Program Reviews

This was the best trip ever. We learned so much while talking to the local doctors and nurses in Costa Rica. This trip will always have a special place in my heart with meeting all the people that we cared for. My group cared for 315 patients of all ages (children, adults, elders, newborns, etc.) I am beyond bless to of gotten this opportunity. The people here were so sweet and encouraging for our group and I’ve never felt more like a team and the flow of the campaign was so well. Our group leader was amazing and always there for us. 10/10 trip… 100% recommend

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. I expected a rigorous challenging course, but not the beautiful camaraderie with my classmates and unbelievable support of my instructor, Wayne. I could go on forever about what an amazing teacher he is. Not just incredibly knowledgeable but a kind and interesting person. The Maximo staff was also a bonus. They were readily available and helpful for all my needs. The Saturday tours were a great way for those of us not able to socialize a lot to meet other students at Maximo and explore the area. Highly recommend Wayne and Maximo for anyone wanting to obtain their TEFL!

It was a very good and unique experience. Wayne is a very good and patient instructor, he always helped me to improve in everything, giving me advice, and I'm honestly very glad he was my instructor all this month. He has a lot of energy, and I also loved his method for instructing and teaching us throughout the course. Mackenzie was also very professional and good.
The environment is very good, and Maximo's team is also excellent. As a local, I'm very grateful for having had the opportunity to take the course. It was definitely an incredible experience

I would highly recommend getting your TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel in Antigua Guatemala! Wayne was a fantastic TEFL trainer, he provided us the knowledge and resources to become confident teachers. He always made class exciting and engaging. We received valuable experience both observing ESL classrooms and student teaching. Maximo Nivel also placed me in a fantastic home stay with a friendly family near the school. Additionally, there was ample opportunity to improve our Spanish during the program.

I've had in on my bucket list for a while to take a Spanish course while living abroad, so this year when Hollywood went on strike and I had some free months on hand, it felt like the time!

Maximo Nivel was a great touchstone for me as a solo traveler. I was able to arrange my housing and my Spanish classes through them, and book most of my travel through their partner, American Inca Trail.

Some info/additional context for others looking into the program:
Maximo Nivel offers several programs. Some people will be volunteering, some will be taking Spanish, some will be teaching English, and many will be doing a mixture of those things. I'm in my mid-thirties, but since most people are doing this program as a gap year or through their college, the majority age is 16-22. Everyone is super fun and nice, but I did feel a little old sometimes lol.

Spanish Classes:
I never had anyone at my level the 4 weeks I was there, so I had 4 hours private the whole time. Thankfully I was able to meet friends through my travels and housing. My teacher was super friendly and personable. The curriculum is pretty basic and kinda just a grammar dump, but combined with conversation time, I did improve a lot over my 4 weeks.

Housing:
When I read "host family" I thought I'd be having meals with a family, but that's not the setup for most of the hosts. In general, they're housing 8-10 students and you eat with the other students. However, they're also available to chat, give recommendations, and are super nice and helpful. The rooms/accommodations are humble, but clean and safe. The meals prepared were delicious. One note is that I requested a single room and was assigned to shared room when I arrived - Maximo was quick to transfer me when I notified them of the mistake.

Maximo Nivel's TEFL program is a thorough training in how to teach students English through immersion without the use of their native language. At every opportunity, Maximo uses the techniques you will be using as an ESL teacher to teach you what you need to know for certification. This double-dose of the essential techniques is an incredible learning tool that will allow you to independently teach real ESL classes to students by the fourth week of your course.
Students coming to Maximo Nivel will be particularly lucky if they can get Wayne Summerbell as a teacher. He is an extremely competent and approachable instructor. I can't imagine receiving better help while navigating my strengths and weakness to become an independent teacher of English as a second language.

Everyday I’m so happy to be at the daycare with the kids, they teach me so much and vice versa. The highlight of my morning is when I get there I get “ambushed” with hugs and good mornings. Honestly they are the most lovable people in the whole world. The staff at los ositos have been very helpful and welcoming. Also the kids love it if you smile at them it makes them feel happy and gives them like extra energy for the day. But honestly working with the kids makes you have to have extra energy..

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner who decided to make a career change. I thoroughly investigated the different TEFL courses available and chose Maximo Nivel. I completed the hybrid course in August in Antigua, Guatemala due to my demanding job as a Nurse Practitioner. I was definitely challenged! When I attended the on-site portion, I immediately realized the rigor of the program. I was impressed with Wayne Summerbell, the TEFL instructor. He is passionate, knowledgeable, supportive, and gives excellent feedback. I enjoyed the students so much and have found a new passion! This program is amazing! Wayne Summerbell is an asset to Maximo Nivel and honestly, I can say the time I spent in Antigua with him and my fellow students will be some of most cherished memories!

It was the most amazing experience of my life and I am so grateful for everyone who made it what it was.
The memories I made here, whether on the construction site or at the beaches, national parks, clubs or bars are what will stick with me forever.
And the help from the Maximo Team, my host mum, the local construction team and the friends I made here, really made the trip more than what I ever expected it to be.
I can recommend this journey to everyone out there!
Unless you don‘t like talking to new people and making amazing new friends from all over the world… in that case it might not be for you ;)

This program is helpful for anyone looking for ways to dig deeper into the English language and share their knowledge with a global community through teaching. The TEFL/TESOL program is accessible to all, yet challenging - the teachers are supportive and you leave the program feeling a sense of satisfaction that you can make a difference in people's lives. I would recommend this program because it can be applied anywhere around the globe or online! ESL techniques can also be applied to other language classrooms - for instance, I am an elementary Spanish teacher and will definitely use the teaching techniques to elevate my own teaching and support my student's growth.