Program Reviews

The TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel is quite rigorous and worth every minute! I highly recommend this certification course. WAYNE, my talented instructor, made the four-week journey soar. His expertise and highly skilled ability to model every facet of TEFL were truly amazing and inspiring! If you want to teach English as a foreign language, please consider this program. Antigua, Guatemala, is a tranquil location filled with kind people and beauty everywhere! No matter which country you choose, Peru, Costa Rica, or Guatemala, come a little early and/or stay a little longer. You will want to go on excursions and explore. There is so much to do, and the school offers on-site travel services at each location. Before coming to Guatemala for my TEFL certification I was in Peru for a month learning Spanish, and prior to that did online Spanish for a month, all with Maximo Nivel.

I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in teaching English! The course is challenging but every assignment, class, and practical teaching opportunity transformed my perspective on teaching and helped me grow immensely as a person and teacher in just a month. Wayne is a very kind, supportive, and dynamic teacher, and I woke up every day excited to go to class and learn new things for him! He helped make challenging topics and techniques intuitive and comfortable, and I feel very confident and prepared to go into teaching.

I could not recommend this course more to aspiring ESL teachers. Over the four weeks of this class, you will learn SO much and be pushed to grow intellectually and as a teacher. I feel so well equipped to teach English anywhere in the world now that I've taken this class. I credit the strength of this class to my teacher Wayne!! He brings joy and energy to every class, has cultivated an incredible curriculum, and is meticulously well-organized and prepared for each class. He inspires me and has helped me become a more confident and capable teacher.

The online TEFL course with Maximo Nivel was a well-structured and enriching experience. The program featured 14 modules with comprehensive content, including reading materials, videos, and tasks that reinforced learning. Feedback on each task was prompt and valuable, ensuring I fully understood each module before progressing. The highlight was the 5-day online teaching practice, which allowed me to apply what I learned in a real-world setting. Maximo Nivel’s approach to online learning was seamless and effective, thoroughly preparing me to teach ESL learners. I highly recommend this course to aspiring ESL teachers.

My experience volunteering abroad to teach English was amazing! The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while helping students improve their language skills was incredibly rewarding. The local community was welcoming and kind. The students' eagerness to learn made every lesson a joy and just that much better. I also appreciated the chance to develop my teaching skills and make lifelong memories. This project not only allowed me to give back but also enriched my own life in countless ways.

At first I honestly thought guatamala wasn’t going to be that interesting but boy was I wrong, even as little as walking the streets has so much culture, I felt incredibly safe which was also surprising to me. Getting to know the kids can be a struggle, each different group of kid has its own uniqueness and challenges. Some kids we met were very friendly off the bat while others made fun of us but then the more we worked with them the more open they become. There’s no set structure so making sure to be aware with who you are working with and working according to the different needs of the kids

This was such a fun and unique experience, my Spanish level increased so much and I felt so supported in everything, I had an amazing experience at my placement and everyone was so welcoming, I will always remember my time here. Don’t be a stranger, visit all the museums and places like volcanoes that you can, it’s a unique opportunity to experience something completely new so go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support if you feel isolated or get sick, everyone is there to support and help you if you need it.

I would 10/10 recommend anyone to do this program! The staff is extremely friendly, the people of Antigua are very welcoming, and I have absolutely no complaints. I did not expect to improve my Spanish as much as I did, but I joined Spanish classes. In fact, I did not even intend on focusing on the language at all. I was more interested in learning about the ecofarm. However, the staff was very informative and available to share opportunities, and I could not pass language learning up! I hope to return very soon:)

It was a great experience to travel meet new people and learn. All the volunteering projects were well run I did the animal care and teaching English and they were both amazing projects.the Spanish lessons were an excellent way to learn Spanish first hand by native speakers and all the teachers were patient, friendly and educational.The staff were very accommodating, understanding and always willing to help. I had a great experience with Máximo and would recommend to anyone how is thinking of volunteering.

My experience in Guatemala was truly unforgettable, deserving of a perfect 10 out of 10. The entire journey was not only enjoyable but also incredibly unique and rich in cultural experiences. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the warmth of the people. Every day in Guatemala offered something new and fascinating, making the entire trip feel both adventurous and enlightening.

The landscapes in Guatemala were nothing short of spectacular. I was mesmerized by the diverse scenery, ranging from lush rainforests to towering volcanoes. One of the highlights was visiting Lake Atitlán, surrounded by picturesque villages and stunning mountainous backdrops. The serene beauty of the lake, combined with the opportunity to interact with local communities, provided a deep sense of connection to the land and its people.

Cultural experiences were a significant part of my time in Guatemala. I was fortunate enough to explore the colorful markets in Chichicastenango, where the vibrant textiles, handcrafted goods, and lively atmosphere offered a glimpse into the traditional Guatemalan way of life. The market was a feast for the senses, with its bustling crowds, rich aromas of local cuisine, and the array of handmade crafts. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the artistry and craftsmanship that are integral to Guatemalan culture.

Another memorable aspect of my trip was the chance to delve into the rich history of the region. Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal was a highlight that left me in awe. Standing among the towering temples and exploring the vast ruins, I gained a profound appreciation for the sophistication and grandeur of the Mayan civilization. The sense of history and the stories embedded in the ruins were deeply moving and made the visit an educational and inspiring experience.

The culinary delights of Guatemala also played a significant role in making my trip special. Sampling traditional dishes like pepian and kak'ik provided a flavorful introduction to Guatemalan cuisine. The local food was not only delicious but also a reflection of the country's diverse cultural influences. Each meal was a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, making every dining experience both satisfying and memorable.

The hospitality and friendliness of the Guatemalan people were exceptional. Throughout my stay, I felt welcomed and appreciated by everyone I met. Whether it was a local guide sharing their knowledge of the area or a shopkeeper offering recommendations, the genuine kindness and enthusiasm of the Guatemalan people added a personal touch to the trip.

In summary, my time in Guatemala was an extraordinary adventure filled with unique and enriching experiences. From the breathtaking landscapes and historical wonders to the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, every aspect of the trip contributed to an unforgettable experience. I would not hesitate to return to Guatemala and relive the incredible moments that made this journey so special. If given the chance, I would eagerly embark on another adventure to this captivating country, ready to experience once more the magic and wonder that Guatemala has to offer.