Maximo Nivel
Programs and Reviews
Maximo Nivel (Maximum Level)--The Intercultural Center of Latin America
Maximo Nivel is a family-owned, social enterprise founded in 2003. Our three intercultural centers are locally-based organizations focused on international education and cross-cultural experiences. Our programs include: Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, and Spanish Language Immersion in three countries -- Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
Our programs are internationally accredited and are recognized worldwide. Our success is based on our commitment to quality and the highest level of client service. We have an excellent, professional staff and great home-base facilities to ensure your overall experience with us is nothing short of excellent!
Programs Abroad
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Reviews
100%Overall
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100%Overall
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First and foremost, I want to say this:
If you are considering this program, do it. Just do it.
Before my trip to Guatemala, I was in a slight state of confusion. I had just taken a leave of absence from my university with little to no idea of what my next moves would be. I decided I needed a change of scenery, but not just any change of scenery - I wanted to do something where I could both benefit somebody else and myself. I could not be more grateful that I ended up in Antigua, Guatemala volunteering with Maximo Nivel.
I spent two weeks in Guatemala working with the most intelligent, creative, and loving children I've ever come across in my life. I was placed at an after school program called Mi Escuelita in a very poor town just outside of Antigua. I've had several volunteer experiences in the last few years tutoring and mentoring kids in low income areas. All of those experiences combined could not amount to the experience I had at Mi Escuelita in terms of impact; an impact you feel, the people you work with feel, and the results of which you see. It was hands down the most beautiful experience I've ever had in my life.
The education system in Guatemala is, to say the very least, flawed. Education is free up through 6th grade, which is a strong factor in why many kids drop out long before then. Another reason the drop out rate is so high is due to the fact that many of the children's parents are illiterate and therefore there is no academic support in the home. There is no motivation, no stimulation for these young beautiful minds to experience. Additionally, many kids have alcoholic parents (which is often times accompanied by a broad spectrum of abuse) and their immense potentials are even further suppressed.
When I say that the kids I met at Mi Escuelita have immense potential, I mean it with every cell in my being. They are unbelievably intelligent, quick, eager to learn, beautifully creative, and the most loving and warm little human beings I have ever come across. The kids thanked the other volunteers and I over and over before we left, but they have no idea what they did for me: they woke me up.
In a developed country like the US (where I live), materials are so available that we often don't think of what it would be like if they weren't so available. In a less developed place like Guatemala, things as simple as pencils, notebooks, and crayons are scarce. I could write a novel about my experience in Guatemala, but what stayed with me the most was the fact that the kids I encountered have so little, yet are so incredibly happy. If they lost their soccer ball over the fence, they would find a soda bottle on the street to kick around. There were no complaints, no tears, no shouts - nothing but their lovely smiles. In a nutshell, they had the energy and playfulness of children, but the maturity of a full grown adult. Most of these kids have been forced to assume adult-like responsibilities from a young age: working with their parents to earn some money and tending to younger siblings are just a couple of examples.
I know I left an impact on these kids because they would not let me forget it. They were so grateful and so happy that the other volunteers and I were there. The impact they left on me was a million times greater. After getting to know the kids as individuals, as a group, and witnessing their potentials, it is so sad to me that they are not stimulated. They are not given the chance to excel and succeed. Such a simple concept, yet so far from being implemented in the Guatemalan education system. They want to learn, they want to be able to speak English, they want to be something, they want to do good, they want to be happy, and they want to love.
The experience I had in Guatemala was one I will never forget and it was one that left me wanting more. It made me want to continue this journey of improving, both myself and others. I have been back home for one day and cannot get these kids out of my mind. I still feel their warm embraces and can still so vividly see their wide and bright smiles. Although I was only there for 2 weeks, there will forever be a mark embedded in my heart, soul, and mind.
Critical Feedback:
Not a damn thing.
90%Overall
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I was a medical volunteer for one week in Costa Rica through IVHQ and Maximo Nivel. Overall, the experience was truly a great one. I felt as though I did impact the people I was working with and affected there lives positively. My day to day schedule was my project from 8-12 and then free time from 12 until bed time. With my free time, I shopped in downtown San Jose, zip-lined, took the Doka, Poas, LaPaz tour (HIGHLY RECOMMEND), and I bungee jumped on my last day all in my one week stay! I did all my tours through Trans-Leo and although they are slightly overpriced, the convenience and time saved in my opinion makes it well worth it. My host family was very nice, although no English was spoken in the home to the family. The people at Maximo Nivel were very kind and helpful but let you be independent as well, so, be prepared for that.
The most difficult thing I had to deal with was arrival. Finding my ride took about 15 mins but it was smooth sailing from then. Be calm, and do not worry if this happens to you. Just call and they will help you as they did me. Also, it is very stressful to not know what you will actually be doing once in CR, but you will find out on day one of arrival. My best advice is to just relax, let things happen, and pack scrubs and plan to wear those every day at you project.
Critical Feedback:
Send out more information about which project the individual will be working prior to arrival. It reduces stress levels and helps when preparing to travel.
100%Overall
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I have only good things to say about Maximo Nivel, who I accidently discovered through GlobalVolunteerNetwork.com. After 2.5 weeks in their Antigua, Guatemala spanish classes, and 2 weeks in the volunteer program to work with children, I have had a wonderful experience learning more of this second language, and felt useful to the childrens' program. In a very "User-friendly" environment, and with well-organized, friendly, and helpful staff, I have had much success in learning as much as possible during my time here. In addition, the different volunteer programs that I have heard of, as well as the one that I was involved in, seem to be as well organized as possible, and once again, friendly staff walked me through the first day and provided resources and ideas throughout the rest of my volunteer time.
Centrally located in Antigua, with plenty of resources just around each corner, Maximo Nivel maintains an extensive schedule of group and private lessons, as well as tandem learning programs with native Guatemalan Spanish -speakers, and lots of extracurricular activities to encourage interaction with other native speakers and other students as well. The classes are small and manageable, and the teachers make the learning interesting and fun, and applicable to our daily activities with constant conversations and dialogue. I believe that my homestay is truly special with a family that has welcomed me and invited me to participate in family activities and meals. And everything has gone precisely according to the scheduling at Maximo Nivel! I appreciate the structure and the employees ability to maintain it! I am planning to travel to Cusco, Peru next year to enroll in more Spanish classes with Maximo Nivel, and to participate in another volunteer program. This was truly a trip of a lifetime for me!
Critical Feedback:
A little bit more specific information on what is expected of us in the volunteer program, and feedback regarding how well we are doing or ideas for improvement.
100%Overall
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I can't even begin to describe how amazing my experience was! I volunteered in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel for four weeks, and my only regret is that I didn't stay longer. I worked on two projects, childcare and turtle conservation. Every moment in each project was simply amazing. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by helpful, loving staff who all quickly became friends. Any time I had a question or conern they were more than happy to help. They went above and beyond my expecations.
The projects were both great learning experiences, but you definitely get out of it what you put into it. We were only with the kids for a few hours every day but in that time we grew to love them. It was wonderful getting to see how they live day to day, getting to play with them, and teach them.
The turtle project was indescribeable, spending time on the beach, meeting people from all over the world, and learning all about sea turtles and the effort to learn about them and help the populations grow.
Without hesitation, I would HIGHLY recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone. I would return to Costa Rica to work with them again in a heartbeat.
Critical Feedback:
There was quite a bit of free time, and although I'm sure many people love that, I would have loved to spend more time with the kids in the childcare program!
Alumni Interviews
Staff Interview
Meet Julia Delafield- Director of Sales and Marketing
GO: Tell us a little about Maximo Nivel and your role at the company.
Julia: Maximo Nivel is a family-run business that was started by Giovanna and Ken Jones; Giovanna is from Peru and Ken is originally from the US. They were both studying languages in Cusco, Peru, and saw a need for programs with better client service, teachers and overall organization. They opened the first Maximo English school in 2003, and from there they grew to incorporate study abroad programs including Spanish language immersion, TEFL/TESOL certification and volunteer and internship programs. Over the past 10 years, Maximo Nivel has become a true Intercultural Center, bringing together locals and international students in a fun, educational environment.
I joined Maximo about two and a half years ago, and have loved being a part of the organization. I'm lucky enough to have a very multi-faceted role, heading up what we affectionately call the "Nucleo Team," which spans the three countries in which we work. I help with client service and setting up new programs for in-coming Spanish learners, volunteers and TEFLers by answering questions and arranging logistics. I also do a lot of outreach, and work with everyone interested in study abroad or volunteer work, from college professors and on-campus student groups, to high schools and youth programs. Finally, I also get to lend a hand is developing new program and project offerings, which is lots of fun!
GO: How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?
Julia: I have always been fascinated with the intersection between business and non-profits, and I truly believe that social enterprise is the key to making lasting social change. In my master's program in International Relations I focused on Fair Trade and other social enterprise systems, and it was there that I first ran into the idea of a humanitarian volunteer company, self-sustainable, but still truly focused on giving back to the local community. From there I was lucky enough to find Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica, exactly where I was hoping to settle down, and I knew that I had found a great match!
GO: What makes Maximo Nivel unique?
Julia: I think that Maximo Nivel is really unique in a lot of ways! We have fantastic teams in each country that seem to have boundless energy and enthusiasm to share with all of our visitors. They are all avid travellers and have lived the difference that these sorts of programs can make in your life, and they are eager to foster those same life-changing transformations in others. We're the only organization that I know of that has medical doctors and construction foremen as part of our staff, not just relationships outside of the organization. Maximo has real talent on the team to make sure we're doing things right!
The scope of Maximo Nivel is also really unique. As I mentioned earlier, we're a true intercultural center and have people from all over the world with us every day, representing lots of different places and cultures. It really feels like a melting pot, and the environment for learning and cultural understanding that creates is incredible and really unique. Some people are with us because they dream of teaching English, others because they want Spanish as a tool to travel, others are studying English to improve their careers, and still others are here to give back to local communities through the volunteer programs... It just means that there are a lot of really incredible people working together at Maximo on any given day.
GO: How do you ensure your programs are sustainable and mutually beneficial for you, the community, and the volunteers?
Julia: The sustainability of our programs is really important to us! As you say, programs really need to be mutually beneficial so that not just the volunteer, but the larger community gains from the experience. First of all, Maximo Nivel is a local organization in each of the countries where we work, so we're one of the important small businesses that drives the local economy. We hire local staff, purchase supplies from local companies, and work with hundreds of host families to bring additional income into their households. We also establish and maintain long-lasting, sustainable relationships with the projects we work with. In some cases, the mutual benefit seems obvious, for instance when volunteers work in under-staffed local orphanages with kids that really need the care and affection. In other cases we work a bit harder to make sure that we're really helping. For example, we design our construction programs to address the needs of project sites and the local communities, and we also have a monthly humanitarian budget that lets us address specific donation requests from projects and participate in larger level education and food programs.
GO: What does the future hold for Maximo Nivel?
Julia: We're constantly working to expand our programs to meet the needs of everyone who wants to study, work and travel with us. 2013 is shaping up to be a big year. We're launching a Gap Year program for people taking a year off, and we're adding a variety of study abroad programs that target specific skill-building and certification options. For example, program participants can combine Spanish or volunteering with things like yoga, SCUBA or a seminar on how to create your own social enterprise. The future's looking bright!
Overall it was a great experience. Each day involved a good mix of fast-paced continuous work and relaxation time. At the school I was able to participate a lot with various significant teaching tasks. The Maximo Nivel staff ensures you are well informed regarding anything you may encounter on your trip and genuinely cares about your time with them. Highlights were the amazing people I met along the way and the numerous excursions. The biggest difficulty was the language barrier not knowing the native language, however there is usually always someone around to translate.
Critical Feedback:
To have someone who speaks english pick you up from the airport, to ensure as a new arrival you are aware of what/where you are going to be doing that day/night.