When I decided to take a TEFL course, I did research on many different schools. I settled on Maximo Nivel because of the professional structure it displayed online. When I got to Manuel Antonio, I was not let down. Everything is as described. A in depth course with instructors who make things fun while you learn. I hate to sound cliche, but my group became a small family. You will learn TEFL teaching skills and strategies in order to fulfill your dream of becoming a world wide recognized TEFL certified teacher.

This was a very well structured program that I believe everyone who really has the desire to connect with other people through a leadership role, like TEFL, is capable of completing this program. You learn so much through textbook and through experience. It’s a really fun program, you really bind with your classmates, Audra was an amazing mentor and teacher! This whole experience was amazing, from the staff and everyone you meet along your journey while completing this course are memories and teachings I’ll have forever.

Hello to whoever is reading this, I am Gabriel as you read and I'm from the beautiful country of Costa Rica, non native speaker, but I love to speak in English. This time that I spent in Manuel Antonio was incredible. Meeting people form different part of the world, we all speaking English, communicating with each other with humility for the other people lives, and believes. I had just an amazing time, with beautiful sunny days, learning how to Teach English to Foreign Learners. The classes were delighltfully good, the way that Audra (the TEFL teacher in CR) taught us was excellent. She helped me a lot to open my perspective in how a person can feel what I had experienced when I learned the language. She recreate a lot of what it feels like. I think she is a the right person to teach you how to do it kindly. At the end teaching English is helping people. I hope that whoever who decides to come to my Costa Rica, come with open arms to learn what this country and the people can teach you.

My experience in the TEFL course at Manual Antonio was Awesome. I worked hard, but it was well worth it. Every hour of class was a meaningful experience. As a retired high school social studies teacher, I had hoped for just such an experience and was not disappointed. My TEFL class jelled into a collaborative community both in and out of the classroom which enhanced my time here. I had a built in support system from all over the world to work and play with. And lastly, the director of this well orchestrated show, our teacher Audra Wooldridge. Audra is a special bred. She loves her job and it shows. Every time she steps into the classroom, answers her an email or gives a student feedback, she gives 110%. Her experience, knowledge, wit, and humor make her TEFL class a one of a kind experience.

I highly recommend this program to anyone who loves to learn, immerse themselves in foreign cultures and teach english!

My husband and I have wanted to do a cultural immersion experience abroad for a long time. We also enjoy helping people, so the TEFL opportunity seemed like a good way to do both and be able to support ourselves at the same time. I'm 49 and he's 57, so we weren't sure how well we would fit into the TEFL class, but have enough experience under our belts to feel comfortable making a go of it. Honestly, we thought we would be the only people over 40 in the class, and were pleasantly surprised to find out half of our class of 8 were over 40 with us smack in the middle, and the other half ranged from mid twenties to early thirties. All were here to learn and grow as well as travel and experience a new culture; with that in common, we've been a tight-knit group, enjoying working and playing together and supporting one another through this valuable, but challenging experience.

As for the TEFL experience, I can't say enough about how great Maximo's program is or how amazing our trainer, Audra, has been. From the moment we arrived (and for nearly a year prior in planning), we've been fully supported. Andy, or representative prior to arrival, answered about a thousand questions by email and spent a full hour on the phone with us. Karen made sure we got to our destination and had a nice apartment lined up for us with a wonderful landlady (we enjoyed her hospitality and also a regular visit from sweet, adorable spider monkeys from the surrounding jungle). Audra kept us working our butts off with the TEFL class, but her fantastic energy, humor and encouragement, as well as superior teaching skills, brought out the best teachers in us and taught us more than I ever thought I could learn in a month's time. She gave us the tools to be excellent teachers, as long as we apply her advice and continue to learn and grow in our practical skills. Abby, Nella and Natty helped with quick-turnaround printing of lesson plans and other materials. And Noiley showed great hospitality with coffee and tea and warm, friendly conversation.

I could go on and on about how great the experience was, but the final proof is in the pudding, so they say. Not even two weeks into the class, Audra provided a plethora of job seeking information along with contacts for those she knew personally, and she reviewed our resumes to help us give them an international appeal. My husband and I applied two weeks ago and already have jobs lined up starting January 3rd. Area schools and organizations have a high regard for Maximo Nivel's training of teachers and Audra's recommendation was gold, making getting a job so much easier. This will be my first teaching job, and that's a little scary, but thanks to the on-site practical teaching experience I know I can do it. I am so grateful to Audra and Maximo Nivel for helping us realize our dream of living and working abroad.

Hands down the best decision I've ever made. I'm so glad I got my certification in person rather than online/hybrid. The coursework is rigorous and is designed to push you to become a high quality EFL teacher. By the end of the course, you're teaching one hour lessons every day. The school is in a beautiful location, overlooking the beaches and mountains. It was like being in paradise. After working hard all day, be prepared to also work in the evenings to prepare lesson plans, self reflections, or teaching observation papers. This course requires a lot of multi tasking, a skill necessary for teaching. Although it was difficult, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I feel confident in my ability moving forward to teaching English. If you're trying to decide on a TEFL program - this is it.

I am a student from Canada who is half way through her Elementary Education degree. I chose to come to Maximo Nivel because I had already traveled to Costa Rica and I fell in love with the culture and people here. This program was difficult but it really pushed me to become a better teacher. I am so excited to follow my passion and I look forward to all the connections I will make in the future because of Maximo Nivel. None of this would be possible without the help of Audra, the best instructor I could ask for. She encouraged me to fix my mistakes and I am leaving comfortable in my ability to teach English. I am so happy that I chose Maximo Nivel because it has been a fantastic learning experience that I will always treasure. I encourage you to follow your guts and take the jump in your teaching career.

I had just graduated from college with majors in Hispanic Linguistics, International Studies and Non-Profit Management when I decided to sign up for the TEFL program in Manuel Antonio. I wasn't entirely ready for a full-time job in the States quite yet, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do a "gap year" in between graduating and getting a full time job back home. Latin America is one of my favorite places to travel and Manuel Antonio is a beautiful beach town in Costa Rica. I had no teaching experience before the program and really didn't know much about English grammar. During the course you learn how to teach effectively, how to lesson plan, English grammar, C.V/resume building and so much more. Maximo Nivel helped me get a job and now I am currently teaching in San Jose for 6 months too. Overall, I highly recommend this program!