Teach Abroad for Short Term in Costa Rica

It was very easy to go through the application process, complete all the steps, and be ready to volunteer in Costa Rica. All the support we received throughout the process made sure that we felt safe, prepared, and were making an impact on the local community. I would highly recommend IVHQ, and hope to do future volunteer missions with them.

I had an amazing experience with International Volunteer HQ in Ecuador. Everything was well organized from the beginning, and I felt supported throughout the entire program. The local team was welcoming, helpful, and always available when needed. I especially appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, meet wonderful people, and contribute through volunteering. It was an unforgettable experience, and I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a meaningful experience abroad.

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

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.

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.

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 experience in Hua Hin teaching children was truly amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by a wonderful team. Special thanks to Hannah Yule, Tukkie Khudseesai, and Noah, the coordinator of my teaching team, who made the experience even more enjoyable and well organized. Teaching the children was incredibly rewarding, and the environment was positive, friendly, and motivating every day. The accommodation provided was very comfortable, and the food was also excellent throughout my stay. Overall, this was a memorable and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in volunteering and teaching in Hua Hin.

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.

Everyone was really helpful, and kept the whole experience on track. Every day was a new experience and was able to learn and experience many things about Costa Rica. Everytime a problem came up it was resolved smoothly.

The course is intensive and well worth the time and effort – be prepared to put in the hours! Doing an in person course as opposed to getting certified online is well worth it. Teaching students in person is an invaluable experience. The course is busy, especially during practical teaching week. You will teach a 20 minute lesson every Friday for the first three weeks. The final week, you will teach a 60 minute lesson Monday-Friday. Come in open-minded and be receptive to learning and following the TEFL method. Lewis is a fantastic instructor. He puts in so much time and effort into everyone's learning and growth. He brings the best teacher out of everyone. Feedback is productive and really helps you improve. Maximo is a great, trustworthy program that will provide you with everything you need, and the potential to work with them after you pass the course. If this is your first time in another country, trust that you will be supported and have a sense of community within the group! You can make friends with your classmates and adventure on the weekends to the beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Nauyaca Waterfall and more. I would recommend living with a host family in a private bedroom. Especially if you speak some Spanish (enough to have simple conversations with the family and local community) you will be just fine, but if you don't speak any Spanish, definitely still come (and practice beforehand if you can).

I got my TEFL certificate through Maximo Nivel and it simply was one of the best experience of my life. Taking the risk to move to Costa Rica was scary but I had the best support, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The course was tough, but we had a wonderful instructor (Lewis) to help us along the way. I came out of this experience a better educator, and with memories that will last forever. I am so glad I took the leap to come here, I could not recommend it enough!!

The TEFL course in hard work but it is so much fun and so rewarding. I learned so much during the course.The people at Maximo Nivel are great. Manuel Antonio is such a great location with so much to do.

The Maximo Nievel TEFL course was such an amazing experience. Be prepared, this course is very intense, about a full semesters worth of material and work. Although you will be working very hard, Maximo offers you full support throughout the entire process. Lewis is an outstanding teacher! He is so knowledgeable about ESL teaching and has lived so many experiences all over the world. His experience as a teacher is one of the most valuable aspects of the course, you will learn SO much from him. I learned so much, not only from the course itself, but from being immersed in the Costa Rican culture. This country is so full of beauty, and I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this country while gaining a new skill. I would definitely recommend TEFL to anyone who wants to try something new and experience a new place!

My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!

My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!

I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there

I completed my TEFL certification at Maximo Nivel in Quepos, Costa Rica, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was the most challenging academic experience I’ve had, but also one of the most rewarding. The instructor, Lewis, was exceptional—supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Beyond the classroom, the kindness and warmth of the local community made the whole journey even more special. If you're up for a real challenge and want to grow, this is the place!

Going through Maximo Nivel has been the best idea my university (CSUB) has told me about. I went last year to Peru through Maximo Nivel as well for the Spanish Immersion Program and enjoyed it as well. Both the host families I was given were amazing both times. The staff members are all sweet and very accommodating. Some of the traveling tours through Maximo are a bit pricey, however it is something that I personally will pay for rather than going out to find cheaper due to wanting to continue my support for this Institute. The TEFL course is very very intensive but it is SO fun, especially with Lewis. He is a phenomenal teacher and made the class feel energetic and comfortable. Also, the Practical Teaching Week is incredibly useful and gives you actual experience in what you will be doing with your TEFL. 100% recommend going through Maximo. The possibility of me going to Guatemala next is high!

The TEFL course was spectacular - exemplified by the wonderful, supportive teaching of Sean and Christina. The online modules provided a solid foundation that was commemorative and informative. This provided the critical groundwork for a productive two weeks, learning more about TEFL techniques and implementing them in the classroom. Sean and Christina went above and beyond, including modules on job search, English exams and more. Thank you!