The TEFL course is truly amazing. Although there is a decent amount of work, it is a lot of fun and the weeks will fly by! The course content is organized and you will leave with valuable skills you will use when teaching abroad. With 5 hours of practical teaching experience, you are able to become confident as a teacher and use the feedback given to grow. Audra is an amazing instructor. She teaches the content well, is encouraging, gives useful feedback and is always willing to help you succeed. Perfect course for young people who aren’t sure where they want to go or what they want to do. If you want to travel on a budget, this course is a great stepping stone to visit many countries while teaching English. Don’t worry, you will not leave disappointed.

Costa Rica is an amazing location to obtain the TEFL certification. The friendships that one makes with their fellow classmates are unforgettable and long-lasting. Sometimes I asked myself if all of the TEFL classes became as tight knit as our particular class had become. Everyone in our class meshed really well and I felt a different type of connection with each student and with each teacher. It is impossible not to feel proud of your classmates when you see how much they have grown from that first day of class. The times of vulnerability, stress, and triumph create and unforgettable experience amongst the class. There were only positive vibes here! I do not know if it was because of the wonderful people or because of the positive rainforest energy in Manuel Antonio.

This program is excellent if you are interested in getting a good, comprehensive introduction and practice into the world of teaching English. The course is comprehensive with strong academic rigor. There are several things that I think the make this course so worthwhile. It is 150 hours as opposed to 120 and the academics are to be taken seriously, for example, you will be writing a paper on a grammar topic! Another is the location - living in Quepos and making the short trip to Manuel Antonio daily was an enjoyable and easy aspect of daily life. Plus you get sure footing as starting a network and life in Costa Rica beyond the class. Last but not least is the instruction. As you are learning and testing new skills, you need an instructor that gives you practical feedback and lots of encouragement. Our instructor in Costa Rica offered that and a clear commitment to seeing you grow and succeed.

I would recommend this program to anyone. The skills learned in the class are applicable to almost any job. The care and support given by each staff member are truly unmatched. Everyone is there for you and will work with you for any problem, big or small. I was having a problem late at night so I messaged one of the staff members and they responded to me so fast and helped resolve the issue. I was shocked by the speed and professionalism of the staff. I had such an amazing experience, I almost feel bad for my friends because they do not know how special and incredible it is getting your TEFL in Costa Rica. The location is absolutely stunning, and on your off time, there are so many activities to do close by. I wish that everyone can have the opportunity to experience this first hand.

Maximo Nivel gave me great preparation for a career teaching English as a foreign language. The exciting techniques I learned will revolutionize my approach to teaching. I now have the skills and confidence I need to be successful as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is contemplating teaching English as a foreign language to adults or to children. It's one thing to know the English language. It's another thing to be able to effectively teach English to speakers of other languages. I think the most eye opening thing for me was to see how to create an immersion experience for learners where only English is used in the classroom. I would not have imagined this to be possible. But, not only is it possible, it is by far the most effective way to teach languages. I give Maximo Nivel my highest praise and recommendation for the experience they gave me.

I went into this program as a mousy 18 year old with no teaching experience whatsoever. I knew it would be a good way to get out of my comfort zone, but I had no idea what was ahead of me. While I did underestimate the workload (this is an INTENSIVE course - don't think you'll get off easy and be able to go to the beach every day), more importantly, I underestimated how incredible this experience would be. I met and worked with some of the most amazing people who I got closer to in 4 weeks than I ever thought possible. I had the two most wonderful teachers, Karen Wilke (we love you our ubuntu queen!!) and Courtney Miville, who were always so supportive and made class fun, dealt with breakdowns like champs, and gave invaluable feedback that helped me become a better teacher. All of those people made the hard work well worth it. I would highly recommend this program to you, even if you don't plan to become a teacher, although it might just turn you into one :) Through it all, I grew so much as a teacher and as a person - in my confidence, in my willingness to open up and be vulnerable in front of others, and in my understanding that no matter what, there is always someone going through it with you. "I am because we are." Thank you to all of my ubuntu people for this truly incredible experience.

To say that I loved the program is an understatement. I wanted to travel with a purpose, and thanks to this program, I did just that. It was nice to travel and have something to do while I was there. It was intimidating at first to travel alone as a petite woman, but I overcame my fears and had the time of my life in a wonderful place with wonderful people! It was honestly as safe as most places I've been to. I have to be equally careful no matter where I go, and I didn't feel in danger in Manuel Antonio/Quepos at all. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, but still get something out of it. This program opened so many new doors for me; I'm excited to see what career opportunities await me now that I have my TEFL certification!

My biggest question prior to coming on the programme was whether I could teach English as a second language without knowing the mother language of the students. The ESL techniques, methodologies and practical experience imparted have all confirmed that it is not only possible but it can become a reality in one month.
This programme is no walk in the park. It is intense and rigorous at times but also fun filled and enjoyable. I had the pleasure of being tutored by the dynamic duo of Karen Wilke ( lead trainer) and Courtney Miville. These ladies created a learning environment that was nurturing, supportive, challenging, fun filled and dynamic. I also had the pleasure of interacting with seventeen of the finest people from all over the world.
This has been the best investment in self and my best birthday present to me.