Program Reviews

I did the TEFL course in January/February 2025 and had an incredible experience! Everyone I met was so nice and helpful. Before going my advisor was really nice and informative. The location is a dream and I had a very kind host family. I was able to get hands on experience teaching to adults before finishing the course. It is an accelerated course, so you do need to be very committed to the work load. My instructor was very knowledgeable of the content, was funny, and nice to us. The classroom has AC which is a major benefit!

Jorge, Medical Volunteer Director, is truly exceptional and so knowledgeable! He supports you throughout the entire duration- always available for questions, eager to teach, and very personable. He creates a warm and welcoming environment that allows for all other areas of the program to be successful (volunteer placement, extracurricular activities, cultural immersion, and overall experience).

He goes above and beyond to cater your experience to your interests. I would highly recommend doing a medical volunteer project with Jorge overseeing your project.

Overall an amazing experience. The program was very attentive to the needs of each volunteer, which optimized the learning experience. As a volunteer in the medical program, I can attest to the value and impact that basic healthcare can make in the lives of individuals who are unable to easily access support and address their needs. In addition to learning, the opportunities to explore and submerse oneself in the culture was abundant. I had plenty of time to see the city and partake in tourist experiences.

I absolutely loved taking this course through Maximo Nivel. Wayne is an incredible teacher! He is knowledgeable, energetic, and beyond helpful with whatever you need. He always made himself available with lesson planning, ideas for lessons, job finding, restaurant recommendations and much more! The TEFL program was very structured and informative. I think Maximo Nivel does a great job with all their programs. I have taken the Spanish Immersion program in person and online. I will definitely continue to take programs with Maximo Nivel!

I volunteered on Eco Farm Antigua. The staff gave a very detailed tour of the property the first day. We learned so much about the processes they are incorporating and the future plans of their organization. Very nice accommodating volunteer environment, and I hope to do it again. The volunteer opportunity was so much more than advertised, in a good way. I was expecting a basic coffee farm, but was able to experience so much more on the complex Eco Farm. Great experience! I hope to do it again in the near future.

At first I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I booked my volunteering in Guatemala, but I’m so glad I did! Everyone here is super friendly and helpful and I hope to be back someday! The children that I was teaching were awesome and the other volunteer I was teaching with was so nice and we became friends quickly. I also loved my homestay location and host family! The meals were great and I felt very taken care of. Can’t wait to come back and explore more that Guatemala has to offer! Thanks for a great time!

I will say that I've had two extraordinary weeks here at Maximo. A indeed great experience. There are hard-working staff and teachers at the school, yet a relaxed and good atmosphere.

it is easy to get to know the other students and nice activities to participate in after the lessons. It feels safe and homely to be here and there are nice areas to stay in outside of teaching.

Staying in a private home was a gift to get to know local Guatemalans. I feel like I'm leaving my family.

Thank you very much!

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

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.

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