Maximo Nivel

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Conal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very well taught

I loved the course, Quepos is beautiful and I loved teaching. A lot of this would come down to my TEFL trainer who was brilliant. Annabelle is an AMAZING TEFL trainer, and made all the lessons so fun and engaging! I also had practical teaching experience and loved working with the students. Whilst I was very sad for the course to end, this course has landed me a job as I am now working for Maximo in Peru! The only downside is that it is very hard work but it’s a good qualification in the space of 4 weeks. I would do it again :)

Default avatar
Robin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great TEFL Program with Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru

This was a small TEFL program embedded in an institute with an English language program for folks in Cusco, which made the practice teaching quite authentic. There were many additional options, like tandem conversations, cooking classes, salsa classes. The teaching was excellent - Sean Barter is an enthusiastic expert teacher. We got a lot of detailed feedback and learned a lot in a short period of time. I loved Cusco - the mountains, the sky, the people, the food -- I'm so glad that I went. I highly recommend the program.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay in Peru for longer!
And if I had longer, I'd try to learn Spanish.
Pros
  • great course!
  • good people!
  • beautiful country!
Cons
  • host family house was cold at night
Default avatar
Ellie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This course is amazing!

I never imagined that I would get so much from a four week course. Wayne's one of the best teachers I've ever had - with his help, all of us on the course felt very guided through the (admittedly challenging workload). I feel so much more capable of teaching after this course, particularly after the practical teaching week. It definitely put me outside my comfort zone, but for the best!
Everyone on the course was also incredibly lovely, and we were all keen to help each other out. Speaking for all of us, we all found this course pretty transformative.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve-racking moment was the first lesson of practical teaching week. It was intimidating to teach a full lesson for the first time, for sure. But, the only way to overcome it was to just do it, and the teaching throughout the rest of the week became gradually easier.
Pros
  • Wayne's teaching
  • Practical teaching experience
  • Beautiful city!
Cons
  • None!
Default avatar
Monica
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I learned a lot.

I've been an English teacher for 20 years and I had never taken a TEFL course before. I decided to take Maximo Nivel's course because of all the wonderful reviews and ratings (I visited webpages that selected the best TEFL Programs and Maximo Nivel was one of them). I’d say this course is worth it. It teaches you things to help you teach, and in my case, since I did it online, this also helped me improve my discipline and perseverance. If you're a teacher like me, I can tell you, it helps you improve your technique. I also learned things that I didn't know and that was really nice. I immediately started including all the new knowledge in my classes and I liked what these new techniques and ideas were helping me achieve. Overall, I’d say go for it!

What would you improve about this program?
More practices would be great (to get better and better) and after that, a job offer :D
Pros
  • I improved my teaching
  • I learned to be more disciplined
  • You have possible job opportunities
Cons
  • Webpage could be better
  • In my opinion, the online program is mostly for people who have had some experience teaching
Default avatar
Dan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend

I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to go into the exciting and fulfilling venture of English Teaching. I have had experience teaching English in the past, but this really helped me to strengthen my knowledge and made me a lot more competent.

What makes this course unique is the amount of support you get from their team. Everybody I spoke to was amazing and really friendly. A big shout out to Annabelle, who really helped me to increase my confidence and inspired me throughout! :)

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Teaching my first lesson online!! The nerves were quickly settled because of how nice and friendly the students were. Plus, the more I did it, the more I enjoyed it and realised how unique and fulfilling English Teaching can be.
Pros
  • -Great support from my tutor
  • -You learn a lot and the course is very practical
  • -Easily accessible
Cons
  • -None
  • -None
  • -None
Default avatar
Brittney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Solo traveler, 1st time volunteering

This trip has been so rewarding and was more than I ever expected! Since day one I have felt welcomed, supported and safe in my volunteer program. Which has made the whole experience of traveling solo that much more memorable. The impact left on me after one month of caring for patients and exploring, will be lifelong. During my time caring for patients I got to assist in managing blood pressures, blood sugars, health education, wound care and so much more! Soon I hope to return! Thank you everyone at Maximo!

What was your funniest moment?
I would have to say my fail at my first zip lining landing at Yalu farm coffee tour! Thank you to my guide for saving me… haha
Pros
  • Improved Spanish fluency
  • Being surrounded by such diversity within my home stay and project
  • Ability to travel/explore
Cons
  • Not having much program information prior to arrival. Making donations harder
  • Challenging to prep food ahead for lunches
Default avatar
Sandrine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My first adventure alone. But not really alone…

Incredible. That was my first travel alone and as a 17 years old girl I felt secure all along the trip. The Maximo staff are super nice and make a great accompagnement. They are listening and give you solutions for any problems you can have. I have meet some incredible people. I dont regret at all my decision to go with Maximo Nivel. I was travelling alone but with my amazing guest family, friends I have make and Maximo staff, I was not really alone. I’ve always had a back up somewhere. Well, best adventure of my Life.

Pros
  • Excellent staff
  • Understanding people for the language struggle
  • It’s so fun!
Cons
  • Dont always feel safe in the street as a woman
Default avatar
Leah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Medical Experience with Maximo Nivel

I just finished my experience volunteering with Maximo Nivel at a clinic in Antigua, Guatemala. As a medical student, this was an incredibly enlightening experience that taught me a lot about the importance of global public health. The staff at Maximo Nivel were lovely and super helpful, and Antigua was a beautiful city to get to spend time. Overall, I would definitely recommend this programme to medical students and health professionals who are looking to gain experience in a global health setting.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would definitely recommend to work on your Spanish before coming to the program.
Pros
  • Great exposure to global public health
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Beautiful location
Cons
  • Not enough info about clinical placement before starting
  • No medical-focused induction
Default avatar
Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish Immersion

Maximo Nivel was SUCH a great experience to learn Spanish and have help around Cusco.

Their staff was friendly, always available, and willing to work with us to make a custom schedule that fit out families needs.

The teachers were native speakers and the curriculum was super helpful.

Beyond Spanish classes, the internet connection was great and the staff helped us find our way around Cusco!

Our two kids started with no Spanish experience and learned so much throughout the program. Their teacher was so fun and patient.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
We travelled with our two kids (ages 10
And 12) and took Spanish as a part of our homeschool curriculum. I’d highly recommend this program for any families looking to travel!
Pros
  • Native speaking teachers
  • Helpful staff
  • Great internet
Default avatar
Trenton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Campaign

We went to Peru for a medical campaign and had an amazing time! We helped almost 500 people in five days and got to experience the culture and people of Cusco. We went to five different towns and saw a bunch of different people from little kids to some old people that had worked really hard their whole life. I’m glad we got to help all these people. It was an eye opening experience being from America. I would like to thank Erica and Patrick especially for helping this go so smooth and helping us around the city.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was 100% Cuy or “Guinea Pig”. It was surprisingly pretty good.
Pros
  • Experience culture
  • The people
  • History
Cons
  • Seeing poverty