Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel's Online TEFL course is fantastic! The online course is super flexible with a solid online platform. The didactic teaching is very well-presented and interesting, with some recommendations for additional resources if you want to dive into specific topics more deeply. Observing other teachers giving classes then provides greater context for what is learned in the didactic portion, and the final supervised teaching experience brings it all together by having the student utilize the knowledge and skills learned during the course to teach real students.

The supervised teaching portion generated the most anxiety for me. However, Maximo Nivel provides a trainer to help you through the process. This level of support was surprising for the relatively low cost of the program. My trainer, Sean, met with me multiple times to help me think through the lessons I was assigned to teach, to help me develop a teaching strategy and plan, and then to review my lesson plans once I had sketched those out. Sean was there before, during, and after the classes I gave to support and observe, and offered valuable feedback after each session. I could see and feel the improvements in my teaching after each class! In the end, it was the teaching portion that I enjoyed the most (which surprised me!). I learned so much during that week, and by the end of the week I was truly enjoying and looking forward to teaching students.

I had considered other options for certification prior to signing up with Maximo Nivel, such as CELTA. I landed on Maximo Nivel's online course because of the flexibility and the great reviews I had read from previous students (not to mention the low cost). I am now a huge believer that any course that does not offer practical teacing experience is not worth your time--the true benefit you will get from Maximo Nivel is the synthesis of the theoretical and practical in your own personalized teaching experience guided by knowledgeable and experienced teachers. Because of Maximo Nivel and Sean, I now feel ready to put my newly acquired skills to work!

The TEFL online course with Maximo Nivel lived up to my expectations and beyond. I thought I was signing up to a little course to help me teach abroad. However, the course was way more than that, it required a lot of dedicated study time with lots of assignments to submit. It took me more than the suggested 150 hours to complete, more like 200 hours, but every hour was worth the time and effort. I learned way more than I expected and now have reference material for life as well as the promise of job search support for life. The course was interesting and interactive which made committing to it easy and stimulating. I am really glad I took the course and completed it. My trainer, Sean could not have been any more helpful with encouragement, knowledge and an easy manner.

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Máximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! I came into this program excited to begin a new chapter in my life, and I’m leaving with so much more than just a TEFL certification.

The four-week program is intensive, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. The combination of classroom instruction, lesson planning, observations, and hands-on teaching experience really pushes you to grow and develop your skills. One of the things I appreciated most was how much emphasis the program places on actually applying what you learn. By the end of the course, I felt significantly more confident in my ability to plan and deliver effective English lessons.

I especially want to recognize Russ, who is an incredible instructor! His knowledge, experience, and dedication to helping his students succeed really make a difference. He provides constructive, thoughtful feedback that challenges you to improve while also helping you recognize your strengths. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about preparing his students to become successful teachers, and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor to guide me through this experience.

What really stands out to me is how much personal and professional growth I’ve experienced in just four weeks. This program challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills, and discover a passion for teaching.

If you’re considering earning your TEFL certification, I highly recommend Máximo Nivel. Come prepared to work hard, embrace the experience, and challenge yourself. You’ll walk away with practical teaching experience, valuable knowledge, and memories that will last a lifetime.

I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and excited to take everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my teaching career!

My time at Ciernas was truly a trip of a lifetime! ❤️ Being part of sea turtle conservation was such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. I absolutely loved going out on both the morning and night patrols, getting to release sea turtles, and helping plant trees to restore the jungle. It was so rewarding to be able to contribute to protecting wildlife and restoring such a beautiful environment.
A special shoutout to Ronny, who is truly a compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking volunteer coordinator. His passion for what he does is inspiring, and he makes the entire experience so much more fun and enjoyable!
I’m so grateful for all the memories, the incredible experiences, and the opportunity to make a difference. I would highly recommend Ciernas to anyone looking for a unique, rewarding, and life-changing conservation experience. 🐢🌿

Maximo Nivel’s TEFL course requires true effort and dedication. Prepare to study! It also goes by quite rapidly so you must keep up with the pace. I would recommend getting ahead of things and asking all the questions you need to complete your work. Thankfully we have our wonderful TEFL trainer Karen to help us with the process along the way. Karen helped me in a plethora of ways. She provides an open and kind environment for your growth. There were many time where she was able to anticipate our needs as learners. I’m truly grateful for the work we were able to accomplish as a team. Thank you!