Location
  • Peru
    • Cusco
Length
1 to 52 weeks
Language
Spanish

Program Details

Language Level
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Immersion Level
Intensive Standard
Specialized Courses
Business Medical Professional Specific Purposes Teaching
Class Size
Private Lessons Small Class (1-7)
Weekly Classroom Hours
20
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hostel Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
75
What's Included
Activities Classes
Mar 04, 2022
Sep 20, 2023
37 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Maximo Nivel offers Spanish immersion programs at our institute in Cusco, Peru. Our Native Spanish Program is ideal for students, professionals, and adventure seekers. Basic to Advanced levels are available. Expand your studies with optional service learning and internship programs.

Our Native Spanish Program is the most intensive and professional Spanish language program in Latin America. Spanish classes emphasize oral communication and integrated skills development to help you really build your Spanish language proficiency.

Spanish programs include:

- Airport pick-up
- Spanish language certificate
- All books and materials
- In-country orientation, safety presentation, and walking tour
- Free Office-wide WiFi and computer lounge
- Home-base facilities and multi-lingual team support 7 days/week
- Free Salsa lessons
- Free Cooking lessons
- Activities calendar

University credit is available via our official School of Record.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

Impact

Ethical Impact

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

Program Highlights

  • Choose from small group, private classes, or a combination of both
  • Professionally-certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers
  • New Spanish courses begin every Monday
  • Spanish programs available from 1-52 weeks
  • Academic credit available

Program Reviews

4.76 Rating
based on 62 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.1%
  • 4 rating 8.06%
  • 3 rating 1.61%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 3.23%
  • Instruction 4.6
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.65
  • Housing 4.7
  • Value 4.65
Showing 1 - 8 of 62 reviews
Default avatar
Laurie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enjoyable, nerdy way to spend a month in Cusco

I've had in on my bucket list for a while to take a Spanish course while living abroad, so this year when Hollywood went on strike and I had some free months on hand, it felt like the time!

Maximo Nivel was a great touchstone for me as a solo traveler. I was able to arrange my housing and my Spanish classes through them, and book most of my travel through their partner, American Inca Trail.

Some info/additional context for others looking into the program:
Maximo Nivel offers several programs. Some people will be volunteering, some will be taking Spanish, some will be teaching English, and many will be doing a mixture of those things. I'm in my mid-thirties, but since most people are doing this program as a gap year or through their college, the majority age is 16-22. Everyone is super fun and nice, but I did feel a little old sometimes lol.

Spanish Classes:
I never had anyone at my level the 4 weeks I was there, so I had 4 hours private the whole time. Thankfully I was able to meet friends through my travels and housing. My teacher was super friendly and personable. The curriculum is pretty basic and kinda just a grammar dump, but combined with conversation time, I did improve a lot over my 4 weeks.

Housing:
When I read "host family" I thought I'd be having meals with a family, but that's not the setup for most of the hosts. In general, they're housing 8-10 students and you eat with the other students. However, they're also available to chat, give recommendations, and are super nice and helpful. The rooms/accommodations are humble, but clean and safe. The meals prepared were delicious. One note is that I requested a single room and was assigned to shared room when I arrived - Maximo was quick to transfer me when I notified them of the mistake.

27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dani
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Not worth it

After attending two other wonderful Spanish Immersion schools I definitely wouldn’t recommend Maximo Nivel. I hate to compare, but now I know there are much better options out here. Every detail of change was thoroughly communicated to me with my other schools. This was not the case with Maximo Nivel. I paid for their super intensive program, which I do not recommend, and during my program I was told that I could change my class schedule. When I was told this, no one communicated any information to me about cost changes until more than a month after I completed my program. I only found out because they owe me a credit and I had to reach out to them multiple times to get any information about my credit. How sketchy! It turns out they charged me higher fees for taking less hours and no one told me fees were changing and increasing before I changed my class schedule. They have not taken accountability for their disorganization and miscommunication. I can only hope this review helps to prevent others from making the same mistake I made when choosing this school.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be conservative with how much you invest into this school. You will avoid future regret and disappointment.
96 people found this review helpful.
Response from Maximo Nivel

Hello Daniell,

Transparency is important to us, and I want to address the points you’ve raised.

You and I spoke personally on 16 November for 40 minutes about your program fees and how your credit was calculated. This followed other communications you had with our Team about how your fees were calculated. Please remember, your original program was a package price that included both private and group classes. The changes you made to your program, after you arrived in Peru, were for mostly private classes and this means the original package price was no longer applicable. For all program pricing and your credit, we used our program fees which are published directly on our website.

We have provided you a $530 credit for your unused program fees. You may use your credit for any Maximo Nivel program at any one of our 4 institutes. Your credit is fully transferable, so you can even gift your credit to a friend or family member if you choose. We’re always here to make sure you’re able to take full advantage of your program credit.

Kind regards,

Anna Bryant
Team Lead, Admissions & Client Service

Default avatar
Sabrina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tres semañas em Cusco

I can define the experience in Cusco as unforgettable.
Cusco is a very beautiful city and very friendly people.
In Máximo Nível tudo everything was very good and recebi great support and attention from all teachers and the administrative part. I finish the course very satisfied.
I think Cusco and Maximo Nìvel were an excellent choice and I suggest for everyone.

Thanks for everything, I intend to return as possible.

What would you improve about this program?
I suggest doing an exam at the end of the course, considering the level that the student began the course and a new test when it ends. This will be very good for the evaluation of its development, as well as to propose opportunities for improvement and attention.
109 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish class program

I stayed in Cusco, Peru for 6 weeks. I did 4 weeks of Spanish classes through Maximo Nivel and traveled throughout Peru. I LOVED every part-the homestay, the classes, teachers, school, and all the facilities. The school is super helpful in any recommendations and safety tips, and the travel agency they work closely with enhanced the stay! Through the travel agency they work with, I was able to travel to the mountains, lakes, Lake Titicaca and floating islands, the amazon, Nazca, Huacacchina, and Paracas. They were very helpful and made every trip I took safe, secure, and enjoyable. I highly recommend this program!

115 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gabriela
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

Translated Review:
The Spanish classes were very good. It was a very amazing experience.

Original Review:
Foram muito boas as aulas de espanhol. Foi uma experiência muito incrível.

116 people found this review helpful.
Rose
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

3 months, 3 countries, so fun!

I had a great experience with Maximo Nivel, first in Peru and then in Costa Rica. My host families have made me feel like part of the family, the staff is super helpful, and instructors have altered classes to my interests. I knew some Spanish before arriving, which was very helpful for my first few days, but my comfort level has definitely grown the longer I have been here. I still have one month to go in Guatemala, and I cannot wait!

108 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kumari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great time

I have loved studying at Maximo Nivel. My teachers were amazing. My favorite part of each class was the conversation. I feel like I was able to work on getting my ideas out as quickly and as accurately as possible. And that is a very important skill to have, while traveling in Spanish speaking countries and in life in general. I also really enjoyed having a teacher who was around my age. Karla was so fun to be in class with because she made each lesson less like class and more like a fun conversation with a friend. She gave great recommendations for things to do in the Cusco area. The free salsa class is a great bonus too! I am very grateful for all that I have learned at Maximo Nivel.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe include more homework from the textbook. Or just give students recommendations on how to use the textbook independently.
108 people found this review helpful.
Elizabeth
3/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Peru

I like Maximo.
I think that the price for the homestay could change and be more reasonable in price.

Overall, the experience was good. I enjoyed my classes and teachers here. I liked that the school has english classes for Peruvians and I was able to meet new Peruvian friends here.
I think the tandem program is really useful, I now have a great Peruvian friend that I think I will have for a long time. We speak more spanish than english, but that is ok.
I like that maximo has a computer lab and a cafe.

What would you improve about this program?
I would hire another tutor at maximo.
110 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

I travelled alone to Cusco (and to Antigua, Guatemala another time), and yes, there are always people around to make friends with and the Maximo Nivel staff are terrific! Very friendly and helpful with all needs and wants, from orientation, to where best to shop and sites to see. They will also put you in touch with World Travel (also in their building) and other reputable travel agencies for all...