Maximo Nivel

Program Reviews

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Diana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL in Antigua with Wayne.

As someone interested in gaining experience and tools for teaching English, this program was perfect because I learned and practiced applying the techniques and methods with real ESL students. Our instructor Wayne taught us using the techniques we were learning and made the class very interactive. We observed other teachers. We learned from each other in class, and from teaching ourselves in our practical teaching week. More than theoretical knowledge it is practical and experiential. Maximo does a good job of providing opportunities for cultural immersion and social interaction.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be ready to be occupied doing different tasks in short periods of time: reading, class participation, written assignments, +5 hours of class observations, lesson planning, teaching at the very start, and teaching for an entire week.
Pros
  • Hands-on experience
  • Good instruction
  • Nice place of cultural immersion
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Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One month volunteering with Maximo Nivel

I really enjoyed my experience volunteering with kids through Maximo for a month. I was able to work in two placements both with after school programs. I helped wherever was needed, taught some English, and just spent time with everyone at the projects. Taking the chicken buses to volunteering was cool as well. I am grateful for the experiences I had and the support that was provided to me by the Maximo staff. My host family was amazing, I met lots of new friends, and I really fell in love with Antigua.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared to be flexible. If you have a positive and open mindset, you will get so much more out of the experience than if you have specific rigid expectations.
Pros
  • Living with a host family.
  • Creating relationships with the kids and other volunteers.
  • Exploring Antigua and Guatemala.
Cons
  • The volunteer placements can feel unorganized - but if you are prepared for that and happy to jump in, you will likely have a better experience
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Alexander
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly life changing

I was not sure about TEFL or teaching English before I started this class. As the weeks went on I realized that I actually like teaching English. I don't think I would have felt this way if it weren't for the wonderful program and teacher at Maximo. I have learned soo much in this class, not only about teaching. Living in Antiqua is wonderful, the people are nice the food is grate, and it's soo beautiful. Experiencing a new culture is what tip this experience over the edge and made it truly wonderful.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first day of PTW was nerve-racking. It felt like I was dying and that I would surely fail but just know the first day is always the worst and it will be ok.
Pros
  • The teacher and administrators are always there for you
Cons
  • It is a lot of work
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Emory
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Forever grateful to Wayne!

I am confident that I would not have had the same experience if Wayne was not my TEFL trainer. He made the course incredibly enjoyable and I benefitted from it greatly. He may have the best content knowledge that I have ever seen displayed by an instructor. If you are thinking of getting your TEFL certification, you absolutely have to get it with Wayne. TRUST ME! He is also so selfless and even though he has an incredibly busy schedule, he always makes time for his students and is always available to give advice or lend a listening ear. Can't thank you enough Wayne!!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Work hard, but enjoy your time here. It goes by fast.
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Alondra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wayne: The TEFL Teacher Extraordinaire

Wayne is an absolute gem of a TEFL teacher, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him. His teaching style is nothing short of amazing, characterised by a perfect blend of humor, energy, and friendliness. Each lesson with Wayne was a delightful experience, filled with laughter and enthusiasm. His ability to make learning fun and engaging is unparalleled, as he effortlessly transforms even the most challenging topics into enjoyable learning adventures.

What truly sets Wayne apart is his genuine warmth and dedication to his students' success. From the moment I stepped into his classroom, I felt welcomed and supported. Wayne goes above and beyond to create a nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued and encouraged. His passion for teaching shines through in every interaction, inspiring us to strive for excellence and reach our full potential. Without a doubt, Wayne has had a profound impact on my TEFL journey, and I am immensely grateful for his guidance and mentorship. If you're looking for a TEFL teacher who not only excels in the classroom but also leaves a lasting impression on your learning experience, look no further than Wayne.

Pros
  • having an amazing TEFL teacher
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Molly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank you Wayne!

I am so grateful for this experience. The TEFL certification opens so many doors that I am excited to explore. Although the course is partly focused on grammar which can be slightly dull, the TEFL trainer Wayne made every day so engaging, fun, and relevant. I swear he could be a famous actor because he applies his theater skills to make every day so hilarious and interactive. He also cares so much for every single one of his students and is always available to support and help you. He also helps improve your teaching techniques because he strikes a beautiful balance between critical feedback and a supportive shoulder to lean on. THANK YOU WAYNE!!! We will all miss you dearly.

What was your funniest moment?
I think the funniest moments were Wayne's funny accents he did, especially his American. Also, his acting skills in general just cracked me up so much. He had my laughing every single day.
Pros
  • Having Wayne as my instructor!!!
  • The people I met along the way!!
  • The beautiful sites of Antigua!!
Cons
  • no
  • no
  • no
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Steven
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL

Wayne was an outstanding instructor! His level of understanding of the material and energy in presenting it was extremely effective. He was always available for support and was extremely supportive throughout the four weeks of classwork.

With many options to become TEFL certified, I am extremely happy with my choice of Maximo Nivel. Maximo does a great job making sure it's students are comfortable and well taken care of. I have nothing but great things to say and memories of my time here! I feel well prepared to teach!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get lots of rest, it is an intense 4 weeks.
Pros
  • Well organized
  • Great support
  • Well recognized across the World
Cons
  • Very intense workload
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Sydney
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Support

MaxioNivel did a great job of providing support while we were volunteering. We did not have very much knowledge when we jumped into projects but the staff guided us there the first day and the office was always easy to reach. The projects themselves are diverse and sometime disorganized so I did not always feel very helpful but I know our presence was appreciated and am grateful for the experience. I think your mindset and attitude at the project greatly impacts your experience. Having patience and an open-minded are helpful!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I climbed Acatengo which was so much fun and a beautiful adventure. Highly recommend for outdoorsy and active individuals! Go in with a positive, energetic mindset and take things slow!
Pros
  • people are very kind
  • salsa classes are a blast
  • inexpensive restaurants
Cons
  • limited access to (free) drinking water
  • cold showers
  • no windows in bedrooms
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Mary Jolene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was great and I´m 68

Step out of your comfort zone. The IVHQ program is well orchestrated and the Maximo Nivel´s crew on the ground are outstanding. Yeah, it takes a lot of patience and understanding but the rewards are ten fold. I worked with kids and they ran me around like I haven´t moved in ages. Even though I don´t speak Spanish, there was enough help to communicate with these great children.

Overall it was challenging, unique and FUN.

Jolene Bowers, Connecticut USA

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The Macaws flying by in clusters, screaming as the go, are special to see.
Pros
  • Maximo Nivel¨s help and attention
  • The kids
  • The fresh seafood is wonderful - tuna, Mahi-Mahi, shrimp etc...
Cons
  • It is challenging to get to the beaches
  • The busses are hot, but inexpensive
  • Sometimes the water goes bye bye in the whole town. Usually overnight
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Bart
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bart his 4 weeks

I would recommend MaximoNivel if you are looking for a volunteer opportunity in Guatemala. People are always ready to assist and I enjoyed staying at the host family a lot: a very welcoming family and splendid food.
I volunteered for construction, so I found myself building cages in an animal rescue center. Those cages are intended for 2 huge pythons.
Sadly 4 weeks were not enough to finish the project but perhaps you are going to finish them?
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What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Enjoy 😉