Program Reviews

I love Maximo Nivel!

Before I began my TEFL journey, I had high expectations. When I discovered the course, I was learning Spanish for three months at the same institute and had never heard of the certification beforehand. After hearing about it, I only knew it was a teaching certification. But, throughout the three months, I had friends and peers come and go as they had completed the course and I learned more. I heard about the difficulties and triumphs, some of the material they were learning, and how they all seemed to earn the certification at the end of the month.

During my second month, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and volunteer with the institute teaching English at a rehabilitation home. Throughout my three weeks of volunteering, I grew a passion for teaching. I loved how fulfilled I had felt afterwards and more importantly how I had positively affected the people I was teaching English to. I wanted to teach English more. Once my volunteering and Spanish program was completed I decided to follow my friends and get my TEFL certification.

After taking the course I felt confident in my abilities to teach and I had learned crucial teaching techniques, methodologies, and skills that have helped me become a teacher and effectively teach English and make an impact on my students.

Over my time at Maximo Nivel, I have gotten to know the amazing staff, new friends, and the fantastic facilities. I feel like I can call Maximo Nivel Manuel Antonio, home. I will miss it very much.

I loved my time here! I met wonderful people and learned so much. The teacher created an engaging classroom and supported us through our course load. I have gained so much confidence in teaching. I learned many new techniques in teaching English as a second language. I was able to teach group classes to wonderful locals around the area. I am excited for a new job opportunity where I can practice my new techniques. I have been staying with a host family in a student residency. I was able to live with a classmate which helped us motivate and support each other.

This was a huge decision for me, trying to decide what TEFL course to take. I researched this as much as I could, but in the end you just have to decide. Well I chose absolutely right with Maximo Nivel- their 150-hour TEFL course was an incredible experience, and just as they promised, they placed me in a TEFL job in Costa Rica, starting about two weeks after the course ended! I didn't have to start working this soon after the course but I wanted to. Maximo Nivel was great from the very beginning- the first person I spoke to on the phone was extremely knowledgeable and answered all my questions. You should absolutely research this choice thoroughly, as there is a real range of program quality. But I can tell you this program is absolutely top quality!

I enjoyed my time in the TEFL course, specifically my instructor Lewis, he made the whole course engaging, fun and memorable. I feel like I am now confident and given all the resources I need to flourish as an English teacher! I jumped off a waterfall, I seen monkeys, I had an awesome time with my roommate. My class had 9 students in it and every single one brought something awesome to the table. We shared so many laughs and have memories that will last for a lifetime. I also enjoyed our rooms which had AC.

I found this to be a very rewarding experience all around. The host family I was set up with made me feel right at home, the staff at the school were very friendly and were incredibly helpful during the rigorous course Maximo Nivel had to offer. During the course, you get to get real experience teaching the locals and meeting some amazing people during the month you stay in Quepos. The school itself was incredibly nice, it was always very clean and well-kept, and they offered constant assistance for anything you may need. The pool was a wonderful surprise coming to the schools as well. I recommend to anyone looking to further their education in a new country, to consider Maximo Nivel.

A great and rewarding experience with amazing staff, peers, students, and teachers. I stayed with a sweet family with children and grandchildren. My host mom was named Carmen who lived about 15 minutes walking from the institute. She was helpful, friendly, and I loved her food :). The school was comfortable with everything we may need to become a teacher. I loved coming to school every morning, drinking the coffee, and chatting with the staff. There were also lots of students taking Spanish classes who I made friends with. I had an overall great experience!

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!