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Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel

4.92 Rating
1395 reviews
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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

Smoke break at the school ( now it’s a new location I think )
Photo with the crew
Exploring the streets of Antigua
My cohort flashing their certs.
Kids drawing at a table with colorful pencils, during their class in divino niño
Picture in classroom. Group 2. Ages 9-11
Doing obs on patient at health clinic
Health clinic with other volunteers and patient
Volcán fuego!
Last day of school
Fuego
One of the cute kids I got to be with
Sunrise hike
School
Flores
School

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

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.
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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.
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Reviews

Default avatar
Fatima
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee

What a Great Experience!

Sep 15, 2024

Working with Maximo Nivel to receive my TEFL Certification was such a great experience! I was able to have consistent access to their robust modules, support from my instructor, and lots of activities to strengthen my skills as a teacher. They made getting my certification an easy process, and I feel very prepared to work with an actual ESL class! Even though I have finished and received my TEFL Certification, I look forward to continuing my relationship with Maximo Nivel and potentially even working with them in the future!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The last step of the course was a week-long teaching practicum. I was extremely nervous at the prospect of teaching a full class and making my own curriculum, but my instructor gave me lots of support and helped me prepare. Despite my nervousness, I was able to make it through! The first day was pretty rough, but I grew over the week and got better every day! I'm so grateful for the support I received from my instructor, Sean!
Pros
  • 24/7 access
  • quick feedback
  • robust modules
Default avatar
Moritz Hans
24
Male
Spain
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

Gatitos Experience

Sep 6, 2024

I came to work with kids also to improve my experience as a coach working with kids back home and I really enjoyed the activities the teachers did with the kinds and how they integrated me in them. I learned new games, met and got the chance of helping amazing young kids and had fun playing and dancing together with the kids and teachers. I recommend to be open-minded, flexible with the schedule and creative with the activities. The teachers have infinite ideas of different activities so you will never get bored.

Default avatar
Daniela
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Spanish Immersion Program—Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

Visit and learn in Costa Rica

Sep 6, 2024

I loved getting to know local people and practicing my (poor) Spanish. Everyone was very nice and patient with me and trying to help me learn. I enjoyed taking tours, and getting to know the surroundings. I also like the cooking class! It helps to learn more about the local cuisine. My teacher was very good, personable and knowledgeable of course in English but also as a conversationalist. I’ve learned a lot from her about the Costa Rican ways. The school itself is very well planned as a structure with open classes and plenty of opportunities to meet people and interact. I loved the idea of the pool, didn’t use it but I will if I return.

Pros
  • Having the chance to interact in Spanish
  • Wild life, close to Manuel Antonio
  • Convenient way to book tours
Cons
  • Housing
  • Not enough instruction time
Default avatar
Péter
28
Male
Hungary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
TEFL Certification with Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica

Amazing experience

Sep 3, 2024

It’s really a great program for people who are up to trying new things, meeting interesting people, and just generally having fun.
The course is very well thought-out, anticipating 99% of the questions that might come up. The remaining 1 % is part of the fun lol.
I am very thankful to have had such a great teacher as Annabelle, she really put 200% into her work every day and made sure we felt welcomed from the moment we got there.

She is really smart, fun and energetic. I never thought I would enjoy learning so much :)

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would plan ahead more, and definitely spend MORE time in Costa Rica after the course!
Pros
  • Smooth going
  • They are super helpful
  • Great location
Cons
  • A bit expensive to live there, but worth it
  • Maybe more free food lol
  • I can’t think of anything
Smoke break at the school ( now it’s a new location I think )
Default avatar
Helen
85
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

I Can't Believe I Learned So Much

Aug 30, 2024

I've only been here two weeks but my Spanish has improved exponentially. I can actually carry on conversations. Now, I fear I am talking too much. I never had that fear before. With my hostess and my teacher I engaged in serious, interesting conversations. I learned a lot from them, not just about them but the history of Guatemala.
The surroundings of Antigua are breathtaking. Sometimes, when I look up and see the mountains I gasp with wonder.
I didn't really know what to expect from the trip, but I loved it.

What was your funniest moment?
When I told the teacher I love blue rice.
Pros
  • Very fun. A wonderful idea. Keep up the good work.
Cons
  • The map you gave us is hard to read. You can come up with a better one.
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 20

Alumni Interviews

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

Richard Lovegrove

Program
TEFL Certification with Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica
Richard Lovegrove

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.

Annia Alvarez

Program
Volunteer in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

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.

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