Program Reviews

I've had an amazing experience in Guatemala! I've felt supported by the volunteer agency, Maximo Nivel, at every stage of my volunteer journey.

I've spent a fortnight teaching English at San Juan, helping to improve the English of children here. I worked to augment their existing education to improve their life chances and career opportunities in the future.

The challenge is that the student numbers are small and attendance is variable! Also, their ages and abilities vary, so be prepared to teach 3 things at once to different kids! But they are a delight to teach and they have a willing attitude to learn.

They learning points for me were to realise that I can't change the world in a fortnight: to teach in baby steps and look to achieve 100% percent of a few things rather that 10% of everything!

Overall, a great experience 😊

This was an extremely impactful experience with an efficient and compassionate team. We travelled near and far to serve a myriad of patients. The car rides were fun, the work was rewarding, and the local team made all the difference in creating a meaningful clinic for those who visited. Every day felt like a little surprise, and was an excellent way to practice being okay with the “unknown.” A quality very important to all medical professionals! Overall, I leave this trip feeling enlightened, humbled, and excited for the next opportunity to serve communities around the world.

This trip was really fun. For future participants, I would tell them to research more about the excursions they are doing. For example, we signed up for the Mayan ruins. We did not know that it closed at 4:00 pm. We arrived at 3:40 and only had 20 minutes to explore. It was unfortunate because it cost $65 each for the trip. I think the staff could have done a better job informing us as well! As well as for the excursion to Monterrico, we were informed it was a two hour drive. It was around 3-4 hours.

This week has been an amazing experience! All of our days were meaningful and well organized. Every day was a new experience and there were many activities available to participate in during the evenings. The physician we worked with so kind and a wonderful teacher as was Jorge. I am so thankful I was given this opportunity! If you are thinking about participating in this program, do it for sure, you will not regret it! Our host family was amazing as well and were so kind and welcomed us in to their home. I cannot say enough good things about this experience.

The medical volunteer program was a wonderful experience with a patient doctor that took the time to educate us. Setting up clinic in the most rural locations provided an opportunity to see local residents and areas that one would not be able to otherwise. The patients we saw were so kind and patient with our beginner language ability. Our host family was great! There was plenty of time for exploring and having fun on our own. The food and coffee did not disappoint. Guatemala and especially the area of Antigua is beautiful! I need to learn Spanish and come back where I can be more helpful in clinic.

I had the most amazing time learning from the people of Guatemala and experiencing their culture. I would recommend this to everyone who is interested in doing a volunteer trip. My life is forever impacted in the best was possible and I will never forget the people I have met. I believe everyone should travel abroad and volunteer and learn about different cultures. You meet many new friends and gain so much experience learning about different cultures and their healthcare system. I am definitely doing this again!

This experience exceeded all my expectations! Throwing myself into something I’ve never done before and was super nervous for was a hug deal for me and I’m so glad I did! I have learned so much and am so grateful I could spend this time down here that I will remember for a lifetime! I had so much fun, explored, made great friends but most of all got to experience culture not a lot of people get to do! I enjoyed every moment I was here and it truly was an experience of a life time. I am coming out with so much than I came in with and for that I’m thankful! Thank you!!

I took up the Maximo Nivel online TEFL course after A LOT of research. It seems the online TEFL world is full of scams, and Maximo combined the reassurance of learning from an established ESL institution with a great price. They really know what they're doing from seasoned experience in the classroom, teaching the same techniques that work for them in the institute.

I know this because after completing my TEFL, I was offered a job in Cusco, Peru. It's been a fantastic opportunity to put what I learned into practice, and so I know fully well just how effective the teaching of this online course is.

What a wonderful experience. I was on edge at first as you are not provided much information about your homestay or program until arrival but it all exceeded my expectations. From my first interaction with Kayla to my last with Jorge it has truly been exceptional. My only wish is that I had booked at least two weeks. My homestay was with Yolando and it was in a beautiful gated community in a lovely home. I'm already itching to book my next and I haven't left yet. My volunteer experience was at a clinic for the elderly. Jackie and Esparanza (on site staff) are such wonderful people. We could not have done it without their kindness, professionalism and warmth. Every single patient will tug at your heart string. As a solo traveler not having all the info upfront can be unerving, so if that makes you hesitant I'm here to tell u book it! You wont regret it

My experience volunteering and taking Spanish lessons with Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Perú was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by the dedicated team, who all made me feel like so welcome and safe.

The volunteering program provided me with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community. The Maximo Nivel team ensured that I was happy and comfortable in my volunteering project, checking up on me all the time.

Overall, my experience was exceptional. I not only gained valuable skills and knowledge, but I also formed meaningful connections and had the opportunity to make a positive impact. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone looking for an unforgettable and rewarding experience abroad.