Program Reviews

Although I did not have the experience of being physically present for my TEFL course, I did not feel as though I lacked anything. Having the ability to complete the course online granted me flexibility of working at my own pace. My instructor Lewis always made himself readily available to meet with me via Zoom, and his communication remained uplifting, transparent and effective. The course content was stimulating because not only did it prepare me to educate others, but it educated me as well. My 5-day online teaching practical was an experience that I will never forget. There is no description that I can give on the level of fulfillment I achieved just from engaging with my students and gradually learning how to improve my lessons and myself for them. I am forever grateful for this course because it has paved a new path for me in life and I cannot wait to embark on my TEFL journey!

If you are looking for the best TEFL program, look no further. Maximo Nivel in Antigua Guatemala has the best teachers in the best program. We were lucky to have Rebecca, who was simply one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life. She was able to make any content engaging and hands-on. She taught in a fully immersive way and used strategies that taught us how to use those strategies in our future English classes. It was rigorous in a way I wanted to dig in totally and work my hardest. Highly recommended.

Make sure you ask about the portfolio requirement early in your course.

I loved and really valued the coursework and materials provided , and the support for my mentor, Sean, was incredible. He was always very prompt in emailing me back with the many, many questions I had throughout the process, and explained everything in detail and with patience . Now, people hear about getting these certificates for cheaper etc. but the value would not even be close to what you get with Maximo. The practical at the end especially. I have no regrets starting my journey with them .

I came to Maximo Nivel to learn Spanish.

I can speak French and Greek but not much Spanish. I studied in my home in New England and was committed to it but had no real speaking ability and always suffered from stage fright in talking Spanish to anyone!

My knowledge of grammar and vocab is quite good but I got nowhere with speaking and where I live there are not many Spanish speakers for me to practice

I spent good time looking for a school, well thought of with good reviews that could give me the immersion experience and that was Maximo Nivel! I have spent one month here in Quepos Costa Rica and feel that I have advanced significantly in my understanding the language and speaking I although still have a way to go. No more stage fright!

The professors are great and help you every step of the way. My writing skills in Spanish have dramatically improved.
The school is on the Pacific Ocean. You have your school responsibilities but also have a large selection of excursions for the weekend!

There are several different living options to choose from all of them reasonable in cost. Unless you choose to live with a family and have meals prepared/laundry done you would be on your own in town to accomplish your goals.

Highly recommend for first time solo travelers- Maximo offers the perfect amount of support, ensuring you are happy and comfortable with your homestay and project.

My host family is amazing and my initial nerves soon went away after meeting them. My roommates and everyone else I have met through Maximo has made my experience wonderful!

Also my volunteer project in childcare has been so great- both the children and teachers are so welcoming and fun. The work at each project feels meaningful and well-organized.

I ended up spending two months in the program starting in a pre-intermediate course and eventually starting the next course with some online classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in San José with the employees being so helpful and kind, the host families were the sweetest and I really feel like the immersion program was helpful and thorough.

Within a few weeks I was able to understand more and listen to conversations clearly. The online classes were very informative and I would definitely sign up again with my teacher.

I would definitely recommend this immersion program!

I have been here two months now and I love it! I spend my mornings helping at a daycare where I’ve connected really well with the kids, especially the special needs students. I then have Spanish classes in the afternoon and all of my teachers have been amazing! Marlon and all the other workers have been super accommodating and flexible with all my requests. Have I mentioned my host family? They’re super kind and supportive and I’ve gone on a few excursions with them along with extended family!!!

San Jose, although not the best place for tourism or nature access, was still a cool destination for me as I’m interested in world cultures and sociology, which I certainly saw lots of here. My host family was super kind and the volunteer experience taught me a lot about the education system here in Costa Rica. It opened my eyes to how the poorest populations can be the happiest. I wish I had done more research before choosing to volunteer in this city, but I definitely spent my time well and am grateful for the experience Maximo gave me. They were reallyu supportive and made the traveling easier for sure.

Having just completed a 4-week intensive Spanish language program Maximo Nivel in San Jose, Costa Rica, we have nothing but praise for Maximo Nivel.

My wife and I are a retired Canadian couple. We decided it would be fun to learn a new language overseas. We are very happy we chose Maximo Nivel for this. Maximo Nivel exceeded our expectations and was far beyond what we expected. Everything was well planned and organised from airport pick-up, to class placement.

Our teacher Katia was highly structured and well organised. She came well-prepared for lessons and anticipated areas that might be confusing for us. She brought in extra worksheets and material for us to work on and was patient and answered all our questions well. My wife and I were the only ones in her classes for 3 of the 4 weeks, so we received great individual attention. The classes were a bit intense 4 hours per day, 5 days per week but we learned a lot.

The staff at Maximo Nivel were also very helpful and friendly. We had a small issue with our apartment and the staff immediately tried to fix it. The campus itself is open 7 days a week, with free coffee and tea and a tutor on site to help with any questions.

We found the 4-week course so useful that we decided to sign up for an additional 3 weeks of intensive classes at Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio. The staff in San Jose have been very helpful in providing information and making transport arrangements for our transfer.

Moreover, my wife and I are so pleased that we are now thinking of planning study programs at the Peru and Guatemala campuses of Maximo Nivel later for this year or next.

Many thanks to the team at Maximo Nivel, and especially to Marlon, Gabby and Hector in addition to our teacher Katia. It is great when one finds something that exceed one’s expectations.

I just retired and experienced Christmas holiday volunteer project in Costa Rica with IVHQ local partner Maximo Nivel. The project guide Melisa and Oscar lead us to senior house, child day care and special care residence, with full of their passion and love to those people. And it inspired me so much and I was easily influenced and open minded to help people in need. This is the most meaningful Christmas I ever experienced. It’s 100% worthy to go for any age, teens or adults or senior retired. That’s remind you meanings of life.