TEFL Courses & Certification in Cusco, Peru

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.

I was scared to do this program but Sean is a very cool and nice teacher made me feel comfortable and confident, I loved having Sean as a teacher he made sure I was understanding all the concepts and took time to guide me.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 spent 4 weeks on the TEFL course in Quepos, Costa Rica. This is a relatively intensive course including multiple opportunities for practical teaching and theoretical assignments. This is not a cheap course, but you pay for what you get. Lewis is an excellent instructor. His lessons are high quality, thorough and very engaging. You will not be bored! For the first two weeks our class had only myself and one other, which was not what I had been expecting. However, this allowed for a more personal lesson environment, which was very nice. There are frequent feedback opportunities and the learning curve is appropriate. You are not jettisoned right into full teaching right away. Things build up nicely so that you are fully prepared for full class teaching. There is no stress, But do expect to work hard and dedicate time away from class to prepare for lessons and complete your assignments.

Amazing teacher Sean Barker goes above and beyond for his students. Great school facilities with free unlimited tea and coffee. The school also offers Spanish classes. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in TEFL!

I took the hybrid TEFL course through Maximo-Nivel. The online course was created to ensure your success. I was able to navigate the online platform easily and appreciated the personal feedback on writing assignments from the same instructor I had in-person later in Cusco. The pacing of the course prepares you to get hands on teaching experience and immediate feedback within the short four week period. It’s crammed full of practical teaching information. I appreciated the staffs focus on my comfort and safety while I stayed in a part of the world I’d never been to. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and I am grateful for MaximoNivel’s lifelong commitment to ensuring my TEFL certification will be combined with real world job placement support.

I took the TEFL course in Cusco, Peru with Máximo Nivel. I strongly recommend this course for any other English speakers who have even the slightest interest in teaching! Going into the course, I had almost zero teaching experience; after just four weeks, I now feel like I could enter a TEFL classroom and be a confident, effective teacher. There was so much practical teaching experience; it was stressful at first, but every moment was worth it, and the MN staff were so supportive and helpful.

Sean and Christina were just amazing instructors. They are both knowledgeable, so supportive and they gave me so much confidence during practical teaching week. They always made sure to highlight the positives while also helping me to improve in problem areas. They honestly did a great job. Also, thank you Ollie and Lucas for visiting me in the clinic.

Very honest, trustworthy and organised. I would highly recommend the TEFL course with Maximo Nivel in Cusco. Sean Barter at Maximo and the team are very accommodating and provide practical knowledge to assist their student teachers.

Very honest, trustworthy and organised. I would highly recommend the TEFL course with Maximo Nivel in Cusco. Sean Barter at Maximo and the team are very accommodating and provide practical knowledge to assist their student teachers.

My time at Maximo Nivel was incredible. During my time at the institute I learned many new life skills and teaching skills. What was so great about the teaching skills that we learned in the classroom is that we spent a sufficient amount of time applying those skills in real settings. The vocabulary workshops, mini lessons, and practical teaching week gave us students the opportunity to practice what we had been taught. Our instructor, Christina, was so knowledgable and personable! She really elevated the learning experience for myself and all other students. I would highly recommend coming to Maximo Nivel to get TEFL certified.

I really enjoyed my time spent doing the TEFL program with Maximo Nivel. Christina was a best teacher! She is so approachable and incredibly helpful. You can tell she genuinely wants you to succeed. After completing TEFL I feel very prepared to teach a class because we were able to get so much hands-on practice. I would definitely recommend completing your TEFL certification with Maximo Peru!

Overall, I feel I have been prepared to actually teach a class. I think that this course did a good job of introducing the idea of teaching without being too frightening. This may be the first time that I am taking a class and I actually am applying what I have learned. This is the most applied course I have ever taken. Doing observations, practical practice and learning techniques that were drilled again and again was helpful.

Christina was a fantastic teacher and helped me so much this past month. I feel so much more confident in my ability to teach English and feel that I was given many tools to be prepared. I felt supported the entire time and it was clear she cared about our progress and was excited for our new opportunities.

Embarking on a career transition in one's sixties can be a daunting yet ultimately fulfilling endeavour, particularly when fueled by a desire for change and a latent passion waiting to be ignited. The shift from a long-standing career in finance, specifically as a Senior Bookkeeper/Accountant, to the realm of Teaching English as a Foreign Language represents a significant departure, driven by burnout and a yearning for a more stimulating and personally rewarding professional path. I found all this, beyond expectation, when I took the TEFL online course. I found the course material to be comprehensive and the manner in which it was presented, made learning so much easier and a lot more fun than one would expect from doing an English teaching course. My personal trainer, Sean Barter, who is stationed in Peru, was immensely patient, extremely helpful and was more than happy to have me listen in on others' classes. The online teachers gave me invaluable advice and during my practical training, Sean guided me through with unstinting advice , not just on the teaching but also how to better use the Zoom platform. This is the best thing I have ever done and I look forward to my new life as an English teacher.