TEFL Courses & Certification in San Jose, Costa Rica

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

It was amazing, Americo and Isa are both super kind people. I saw a lot, they also showed us nice places. The food was also very nice and I liked that there were also people from the other project. And I liked the work.

I had such a wonderful time with the TEFL course in Cusco, Peru. I learned so many fascinating facets of language while developing an amazing friendship with my fellow TEFL-er! Sean was an incredible instructor who made each day fun, engaging, and enjoyable. I left ignited with a newfound passion for teaching I didn’t even know was inside of me! I’m very excited to share it with the world :) Thank you Máximo!!

I loved my Spanish classes here! I learned a lot really quickly and they have tons of resources to help you out. Highly recommend! It is hard work but so worth it and I really enjoyed my teacher, Tatiana, she was very conversational and explained things in detail which was very helpful!

My goal before this course started was to begin my teaching English career. I had gotten a TESOL certificate online in 2014 and I had never done anything with it. I had gotten a Master of Science degree online with Full Sail University and I had not done anything with that degree too. Finally, in July, I had decided to try to volunteer teaching abroad in August. I thought the first thing I needed was to volunteer teach to see if I liked teaching English and I would also be able to gain teaching experience. I signed up for a volunteer teach English program with IVHQ in San Jose, Costa Rica. A little bit before I arrived in Costa Rica, I learned that IVHQ partners up with Maximo Nivel to deliver their volunteer programs. I learned that Maximo Nivel would be putting me in a volunteer position and would be taking care of my housing. I was very excited. I found out that Maximo Nivel was awesome right from the get go because everything about my arrival to Costa Rica went smoothly. Once I started my volunteer teach program with Fundacion Mujer, I had a field manager who told me about the Cost Maximo Nivel Manuel Antonio TEFL program. On my third day of volunteer teaching, I decided to sign up for the TEFL program with Cost Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio. With my online TEFL program certificate, I could teach English, but I did not have the experience and I felt uncomfortable teaching with very little teaching experience. Once I started my volunteer teach English program in San Jose, I knew I needed more training from an onsite TEFL program. This program has been perfect for me because I am getting first hand teaching with basic English students and with my teacher guiding me. When I was teaching at Fundacion Mujer, I gained a lot of experience, but it was with advanced English learners and I could teach mostly from a provided model. I made articles using Wikipedia articles to hand out to the class, have them read it, and then after go over the vocabulary. I learned once I started this TEFl course and got to teach the basic English students that a pulled and provided model works best. I learned how to use the EPA model into my teaching. I also learned to create many CCQ questions. I think this experience has been very valuable and I hope to be able to teach in San Jose, Costa Rica in the future.

Maximo Nivel in Antigua was absolutely amazing and hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. My peers, all I learned and our incredible instructor Karen changed my life and ignited a passion for education I never knew I had. The program is extremely well organized, supported and surrounded by creative and kind people who share a common interest for changing the world through educating and communication! I could not recommend this program enough to anyone and everyone in all walks of life! More than anything, I cannot say enough about the character and dedication of my instructor Karen and how worth while and WONDERFUL she made this experience! Go TEFL and Go Maximo Nivel!!! The experience of a lifetime!

In the past, I had volunteered with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica. This was about a year ago and I really enjoyed it. And recently I saw they had an institution in Peru and decided to do the TEFL (teach English foreign language) program in Cusco. The course itself goes on for 4 weeks and is a 150 hour intensive course. And although the course can be at times a lot of prepping and work, it is totally worth it and a great experience! The TEFL course in Peru has been one of my favorite parts about this trip. I went in November (off-season) and as such my class size was quite small (only 6). All of the classmates and I connected instantly and we all got along during the course of the course. But it's not just my classmates that I enjoyed, but our instructors for the course and the Maximo Nivel staff. Everyone at this school is very personable and a joy to be around. Our TEFL instructor was very thorough and knowledgeable about the subject and was very helpful throughout the process. She makes teaching English fun and explains the art of "explaining" English to learners. Everyday had something new in concept and theory to teaching English, as well as some fun activities incorporated into the class. There was quite a bit of practical teaching as well. Every week you'll be teaching in front of actual learners and gradually build up to the final week (5 - 1 hour lessons for each day of the week). Be prepared to work though! The course is enjoyable but they will emphasize that it is not a vacation. There will be a lot of work at times, so be prepared for that (particularly the final 2 weeks). Overall though if you are interested in teaching English don't pass up this course! It's very valuable to have practical experience and everyone at Maximo Nivel is wonderful!

I had an amazing time at Cusco, Peru. Chelsey was great with us, she helped us in all that we needed. We were able to help out to those people in need. I would definitely do it again. Thanks to Maximo Nivel for this amazing opportunity.

I can't say enough good things. I did the TEFL certification course and had a really great time: amazing teacher, helpful staff, lovely home stay, nice classmates, and the list goes on. If you're considering taking this course, I would highly recommend it! You won't regret it!