Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel

Why choose Maximo Nivel?

Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a leading organization in study abroad and educational travel. We are an internationally accredited organization with 4 locally based institutes in 3 of the most beautiful countries in the world—Costa Rica, Guatemala. and Peru. At Maximo Nivel, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best education and travel experiences in Latin America, as well as top-notch client service and great home base facilities.

Since 2003, our commitment to quality programs and great client service has made Maximo Nivel the leading study abroad and educational travel organization in Latin America. Our job is to provide you with great work-study-travel programs in a safe and supportive environment. We are here to make sure your experience is nothing short of excellent! The Maximo team is available 24/7, so please reach out and let us know when you need support or help along the way.

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.

Reviews

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Ann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First Class Experience

This course is very intense however, don't let that put you off. It is absolutely 100% worth it, in no small measure thanks to my instructor, Wayne Summerbell. He is not only very knowledgeable on the TEFL methodologies and techniques, he is also very engaging and funny. From day one, he consistently modeled the TEFL teaching techniques and methodologies we were to learn and adopt in our classes. He is passionate about TEFL and the TEFL students' success. This 4-week course is jampacked and on the third day, we were already conducting vocabulary sessions with ESL learners! Wayne really didn't miss an opportunity to give us real-life experience and he continued to be our cheerleader throughout the course. His thoughtful and detailed feedback during our Practical Teaching Week was invaluable for my personal growth and success in this course.
In addition to the fantastic in-class experience, we received incredible support from the Maximo Nivel administrative team. They truly did take care of us inside and outside of the classroom. If you are looking for an international TEFL training experience, I would definitely recommend the Maximo Nivel program in Antigua, Guatemala and I hope you will be fortunate enough to have Wayne as your instructor - his personal energy and investment in his students' success is absolutely amazing.

Pros
  • Very well organized and planned course - phenomenal instructor (Wayne Summerbell)
  • Great support from the Maximo Nivel team
  • Fantastic homestay
Cons
  • Honestly, I can't think of any - I had no issues.
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Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Happy Graduate of Maximo Nivel's TEFL Program in Guatemala

If you are even remotely thinking about being part of this course I am here to tell you not to hesitate and do it. Maximo Nivel and their staff go way above and beyond to make sure your experience is a positive one. The back drop of Antigua is breathtaking and the people of Guatemala and some of the happiest and kindest people I have ever met.

Wayne Summerbell, the Maximo TEFL trainer is amazing at leading you through one of the toughest courses out there with laughter, academic grace and a well organized curriculum. Maximo promotes a kind and inviting environment for local learners and learners from around the world. Do not kid yourself, it is not an easy 4 weeks at all but in the end it is worth every minute of it especially during Practical Teaching Week when you get to put all of the pieces together and see just how much of a difference you can make in someones life simply by helping them learn English.

Pros
  • The course is taught in such a proficient way that the 4 weeks though not easy fly by.
  • You can stay with a local family and learn about the culture and have a safe environment to learn in
  • All of Maximo Nivel's staff want you to succeed and go above and beyond to ensure that you do.
Cons
  • It is a tough course, there may be moments when you want to give up but it is worth it not too.
  • You will be so busy for the 4 weeks you will not be able to explore a lot so plan to explore before or after the course.
  • You will fall in love with Guatemala
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Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Campaign

Overall, it was a good experience. Excellent, professional. Things were well planned and thought out. There was diverse medical campaigns and lots of support. Was able to asses a number of different ages and detect lots of conditions. They provided equipment and PPE. However, I would recommend that an organization also brings there own specifically otoscopes and pen lights. The host family was kind and were one of the highlights of the trip. Not recommend for children or people with severe physical impairments. I would absolutely come again.

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Allie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical campaign

This was the best trip ever. We learned so much while talking to the local doctors and nurses in Costa Rica. This trip will always have a special place in my heart with meeting all the people that we cared for. My group cared for 315 patients of all ages (children, adults, elders, newborns, etc.) I am beyond bless to of gotten this opportunity. The people here were so sweet and encouraging for our group and I’ve never felt more like a team and the flow of the campaign was so well. Our group leader was amazing and always there for us. 10/10 trip… 100% recommend

Pros
  • Food
  • Weather
  • Experience
Cons
  • Water pressure
  • Sanitary
Default avatar
Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic!

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. I expected a rigorous challenging course, but not the beautiful camaraderie with my classmates and unbelievable support of my instructor, Wayne. I could go on forever about what an amazing teacher he is. Not just incredibly knowledgeable but a kind and interesting person. The Maximo staff was also a bonus. They were readily available and helpful for all my needs. The Saturday tours were a great way for those of us not able to socialize a lot to meet other students at Maximo and explore the area. Highly recommend Wayne and Maximo for anyone wanting to obtain their TEFL!

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I wanted an opportunity to change my career path from a dissatisfying corporate job to a rewarding career that can take me traveling around the world and enable me to gain cultural experiences in different diverse countries whilst helping others in learning a 2nd language to enable better job opportunities.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The Maximo Nivel program provided me with top quality information travel assistance, support staff and teachers who were extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience extremely worthwhile.

They organized my volunteer program and also the accommodation at my host family, and assisted with holiday and activity options.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If I were to do the course again, I would definitely choose a professional organization that is well-credentialed and respected like Maximo. It makes it so much easier having a strong support base and experienced team.

I would definitely allow for more travel time either before or after the course, so you can get to appreciate the country you are visiting.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The program is very solid and lots to fit in every day, as it is a compact course.

Having said that, there were still afternoons off and a couple of free days to chill. And an average day consisted of about 8 hours at school with a mixture of theory and practical class observations and activities.

After school, you would generally need to do 2 hours of homework or reading.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I guess my only fear was not finishing the course or not being able to do the assignments and lesson plans in time. But the course structure and support of the teachers was a huge benefit in allaying my fears. This made a big difference in my ability to manage the course effectively and get everything done.

Any last thoughts?

This is a really fun and rewarding opportunity. It is full-on but satisfying in so many ways. You learn so much about yourself and build up comradery with people from all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and age ranges. It will give you great confidence and belief that you can do whatever you want to set your mind to.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Visiting Panama is definitely my most memorable travel experience. It was my first time traveling alone and I met a lot of new people. Seeing new places, experiencing a new culture and being by myself for the first time was amazing.

I participated in a lot of tours and activities and I learned a lot. This experience motivated me to keep travelling.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to be part of the Mini Adventure program in Guatemala. I have always wanted to go to Tikal and learn more about the Mayan Culture in Guatemala.

I feel the Mini Adventure gives you the opportunity to visit really nice places in Guatemala in a short period of time.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I feel proud of my team every time we happily adapt to last minute changes in order to make the participants experience be awesome and unforgettable.

Professional Associations

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