, as we learnt Spanish from them; The food was also very balanced catering to our preferences whilst also giving us a taste of Costa Rican meals. This made me enjoy every thing without feeling overwhelmed.

I really liked the language classes with Maximo Nivel!! The teachers were really professional and capable, but also fun and teach you in a fun way. The loction of the school is in the middle of the center of the city which also is really nice. They organise (free) activities so you can easily meet new people. I would for sure recommend this school!

I truly enjoyed the work I completed working on constructing a school and liked everyone I met. I loved how I got to see my contributions to the construction. It was extremely rewarding. I also enjoyed all of my free time exploring the city, nature, and Incan ruins.

I loved working with the locals in Cusco. I was able to learn a lot about both healthcare here, and overall medical information I didn't know before. My Spanish skills also imporved from beginner to not so beginner, so that's also a plus! The Maximo Nivel staff were super helpful from orientation, to helping me with my own health issues, to departure. I would truly recommend this program to anyone looking to become a global citizen, and partcipate in a program to their specialty. While I'm sad to leave, I will cherish these memroeis forever and am excited to take what I learned and apply it at home!

I felt that this was a great program for people to come and travel with a purpose and not as a vacation like ordinary tourist. I had the privilege to meet and talk to various people within Peru and volunteers to whom I´ve made friends and memories with. I strongly suggest for a person to go through Maximo, it´s been a great adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed this course! The content was relevant and my instructor, Sean, was very knowledgeable and personable. He was encouraging and have honest feedback. While the course seemed intimidating at first (a full semester's worth of work in one month), I was able to make it through and I've never felt more accomplished!

My experience studying spanish with Maximo Nivel has been one of the best experiences in my life. The people I met, the city of Cusco, the instructors at Maximo- all of it was amazing. If I could stay longer I would, and I did end up staying 3 weeks longer than planned. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to travel and study spanish abroad.

Upset about Maximo’s for profit attitude, it feels that everything they do is just to make a profit. During my time here it didn’t seem like Maximo really cared about the projects themselves, only that the volunteers placed there were putting money in there pockets. If I could change one thing about the company’s model it would be to actually give some of the money we pay to the projects we volunteer at(like they tell us they do at orientation).

The teaching opportunity in Costa Rica showed me what I want to do in life. The students were the most amazing people and so unbelievably grateful, it truly felt like I was making a difference. The trip was a bit more pricey than I expected, that’s San Jose for you. I would like to see more support for the students in the future when considering the price I paid. But the impact that they had one me and vice versa was priceless. Thank you so much!

I really enjoyed this misson trip. I am very grateful that I was able to volunteer my skills and time and provide care for underprivileged individuals. It was very fulfilling! The time spent was very scheduled and the program in its entirety was very well planned and laid out.

Hola! I had the most fun time here at costa rica working with kids. I would recommend staying with a host family, they are so nice and made my trip so much better, I was very worried about transportation but it has been very easy

So much fun highly recommend everyone needs to come! This is the coolest thing I’ve done! Even younger people can do it! Im young and i felt super safe and cared for by the maximo nivel team! Hosts are amazing and food is so good!!

The class of Spanish with Francis were perfect. I learnt quick, participate a lot and our teacher Francis was perfect. My classmate and me were similar level. Francis took the time to talk, answer explain any question we had

It was my first time travelling without my parents in another country and I was really scared at first, but when I arrived, I felt way better. To see that all the staff at Maximo Nivel was so nice and so comprehensive helped me to feel like I was part of something. I loved being with the kids and play with them!

The people here are really nice！Super enthusiastic, I spend the most incredible time with friends and host and students here. When I was doing teaching program, They teach me a lot as well! Love them!

Máximo Nivel provided the absolute best experience I ever could have imagined. This was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I was able to meet so many new amazing people here as well. The host family were so very kind. I loved every part of it.

It was nerve wracking thinking about going to a different country for a week where we were supposed to be seen as a helping hand to others, but the team at Maximo Nivel and IVHQ made it super easy. This has been one of the best experiences of my life and I will cherish these memories forever. I am super grateful for the time I got to spend here.

Everything was wonderful ! I had a great time! The kids were so cute ! I love that I had the chance to live this experience and that I had the chance to learn about Costa Rica's wonderful culture! Thank you!

I really liked immersing. The culture is amazing. I liked helping with the children. I teach back home pre-k so volunteering in the pre-k class here was amazing. I helped feed some of them and they are very well behaved.

I have attended two other Spanish Immersion programs. Maximo Nivel is very organized and structured. Great program. I plan to continue studies with Maimo Nivel in Puru or Costa Rica. Both group and private classes were excellent.

This experience felt like a productive use of my time. I took 2 hour classes for a month. My teacher Alma was amazing and my Spanish improved tremendously. It was such a good school I’m thinking about extending my stay.

I stayed in Manuel Antonio with the Maximo team and had a wonderful time! It was a little stressful at first with the minimal information offered, but once I arrived in Quepos, Costa Rica, I felt entirely cared for and supported. Wonderful team and a wonderful program! (Shout out to Karen, the best manager out there and practically a second host mom to me and my best friend ❤️❤️❤️)

I had an amazing time! I thought that my host family was very sweet and accommodating, and loved the way that they handled everything. The school was fantastic, and the kids were able to stay engaged the whole time.

the online tefl course was an intense and informative course showing you what to do giving tasks and constantly keeping you engaged and checking if you understand i am so happy to have gotten my tefl certificate with them

This was such an amazing experience with amazing support from Maximo Nivel. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible. It will be a week I will never forget, i’m so grateful to have an experience so hard to leave.

This experience has been one of the best of my life. The people of Costa Rica have given so much patience and gratitude for our work and that makes the long days totally worth it. My confidence has grown so much over this trip and it has given me so much clarity. I am forever blessed to have met the Maximo staff and everyone along the road.

I had an amazing experience volunteering with maximo! the staff was so kind amd amazing and i got lots of good medical experience for my future career! I highly recomend this company and this experience!!

this experience was truly amazing. We were paired with the best team, and learned so much right off the bat. After leaving this trip I now feel so much more confident in myself, and the future. I am so thankful for this experience and suggest that if you are fortunate enough to do it, you should!!

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!

It was amazing and I learned so much! Many Maximo staff were helpful and made the experience amazing! I was able to learn so much and make my experience so amazing! I can’t wait for my healthcare career with this experience in mind!

Maximo Nivel’s staff were so amazing and sweet. Had the best time volunteering in low income communities, learned so much from Dr. Carren and Micheal, and also loved the classes Maximo Nivel held to give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. 10/10 experience!!

I would definitely recommend this program to any aspiring medical professional. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn so much about myself and the community. Maximo Nivel was very attentive to all our needs and made it a priority to make us feel comfortable and safe. Very great for this opportunity and would definitely do it again.

I had a good time so much so that I am considering coming back but for a different country. I had a great time with those around me and learning new skills and being able to hear the stories of the people around me.

I was able to immerse myself into the culture of Guatemala through staying with the host family and working with locals on our volunteer projects. I had an amazing time working with the construction at Row by Row!

I loved my time here, they showed us the culture and we lived different local experiences from here. We had a good time during service and the people helping were really supportive and friendly. We got to walk around and try different food, as well our host was really nice and helpful.

This was an amazing experience that I will remember forever. From the facility, to placements, to staff, there was thought and intention put into it. Our safety and community service was the priority and I was able to feel like we made a difference! An experience I will never forget.

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing! Micheal was amazing and was always there for us. I feel very fulfilled not only educationally but socially. This was a life changing experience and there isn’t one person I wouldn’t recommend this to.

Maximo Nivel is extremely supportive, organized, and their staff is incredible. I felt safe and supported throughout my entire trip and Michael was so funny! He was not only our project lead but became a very good friend. The volunteer projects were truly humbling and grounding, and thats what made them unforgettable. My future in healthcare will always be indebted to serving this project and all the people who supported me through it.

Maximo Nivel/IVHQ provided a safe and great opportunity to serve and volunteer in Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, a great opportunity to meet new people, and overall have fun!

Great opportunity, really enjoyed the experience. Would recommend it. Some things to change, but still great. It was very rewarding to help kids and community projects in Guatemala. As I said, excellent.

I loved that we stayed with a host family because that way we get to experience what it is like to live here and get to know what people in Guatemala eat and do firsthand. I terms of service, I absolutely loved to work with kids and at the construction site because I feel as though got to see my progress in real time.

My program went to a school in San Pedro. I worked with 4 year olds. They learned how to make shapes. They did a workbook page of tracing triangle with a crayon then painting over it. They also did a workbook page of cutting out animals to glue them in the image of the jungle. I loved working with my group and so recommend it.

Working with Maximo Nivel was amazing. I enjoyed the volunteer work we did, it was very fulfilling. I also tried many new things that I didn’t think I could. Mat was so nice and did a great job showing us around and explaining everything. 10 out 10 would do again.

Really enjoyed the program at Maximo Nivel. I took Spanish lessons for two weeks, which was a great way to improve - especially conversation and comprehension. The teachers were professional, patient and helpful and it was always fun to attend classes and Ive learned a lot during those two weeks. The extracurricular activities like cooking classes and salsa lessons were also nice. Would definitely recommend to take Spanish at Maximo Nivel.

First solo trip and volunteer experience... and must say I couldn´t speak more highly of Maximo. For their on-going support, their hospitality and charism. I was a bit nervous stepping into a new environment and not knowing what was expected, however everything was made so smooth and lovely! Maximo crew also did an amazing job changing me to a new location that was more supported to my personality! Big love from Aussie land hehe!!

Volunteering at the Ofelia Carvajal was an eye opening experience! I established a great connection with the seniors there and enjoyed the care provided for them. I’d like to thank the staff for guiding us in these 2 weeks!

I had an amazing time travelling and being able to help serve the community. Our guide Michael was extremely helpful and made the trip a joy. I would strongly recommend this trip or a similar trip like this to any student thinking about coming abroad and volunteering and am very grateful for my time here.

Things ended up just about as good as I could have hoped. I was a dental volunteer and helped a dentist 8am to 11 or 12 in the afternoon. Lots of extractions and fillings, good shadowing time, and eye opening to Guatemalas oral health culture. My experience was much better because I speak spanish, and could ask lots of questions and truly know what was going on. My homestay family was great, and I apreciated being able to stay with people in the volunteer program that were new like me. A couple things to improve is that I did not know I would only be volunteering for half the day. If you want to learn spanish in some of the classes they have in the afternoon, that would be perfect. But I just ended up planning things to do on the fly to pass the time and explore. I also know that not all dental volunteers were as lucky as me, and did not see as many patients.

Good experience overall. Coming into the experience felt slightly unorganized because I wasn´t aware of where I was staying or where I was volunteering until the day I got to Guatemala which caused some stress.

Would definitely recommend! Great way to learn about other culutres and immerse yourself in them! Be sure to ask questions about your placement prior to arriving to have realistic goals while on your trip.

I spent an amazing month in Quepos with Maximo Nivel completing the TEFL course. The TEFL course moves at a fast pace and is packed with great content. The instructor, Lewis Murphy, brings his energy and enthusiasm to each class making the experience fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend this intense course for anyone seeking to get TEFL certified.

I had a great time at Maximo Nivel. The staff gave us a tour right away to help us find our way around and were always available whenever we needed anything. It is a truly wonderful school. Our teacher Lewis is an amazing instructor who brought a lot of energy to class. He helps make you feel more confident when you get overwhelmed. I am very glad I took this class.

My TEFL month was fast paced, intellectually challenging, profound, practice, and truly enjoyable. As a solo female traveler, I always had peace of mind having the support of the Maximo staff, my host family, and my TEFL group. The climate, access to incredible beaches and national parks, and the small town charm of Quepos and Manuel Antonio made this experience a 10/10!

I am so glad I came back here. I came here 7 years ago to learn spanish for the first time. My teachers Francis and Marianela were amazing. Not only are they great at teaching concepts and rules of grammar very clearly, they are also very good at being aware of what words they use to communicate with their students so their students can understand. I always wanted to come back and I am so glad I did. Even though I had to review a lot this time, I feel I learned the topics better this time around. It was so great to see my old teachers again. They are very fun and easy to talk to. The school itself was also very helpful and organized. Karen is so nice and helpful. I had 2 friends come to stay with me and she organized their transportation to Quepos. Everything went off without a problem. Victoria was also very helpful in organizing tours for me. All of the tours were amazing and went very smoothly. They have more offerings this time around than my last time here for extra activities which was also great to see. I cant recommend Maximo Nivel enough. I will always cherish my time here.

The school is wonderful and very clean. All of the people at maximo are very kind and helpful.Todo fue excelente recomiendo a la escuela mucho. Aprendí bastante. Este es mi segundo año visitando Maximo Nivel.

Teacher and host family were awesome! I have learned a lot und enjoyed the time in class. Whenever i had questions everyone was super helpful and friendly. i also liked the activity program that were offered. Had great fun!

First day at the nursing home, I was excited to help out, but meanwhile I was a little sad about seeing the elderly, since some of them was not able to move or talk anymore and I hoped my parents don’t end up like that one day. When I first meet the elderly I kinda see them more as patients or disabled people. However, on the last day, all of them gave me kisses and Huggies and they even prayed for me. I feel bad with how I see them at first, they are all very nice people. Awesome experience!

Everything was so much fun and I learned so much. I made life long friends and is truly an experience you can’t find anywhere else. Recommend it to anyone that wants to learn, help, and meet new people!

I had a wonderful experience with my private teacher who tailored the lesson to my favour and my level. The service was extraordinary (from e-mail communication to check out). It was nice that all activities were included and teachers were flexible. Would come back !!!

private spanish lesson were really good. the teacher really adjusted to your level of spanish and was very flexibel with the curriculum. prices are super affordable. extra curricular activites were awesome. would go here again.

I had a great time here at Maximo Nivel and I felt like everyone was always there for me to answer any open questions or to help me. Also i really loved my Spanish lessons and think the Spanish teacher was great.

This was truly such an amazing and eye opening experience. We were able to consistently put a smile on patients faces and make their days better. Truly an experience of a lifetime that I will carry heavily with me for the rest of my life and future career.

Maximo staff was 10/10. They are great, very organized, and lovely to work with. They truly found the communities that needed help the most and were so positive and encouraging throughout the entire process. I learned so much and am so grateful!

Great experience. I got to learn so much and felt so supported the entire time by the staff. everyone was so welcoming and eager to help me achieve my goals. we got to experience new cultures and talk to people from all different backgrounds, growing my cultural knowledge and sensitivity. 10/10 recommend!!

I learned so much and had such a great experience. This was very eye opening and taught me a lot about culture, medicine, and even myself. I’m so sad my experience was over but know I will carry it with me forever!

I did four weeks of Spanish lessons in Guatemala, both group and private. I enjoyed both classes as I got to know my teachers and other students in the class. I thought the teaching was great and really engaging. It was a great experience!

went for medical mission trip and was placed at elderly clinic within a daytime program. The staff and patients were welcoming and showed their gratitude. Was a great experience. Would recommend to do it

I have completed a couple of volunteer projects now, but this company has been the best I have ever completed. The project was absolutely incredible and the support from Maximo Nivel was incredible. I loved the extra activities provided, with speed tandems and helping out English students with their classes.

I did a 8 month long gap year in Peru with Maximo Nivel doing various voluntary works. Each one of them was truly amazing, organized by great people and unbelievable hospitality. Special shoutout goes to Fanny, my homestay for all of my time here. She really made us part of her family and shared the Peruvian culture to us. The working staff at the Maximo Office are also super supportive and trying to max your experience the country (shoutout to Lucas!). I would recommend this organization to anyone.

The people at Maximo Nivel definitely make the experience worth it. From arrival to departure they make sure that you are taken care of every step of the way! Quepos is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture. There are beaches, jungles, restaurants, and shops all in proximity to one another. You will never run out of things to do!

We loved working on the Row by Row farm with Fredy and Paco. Learning about the farming process as well as how the produce helps local communities was an invaluable experience and we would highly recommend to anyone looking to volunteer their time.it

We had a great week working with Fredy and Paco on the farm. We enjoyed getting to know the area, learning about the project and hearing local stories. Our accomodation with a family stay was excellent and a great way to meet other volunteers. Would highly recommend!

I had one week of private classes. Teachers were amazing and we had a very good balance between discussions, learning vocabulary and reviewing important grammatical topics! I was warmly welcomed by the whole team, who were very helpful in answering any practical questions I had. There were daily activities to meet people and Cusco is a great city with so much to discover. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel Cusco to anyone curious to learn Spanish and new cultures.

I was in Antigua for 4 weeks with Maximo Nivel. I had 2 hours private class, was totally helpful. can learn super fast, teachers are so caring, books are so in detail, I can always ask them about tiny details. Thank you for nice classes

My main goal to be a student at Maximo Nivel was to improve my Spanish and I could do that. I learned a lot and had a great time. My teacher Nely was really nice. I would come back to learn more Spanish.

From the start to finish, I felt Maximo Nivel was quite responsive to my inquiries, the staff was friendly and quite resourceful. The course itself was exactly what i needed, patient and friendly tutors that adapted to my needs and level of expertise to ensure that i understand the curriculum. I wished i could've stayed longer!

I had a lovely time completing my English Teaching volunteering with Maximo Nivel’s team. I will certainly join the team again in the future. Everybody here was very helpful in guiding me through my experience in Costa Rica. My host Jacqueline was wonderful and had the best hospitality. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My experience with Maximum in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing and unforgettable. This was my very first time studying abroad, and I could not have asked for a more welcoming, loving, and meaningful experience. From the moment I arrived, everyone at Maximum made me feel like family. The energy, kindness, accommodations, and overall atmosphere were so warm and uplifting. Every experience and visit touched my heart in a special way. From visiting nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, and the HIV clinic, every encounter was memorable and meaningful. Every person I met made an impact on me. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to take me under their wing—teaching me their language, sharing their culture, and allowing me to experience life from a completely different perspective. This experience opened my eyes and gave me a new appreciation for life. It allowed me to see the beauty in people, culture, and community in a way I will never forget. I truly felt the energy of such beautiful people, and if given the opportunity, I would come back and work here to continue making an impact just as we experienced during this journey. A very special thank you to Ellen, our leader and guide. She was absolutely amazing, and I am so grateful for the wonderful experiences and locations she selected for us. Her guidance and care made this trip even more special. I would also love to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting: Hector, Karen, Victoria, Jax, Gabby, Kaylee, Maria Arias (thank you for the awesome chicken sandwich!), our amazing driver, Michael, Sharon, and so many others who made us feel welcomed and cared for. Special thanks as well to Dr. Alex, Dr. Tatiana, and Nurse Gerald for taking time out of their busy schedules to teach, guide, and share their knowledge and experiences with us. To every person who participated and made this journey possible: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made a lasting impact on my life, and I will forever remember this experience. God bless you all!

enjoyed my study abroad trip to Costa Rica. I was able to learn about many different types of healthcare systems. I especially admired how compassionate they are toward their elderly population. Our field manager, Ellen, was amazing and welcoming. She was a great addition to Maximo Nivel. This experience was truly eye-opening.

We had an impactful experience during our study abroad trip. They planned a variety of meaningful experiences and provided tentative support during the entire trip. A special thanks to Ellen for her support and grace.

My time at Maximo was so formative! My Spanish teachers were so helpful and I learned so much in my weeks there. The Maximo team made it so easy to navigate a new city and made sure that I accomplished all that I set out to during my stay. My internship placement was amazing and I met so many wonderful people. I definitely recommend!

I have a great time and i learned something new. Of course you have to use to go out from your confort zone and be prepare for a remote place where there are not many activities to do around. But if you love animals is an amazing experience to work with them and learn everything about sea turtles

I want to say thank you for the guys at Maximo for the ongoing support. They were very clear with instructions and program description, and the guys at SOSGrande were also engaging and very supportive.

Volunteering abroad for the first time taught me a lot and gave me confidence. It’s important to stay flexible and “go with the flow” but experiencing a new culture was a great experience. Even when surprises occurred, the Maximo Nivel staff are so responsive and supportive. They make this a great program.

Worked with local organization: Fundacion Nordicos. Got to work there in the morning then explored on my own with the friends I came with in the evening. Then they have some activities with locals which was kinda nice! The staff were all really nice and giving a lot of great advice. I didnt know a lot of Spanish and they really helped me through it.

It was great to work with Fundación Nórdicos taking care of rescued dogs. Máximo was very supportive during the process, placing at a local home and serving as a central hub! Also learned Salsa and how to make empanadas!

Quepos is such a beautiful town to get to know- easy to navigate while containing many things to do. The staff at Maximo in Manuel Antonio are incredibly friendly and the beach and wildlife are gorgeous. The teachers are patient and wildly interesting to converse with.

This was such an incredible program. I absolutely adored my program placement (working with dogs at Nórdicos) and the staff were so kind and supportive throughout the entire process. Outside of our project, they helped us plan activities, gave excellent advice on restaurants and hidden gems. Our homestay was super great as well and the food was great. Our host family was so kind and everything was perfect. I will carry this experience with me for a very long time. Pura vida!

Come to Cusco or Antigua (I haven't yet made it to Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica) and learn Spanish while enjoying your surroundings. Immersion is the best way to learn a language. There are people of all ages (I'm 69 years old) and everyone is friendly. A really nice experience!

Can´t recommend Maximo Nivel enough. Great language school that goes out of their way to make sure, students have what they need. Teachers do an excellent job and the student to teacher ratio is great as well. Thanks and hope to to see you again.

My experience volunteering in Costa Rica with Máximo Nivel was incredible. I gained insight into a different culture and healthcare system while working in assisted living. I also improved my Spanish skills in a short time and built meaningful connections.They are extremely helpful with everything! Highly recommend

As a young, female, solo-traveler, I felt extremely safe and my host family was lovely! Maximo took care of all of my travel plans to Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and a bunch of other places! The staff is awesome and so friendly. I was able to accomplish so much during my internship. My placement covered many different areas of interest and I learned some really cool stuff! Would (and have) recommend Maximo Nivel to all of my friends!

I have taken Spanish Lessons through Maximo Nivel and was already impressed with their student content as a Spanish language student. So, when I wanted to get my TEFL I thought I would give Maximo Nivel a try for that too. They did not disappoint! The online curriculum was engaging and approachable, the resources and tools provided were excellent, and I felt so prepared for my teaching week. The price couldn't be beat as well! I can't say enough about how impressed I was with their TEFL program. I am not presently looking to find employment using the certification, however my trainer made sure to let me know that he is my trainer for life and will be available to support when I am finally job hunting. He also provided me a glowing letter of recommendation which will be so vital downstream when I am looking for TEFL work.

This is one of the best schools hands down. You learn so much and its definitely worth it no matter what time of year you come. The instructors are very patient and open to helping you! I was originally supposed to be 1 week but ended extending for a 2nd week. 1 week was not enough! Love Elaine, Rosa, Sarah, Jorge and etc!

I loved doing physical therapy with the elderly in a wonder restful environment—- so different than elderly care facilities in the US! I learned much from the experience including fancy equipment is not needed to provide great care.

I had no idea what this experience would be like but it exceeded my expectations. Be flexible and enjoy the time…it is rewarding to help others and make genuine connections. Maximo Nivel was so helpful and the communication was excellent.

This experience was invaluable. The connections we can make without even speaking the same language is so powerful. I would recommend this company and program to anyone. I will embrace the challenges and differences in culture and take that with me.

Have a great experience at Maximo Nivel from our program leader to other staff, everyone was amazing. The program was a once in a lifetime experience for me and I am very fortunate to have been able to volunteer in Costa Rica!!

I had the most beautiful experience with the Andean Immersion project! The family took me in and cared for me like one of their own. I will always have a place in my heart for them. I learned so much and enjoyed living such a simple way of life. Thank you to all the local team who supported me along the way. I am so grateful for everything!

Food was amazing, jungle was our favourite volunteering out of the whole three month. No complaints, we loved, good atmosphere. Maximo was our favourite in this country and Michael was the best!‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

I am already planning for my next volunteering project and hoping to educate the community more on how to manage high blood pressure and hand hygiene. Excited for my next trip in the future! It was amazing at Maximo in Peru!

The course was intense and thorough. The instructor was great and always had an energetic and creative approach to class. Feedback was excellent and thorough always delivered in a timely fashion. Grading was more strict than I liked but the instructor was open to hear my own feedback of his grading. The students that come ro learn English are the best part of the experience

We volunteered with Maximo Nivel in Peru and it was an amazing experience! The staff at Maximo was friendly and attentive and we always felt we were in good hands. The family with whom we stayed while we worked on our volunteer construction site was wonderful. We had very delicious home-cooked meals every day for breakfast and dinner as well as lovely conversation with our host family and the other volunteers also staying in the same apartment. The construction site was a school that will eventually provide educational support to a group of underserved children in Cusco, Peru. It felt good to be part of a project making such an important contribution. I have volunteered with other organizations with placement in Central and South America and I must say that my experience with Maximo Nivel far exceeded my other volunteer opportunities. We would definitely volunteer with Maximo again!

My wife and I had a totally fantastic experience through Maximo Nivel. A great balance between being a tourist and doing some very meaningful work. The Maximo team was very energetic and highly attentive to any needs. They have a great system already in place in setting up the homestays and work-sites. Our home stays were a very caring family, with the father also very involved in our construction site, an after school project for Incan children. Maximo has a great headquarters downtown where people are supportive to your every need. This is an EXCELLENT travel service agency, and Cuzco is a wonderful city to explore! Thank you!! Paul H.

I won't lie to you. This course is RIGOROUS - you have to put in work! But it is very rewarding and so worth it. While TEFL as a concept can be challenging to grasp, the course is so well constructed and the teacher is so patient in guiding you to the finish line! I was lost in the beginning; by the end, I actually felt confident enough to stand in front of a class and teach them English grammar and vocabulary. Class was also very fun and engaging! Lewis never failed to make us laugh and keep the learning exciting. If you have been looking for an immersive experience to be able to learn TEFL and get certified, Maximo Nivel would a great choice!

When I first signed up for this program, I felt a bit nervous because I was leaving everything I knew to complete a TEFL course in a different country. However, from the moment I arrived, I have had such an amazing experience. I have met so many incredible people, including my classmates, teacher, staff, and students. I also truly loved my host family. I am very grateful for this experience, and I hope many others choose to join this program too.

Two weeks was not enough time. Wish I could have stayed longer. Many many thanks to Rosa who was amazing at arranging all for my experiences and accomodations! I appreciated everything and look forward to coming back next year!

Overall my experience in Cusco was amazing. The maximo staff was incredibly nice and helpful (especially michael), and they made sure i felt safe and comfortable during my stay. I did the animal care project at the zoo and i had a great time, I would 100% recommend this project.

The staff at Maximo Nivel in Peru were all very kind (especially Michael). The zoo itself was very fun and I had a great experience helping the project staff. I really felt like I was helping and it was nice to be so close with the animals.

The teachers are the highlight of the language classes here! Especially Alma, Angie, and Johana who made it so easy to connect and practice my Spanish with. All of the teachers are so kind and patient, and definitely made my experience better. The schedule is not always what you signed up for, but they convert the hours into privates or groups as needed to make sure you get your practice time. Overall, this experience was one I will never forget with people I will never forget either.

Over the course of my 2 weeks Spanish immersion program I progressed from being a beginner to being able to have conversations with lots of locals around Maximo Nivel. My teachers were amazing and I have to thank especially Pamela who used what we learnt constantly in conversations about home life and other things which massively boosted my confidence in Spanish as well as quickly expanding my vocabulary.

I spent one week in a elderly facility volunteering. It really broadend my view on healthcare. I love the work. The residents of the facility loved meeting new people, learning English and having a chat. It has been a wonderful experience and opportunity to help!

The staff at Maximo have been incredibly helpful, there were really there when I needed them. So grateful. The projects were well organised and so much fun, especially the zoo. Huge shout out to Michael and Lucas, will remember you guys for life :)

I joined Maximo for a week long Spanish course, the staff and facilities are excellent they have accommodated to every need with no hesitation or complications. I am having private lessons which are tailored to any needs in areas of weakness which definitely make learning feel like you´re progressing further and faster. All the staff are really friendly and are happy to help with anything even if is out of school.

I had the best experience at Maximo Nivel! They organized everything for me, including housing, tours, volunteer organizations, and much more accommodations. It was a once in a lifetime experience to live in Peru for two weeks and teach English. Staying with a family and being able to meet people in the city that way was incredible and I really enjoyed it. The Maximo staff could not have been kinder and more helpful and they were able to answer all of my questions and run everything very smoothly. I am so glad I chose to volunteer with them and had this opportunity, I will definitely be back!

I did this course in March 2026 and loved every second! I learned a lot during the 4 weeks and felt confident during the practical teaching week. Sean was an amazing teacher, he has a lot of expereince and it shows! The class itself was really fun, and I also enjoyed exploring Cusco!

I had a great experience with Maximo and my volunteering. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I met the coolest people and my Spanish improved tremendously. I loved going to the Salsa and cooking classes.

I loved my time volunteering and doing Spanish classes with Maximo Nivel! The staff were great, my homestay was amazing, and it was so cool to feel like I was "living" in Cusco rather than just visiting. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to travel to Cusco!

Fantastic program! I participated in the "working with children" program without knowing any Spanish. At the beginning, I was really worried and nervous but everyone at Maximo provided fantastic support, making me adapting the new environment with ease. I really enjoyed my two-week stay in Cuzco with Maximo and will definitely consider coming back :))

I had a fantastic experience with Maximo Nivel and would highly recommend them. Unfortunately the airline lost my suitcase on arrival, but the staff at Maximo were amazing — they went above and beyond to support me and help track it down, which made a stressful situation so much easier to handle. From the moment I arrived, the team were welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in making sure everything ran smoothly. They created a really positive and friendly environment, and it was clear how much they care about both their participants and the local community. My host family were wonderful — warm, kind, and incredibly generous — which made settling in so easy. Costa Rica itself is such a special place, and I was struck by how friendly and welcoming people are everywhere you go. Overall, a really positive experience with a great organisation.

I had a lovely time in Cusco! The school is amazing, there are some really good teachers and the environment is really good in the school. Besides that, the are really helpful with everything you need, and also if you have any questions about the classes or materials.

The Maximo staff was great for every question that I had during my stay in Peru. Specifically Michael, Reese and Nina were there through every step of the way and continued routine check ups on my project to ensure that the experience was as advertised.

Great experience here. Had amazing support from Maximo Nivel staff and the host family. Kids were lovely at the school I taught at and it was great to meet the children and form bonds with them. I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel!

This experience was so incredibly eye open and extremely insightful on variety and health and cultural experiences!! I am so incredibly grateful to experience the immersion and education I was granted throughout this trip! The staff was incredibly helpful and kind!

I got lucky because I was placed to a daycare, close to my housing. I had the best time staying with my host mother. She told the most amazing stories and we had so much fun. The food was amazing. The volunteering was also great. It was a good way to practise my Spanish, because the kids speak in simple words. It was a rewarding experience. On my last day I brought a gift and sweets and they really liked that. My last day was great. Maximo visited several times and they checked on us. A small thing, but important. I met a lot of nice people who took classes or did volunteering here. We went on trips and went went for drinks together. Overall, I am glad I did this! Unforgettable

My experience here was so incredible! From living with a local family to volunteering, I got the chance to be exposed to a whole different kind of life. The Maximo institute facilitated the experience the whole way and was very helpful with questions and concerns. Their Spanish teachers are also amazing!

As this is a legit program, I will say my experience is one that I found valuable. Although we had a traditional TEFL curriculum, the practical teaching and observation elements of the program were beneficial. This is a busy program and as a hybrid participant it definitely felt nonstop with getting through the online modules, the observations, the grammar paper, and the teaching days. Although you may earn a flexible experience, the weakest aspect of this program is that they advertise job placement within 30 days of program completion and that is false advertisement. They are not the most forthcoming with how you can be hired by them and what positions they as an organization they are directly looking for in possibly hiring their TEFL graduates and also when they will. Do not be fooled by this. Although the Academic Director is a mostly cool guy and very knowledgeable as a TEFL instructor, he will swear that he will help with job placement, tell you to use him as a reference but is not the most forthcoming with being available after the program is over for more questions. After the work and money you put in to the program, I have found it to be the most disappointing aspect of the program that it is advertised just as it seems many international TEFL programs are advertising job placement after credential completion and not delivering. Trust them to academically haze you but do not trust them to hire you within 30 days even if you do earn a Pass/Good from the program.

Every day I learned more, and improved in my teaching. Especially helpful was all the time we spent teaching actual students and classes. The teacher reviews of my teaching were fantastic. They provided the guidance I needed in order to improve.

I really enjoyed Maximo's TEFL course. I felt it prepared me very well for teaching English to non-English speakers, which is one of my passions. The course was extremely thorough and was a great combination of meaningful assignments, observations of classes and online teaching experience. I feel I had excellent support from my instructor Sean. He was readily available and provided valuable feedback and clarifications. The online course was a perfect fit for my schedule and routine. I am very happy that I chose Maximo's TEFL course for my certification program.

Margot was great! We really loved her! She was very sweet! She explained our days and pickups really well. And she also explained Costa Rica's culture. Only feedback would be better communication about our itinerary through email, since we all got it very late. And maybe if the itinerary was a bit more detailed. Like telling us if we're able to swim or not. Since for one of the waterfalls we couldn't swim. And also if hotels could've been mentioned. Or the cost of things around since the hotels we are in are touristy

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!

The service learning trip to Costa Rica instilled a greater love for agricultural and eco sustainability. I conquered one of my greatest fears by completing the hanging bridges hike. I highly recommend to everyone to see Costa Rica though the eyes of the local people. Pura Vita!

I had so much fun and learned so much, even though I was only in Costa Rica for a week. From walking through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, to volunteering at La Finca, I really enjoyed it all. I would 10/10 recommend this program and do it all again!

I came to Costa Rica on a volunteering trip with my university for eco-tourism learning. The farm that we volunteered at had us engaged with the work and really helped understand the work and somewhat the living of the people in the area. The places that we were lodged were great as they were comfortable but didn’t feel like some fancy hotel that was meant for tourists. The staff that accompanied us, Matt, was really helpful in translating and keeping us on schedule and informing us about the area. I think they did a great job of making this trip about learning was still involving fun activities that gave us a look at Costa Rica’s flora.

I had a really good time here in Costa Rica! Everyone was very friendly and welcoming! Would love to do another program with you guys in the future! Tried amazing food and went to awesome excursions! Pura Vida forever!

Working at Finca Guara was amazing. Our host was so friendly and welcoming. The work we did was meaningful. We learned so much about Costa Rican history and ecological efforts. I would love the opportunity to return and continue helping with construction on the farm.

My trip was awesome there’s some stuff I wish I could have done. But overall I had a very good time. I wanted to go to the beach but the rafting and activities were great. I had a great service site and thoroughly enjoyed it .

Phenomenal experience that provided a huge culture shock as well as an appreciation of what I have back at home. I loved the kids and the staff at the school and look forward to working with them in the future!

I would definitely recommend Máximo Nivel’s working with kids program. All of the employees at Máximo Nivel are so helpful and accommodating. Working with these kids was an amazing experience that I would do again

My 19 year old college aged son and myself volunteered in San Jose. We did separate home stays and that was great becsuse we got to meet two separate families and meet more local people. Another great feature for us was that there is a little travel agency connected to Maximo Nivel and they were able to help us easily schedule a couple of fun outings to enjoy the nature of Costa Rica.

My experience was eye-opening. I enjoyed my time at the site and at Maximo Nivel. Everyone was kind and very helpful. The faculty at the healthcare facility was honest and open to answering questions. I would most definitely come again to experience the culture of Costa Rica.

Everyone I was able to talk to was such a delight, from my project manager Oscar to the lovely desk lady at Maximo. And they all had such love for the region. There’s nothing better than working with folks like that.

Maximo Nivel has been nothing short of amazing to me and my group. This has pushed me in ways I’ve never known I could be pushed from leadership, to patience, to overcoming my fear of heights, and even trying new foods. Back home my food cannot touch but since I’ve been here, it hasn’t stopped touching and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’ve stepped out on faith and yall took me in with open arms. Thank you! I’m honestly so sad to leave.

I had the best time working with animals this week at the husky shelter. I learned so much about the people in Costa Rica and also the animals. I loved seeing the amount of love and care all the workers had for each of the animals.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time! I loved the different foods that our host family made for us. They always made sure we had enough food! I also really enjoyed my work site! I was able to see how to correctly interact with dogs! I loved the person that told us what to do everyday. She was so sweet!

It was amazing to see the realities of some of the children and their families and to learn and grow from that! I am so excited to continue my career in education and have this in my teaching background!

It was an absolutely great experience teaching English to the kids at Divino Niño, it showed that even though a lot of them come from backgrounds that are not great, it still showed their resilience and how they move forward in their lives.

The project orientation was really awesome! I found that the projects was more enjoyable with another volunteer, but the school itself was really nice. There was lots of support from both the teachers and the maximo staff and I felt really welcome everytime I showed up to the program

My internship placement could not have been better. I had the pleasure of meeting so many people there. I really enjoyed living in Cheli's extra apartment. I will say though that she's not the most flexible with eating times. Other than that, great!

I love Gabriela <3 Everyone at Máximo is so so helpful and I´m very grateful to them! ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Everyone was very supportive and welcoming. The school was amazing. Would recommend to others.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

I’m so happy I chose Maximo Nivel, the people there are awesome, the staff such as Gabby, Ellen, Rina, Margot, Marlon and everyone. They have so much energy, they helped me throughout my entire program and the place was awesome too!

I have had the best time in Costa Rica! I was worried before I came here because I’m traveling solo and as a minor, but the moment I landed Maximo took full care of me - from the ride to my amazing host mom’s house to the end of my volunteer journey with kids, I felt safe and happy under Maximo’s care.

I participated in a beach and dog shelter beautification project. These service opportunities were well constructed, so I learned how to serve with an humble heart as well as the mission behind the place I was serving. Thank you!! Totally recommend!!

Maximo Nivel organized a week of service learning and recreational activities for my group of students. They fulfilled my hopes for my group's experiences, customizing our options. The on site siltaff were excellent. I was confident that my group was well taken care iof. Thank you for all you did helping my students engage with local people, local institutions, and the landscape.

My university and I did a weeklong service trip in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. My favorite experience of the program was volunteering at a daycare with kids. This experience was very enriching, and helping the kids get as also a great opportunity to practice Spanish. We were able to brighten the days of the kids with games, conversations, a piñata, and ice cream. I would recommend Maximo to anyone interested in volunteering abroad.

I absolutely loved this experience! To start off, the staff at Maximo Nivel are all wonderful. My homestay was great; my host mom was super patient with my Spanish and very kind. I throughly enjoyed the volunteer opportunities and tourism. 10/10 experience!!!

We absolutely loved spending the week in Quepos and the Manuel Antonio area with Maximo Nivel. We had the opportunity to volunteer in a local daycare and spread joy and fun to some sweet kids! Definitely a great option if you’re looking to serve the community and use your gifts to help others.

I completed the online TEFL with Maximo. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a complete online learning experience. Solid support from the instructors and I never had any issues getting a response when I had questions. The practical teaching was a great experience to finish the course.

Do not have enough good things to say about Maximo Nivel and my experience supporting construction. The team was so informative and helpful and really cares about making an impact in the local community. I felt welcome and safe from day 1 and was really able to make an impact in a short time. Also the housing accommodations and travel support were extremely helpful and took the experience above and beyond. 10/10 experience overall!