Pastoral Work Volunteer Programs

My experience in Cusco was such an amazing time. The people and atmosphere were amazing. Only after a short while this place and these people became a second home and family. The dental program was a great experience especially for a pre-dental student, you learn so much and meet so many great doctors, great for people who are ready for hands-on experience, learning, and giving a helping hand. I have already planned my return and can't wait to explore more of the programs that Maximo has to offer!

I loved the experience, I stayed in Yuri's house with his family which was super sweet and available for whatever me and my friends needed, I also met a lot of people who now I consider friends and with whom I'm gonna stay in touch.

I really enjoyed becoming interconnected with the Costa Rican experience. My host parents Tulio and Carmen were the best people ever. They became my home away from home. They were so kind and showed me the true Costa Rican kindness everyone talked about!

It was a great experience I would do it again 100 hundred percent would recommend to everyone I know.i loved my host family so much and the food was great the kids were amazing and the people were super friendly

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 !

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!

Volunteering with Anointed Vessels Christian School was a truly rewarding experience. As a journalist, I had the opportunity to mentor and train the school's media team on effective storytelling, photography, videography, interviewing, and content creation. It was encouraging to see their passion for sharing the inspiring stories of the children and the impact the school is making in the community. Beyond the media training, I was touched by the dedication of the staff and the joy of the students. The school provides quality education, care, and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children on Mfangano Island. I appreciated being able to contribute my professional skills to strengthen their communication efforts so that more people around the world can learn about their mission. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian School to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where their skills can make a lasting difference. The experience was inspiring, welcoming, and deeply fulfilling

Volunteering at Anointed Vessels Christian School was one of the most meaningful experiences have had. During my visit, our team had the privilege of washing the students' feet, mentoring them, donating school shoes, and sharing meal together. These moments allowed us to connect with the children on a personal level and demonstrate Christ's love through practical service. I was inspired by the dedication of the school' leadership who work tirelessly to provide quality education, nutritious meals, and hope to orphaned children on Mfangano Island. The children were joyful, respectful, eager to learn despite many challenges they face. This experience reminded me that even simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian Schoolto anyone looking for a genuine volunteer opportunity where they can make a real difference while learning about the local community and culture.

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.

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 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!

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."

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

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.

Coming from the busy city of London, this was a fantastic experience to open my mind, get to know a festinating culture while being able to reach out to people in need and support this honest, small charity led by Ivan. I have been able to learn a lot about the food, the way of living and about the people in Uganda thanks to BID. I was able to learn how to make bricks for the organization, plant vegetables for food supply and visit villages where vulnerable people are helped and women are empowered thanks to BID Uganda.

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!

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.

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 !