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.

Website

maximonivel.com

Founded

2003

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Community Photos

On the way to the first volunteering site!

me and sawyer teaching english games outside with teacher

With my class during practical teaching week

Smoke break at the school ( now it’s a new location I think )

Kids drawing at a table with colorful pencils, during their class in divino niño

Picture in classroom. Group 2. Ages 9-11

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Diversity & Inclusion

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.

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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.

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Reviews

It was definitely a different experience from what we’re used to in the United States, which I think was super valuable to see. I was with Kevin for the week and he was awesome as a translator while also being very helpful organizing everything and directing the group. I got to practice taking vitals and interacting with patients which was helpful for my future career as a nurse. Seeing the doctor interact with patients was also really cool. Loved this experience but it was definitely out of my comfort zone. So glad I did it. 100% recommend

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would have gone for 1 week instead of 2

Pros

Unique opportunity
Learning experience
Beautiful scenery

Cons

Tiring
Language barrier
Repetitive

This experience was a great time and one that I can’t repeat because of the time we spent with each patient. The time with the doctor was a great way to immerse into the culture more. I would highly recommend this program to many people and to take the jump of faith of trying something unfamiliar. I felt like I learned so much more knowledge and customs that I never would have expected in America or other countries. I also loved meeting people staying at the host family and learning more about their lives from all over the world.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

A pork empanadas maybe we weren’t sure what it was at the host family.

Pros

Experience
Gain of knowledge
New culture

Cons

Wish I knew more of what it was coming in
Tiredness
Needed to know more medical knowledge

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would have gone for 1 week instead of 2

Pros

Unique opportunity
Learning experience
Beautiful scenery

Cons

Tiring
Language barrier
Repetitive

It was a great experience overall! I enjoyed working with everyone. Working with Kevin, the other translators, and the doctor was amazing!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The doctor performing surgery

Pros

Putting myself out there
Gaining medical knowlege
Trying out the food here

Cons

Got robbed
Got stomach bug
Got homesick

A great experience overall and I would recommend it to anyone! I had never participated in a medical mission before but this exceeded all expectations! I really enjoyed my time in Antigua not only volunteering each and every day at the various clinics but also having time to explore the city and see what all it had to offer. From hiking the Pacaya volcano to traveling to lake Atitlan for the weekend I feel like I got to experience a good portion of Guatemala and the culture here! I loved every part of this experience.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

empanadas type pastry with ground up meat and vegetables

Pros

food
atmosphere
views

Cons

travel time

4.96 •46 reviews

Learn Spanish in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! Combine fun in the sun...

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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.

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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?

Jennifer Pazdzior

2018 Alum

Alain Alisca

2018 Alum

Samantha Ni

2018 Alum

Elissa Tauscher

2018 Alum

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.

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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.

Becca Wilgosh

Program Advisor

Website

Founded

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Community Awards

Alumni Interviews

Richard Lovegrove

Why did you choose this program?

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

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

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

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

Any last thoughts?

Staff Interviews

Annia Alvarez

What is your favorite travel memory?

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

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