Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
    • Playa Blanca
Length
150 hours
Training Type
Classroom

Program Details

Teaching Practicum
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Certifications
TEFL TESOL
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
1495
Price Details
Airport pick-up
Program and safety orientation
Walking tour
Official TEFL Certificate
Letter of recommendation
Lifetime job-finding assistance
Tandem Conversation Program
Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
Salsa dance classes
Cooking classes
Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
Institute is open 7 days/week
Emergency contact number 24/7
Lifetime Job Finding Assistance
What's Included
Activities Airport Transfers Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Feb 12, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
55 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Become a certified English teacher by earning a TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel on the beach in Manuel Antonio. TEFL Certification is your passport to living and working as English teacher anywhere else in the world!

The 4-week/150-hour certification program includes more than 15 hours of practical English teaching and observation of experienced teachers.

The TEFL Program consists of 14 modules:
1. Approaches to Learning & Teaching
2. Critical ESL Techniques
3. Class Management
4. Lesson Planning
5. English Grammar Review 1
6. English Grammar Review 2
7. Teaching Grammar
8. Teaching Vocabulary
9. Teaching English with Games
10. Teaching Speaking & Writing
11. Teaching Listening & Reading
12. Assessing Learners
13. Introduction to International English Exams
14. Practical Teaching

Maximo Nivel is internationally accredited and the Maximo Nivel TEFL Certificate is accepted by institutes, language schools, and universities around the world.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

Impact 🌎

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

Program Highlights

  • Accredited certification accepted worldwide
  • 15 hours of practical teaching and observation
  • Teach real ESL classes
  • Guaranteed Job Placement
  • Lifetime job-finding assistance

Program Reviews

4.95 Rating
based on 256 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.92%
  • 4 rating 5.08%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.9
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.25
  • Facilities 4.3
  • Safety 4.7
  • Instruction 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Value 4.8
  • Academic Rigor 4.6
  • Job Assistance 4.8
Showing 177 - 184 of 256 reviews
Default avatar
Susie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Costa Rica Adventure

So why would you want to do TEFL at Maximo Nivel Costa Rica. Well, the better question would be why you wouldn't want to and I would say this for several reasons. The teachers are great, it gets you actively teaching pretty quickly so you get that practical experience straight off the bat. Also, the way the class is set up, you get to know your fellow students pretty quickly, which is great as you spend a lot of time together. This experience is so much more than just a course. It makes you question yourself, what you are capable of and what you really want out of life. If anything, you get to be in the beautiful location of Manuel Antonio for 4 weeks and I have to say it’s a great place to be! So for me, all that’s left to ask yourself is why am I not there already!

What would you improve about this program?
Not at all!
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lorena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

By far, this was one of the best experiences ever! In just one month, I learned so much about teaching English, how I can help others succeed, how this certificate benefits, and I also learned a ton about myself. Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica was everything I expected and more! It was literally paradise. Audra and Laura are AMAZING! They're always willing to help no matter what. Audra is also such a great trainer! When I first arrived, I was like, "how in the world am I going to learn to teach when I've never taught in my life?" Now, I feel so prepared, it's like I've been doing it for a while. And it was all thanks to Maximo Nivel COSI, Audra, and Laura! Thank y'all so much for changing my life! I definitely recommend this program to anyone. It will be one of the best decisions ever made! =)

71 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madalyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

What are you waiting for?!

I can't say enough positive things about Audra and the rest of the Maximo Nivel staff. Even though this course is short and sweet, I feel that I am leaving with the skills to command my own classroom. Audra worked tirelessly to help each student, and provided in-depth feedback in an engaging manner. I recently accepted a teaching job in Latin America thanks to this program! I highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering TEFL!

44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lorena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

By far, this was one of the best experiences ever! In just one month, I learned so much about teaching English, how I can help others succeed, how this certificate benefits, and I also learned a ton about myself. Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica was everything I expected and more! It was literally paradise. Audra and Laura are AMAZING! They're always willing to help no matter what. Audra is also such a great trainer! When I first arrived, I was like, "how in the world am I going to learn to teach when I've never taught in my life?" Now, I feel so prepared, it's like I've been doing it for a while. And it was all thanks to Maximo Nivel COSI, Audra, and Laura! Thank y'all so much for changing my life! I definitely recommend this program to anyone. It will be one of the best decisions ever made! =)

What would you improve about this program?
It's PERFECT!
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Janeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL in Manuel Antonio

Audra and Laura are amazing teachers! The course is intensive but these ladies make it fun! Also the staff at Maximo Nivel are wonderful and always willing to help with anything! The location can't be beat as you are right next to the beach! I would definitely reccomend this course to anyone considering teaching English abroad! It is worth what you pay for and the experience is one of a kind. I feel prepared to teach and am excited for all the opportunities to come after taking this course!

43 people found this review helpful.
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Phenomenal Place, Phenomenal Course

My experience has been incredible and I would absolutely recommend this course and location to anyone who may be interested. Audra is a tremendously gifted educator, and a frankly wonderful human being. I am very well prepared to effectively teach our wonderfully complicated language to anyone who may want to learn it. The course itself is no walk in the park, but the delightful manner in which the material is presented makes four weeks of intense study fly by. Just do it!

What would you improve about this program?
Audra is so competent and so well prepared that I can't think of anything that I would change.
37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rigorous Course with Awesome Teacher in a Beautiful Place!

The TEFL certification course was quite rigorous! One definitely must earn it, not just receive it. The material was thoroughly presented in an effective manner. Days were packed with class time, homework, reading material, and lesson plans. The books were informative and resourceful. My teacher, Audra, was impressive. Not only was she clearly an expert at teaching grammar, she made it fun. She showed plenty of personality while still being a professional. She had me cracking up laughing every day, all day. Anyone who can make grammar fun, is witty and admirable in my opinion. When I was struggling with the amount of work or feeling discouraged from my mistakes , she pointed me back in a positive direction. She presented the lesson plans just as we were being taught to present them to our future ESL students. She made it look so easy! Having the opportunity to spend our last week doing Practical Teaching with real, Spanish-speaking locals, gave us a chance to apply what we had learned all month. This was the most important part of the course. Real-life experience was necessary to becoming certified. We got a chance to implement everything we had learned, and to present our own lesson plans. After I got over the fear of making mistakes, it became enjoyable. The course taught me how to be prepared with a well-organized, effective lesson plan. By the end of the course, I was comfortable teaching a group of ESL students. It became fun building rapport, managing a classroom, increasing student-talk-time, eliciting information from them, confirming their comprehension, correcting errors, and being relaxed enough to show my personality. The facility itself was outstanding! It was large, very clean, nice landscaping, an enticing snack bar, a kind and helpful staff, air conditioning, wifi, lockers, printers, computer access, and a million-dollar view of the Pacific ocean! I would recommend Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica to anyone interested in getting their TEFL certification. Wonderful people, beautiful place, and new, effective teaching skills I can use in the future. Thank you Audra, my teacher, and thank you to the lovely ladies at Maximo Nivel who made me and my dog Rasta feel so welcome during our course attendance (July-August 2017). Thank you for your humor, kindness and joy. Sincerely, Rasta and Erica

What would you improve about this program?
By adding me to their staff!!!!! haha
This program is perfect! I wouldn't mind joining the staff and teaching others what I have learned.
79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rigorous Course with Awesome Teacher in a Beautiful Place!

The TEFL certification course was quite rigorous! One definitely must earn it, not just receive it. The material was thoroughly presented in an effective manner. Days were packed with class time, homework, reading material, and lesson plans. The books were informative and resourceful. My teacher, Audra, was impressive. Not only was she clearly an expert at teaching grammar, she made it fun. She showed plenty of personality while still being a professional. She had me cracking up laughing every day, all day. Anyone who can make grammar fun, is witty and admirable in my opinion. When I was struggling with the amount of work or feeling discouraged from my mistakes , she pointed me back in a positive direction. She presented the lesson plans just as we were being taught to present them to our future ESL students. She made it look so easy! Having the opportunity to spend our last week doing Practical Teaching with real, Spanish-speaking locals, gave us a chance to apply what we had learned all month. This was the most important part of the course. Real-life experience was necessary to becoming certified. We got a chance to implement everything we had learned, and to present our own lesson plans. After I got over the fear of making mistakes, it became enjoyable. The course taught me how to be prepared with a well-organized, effective lesson plan. By the end of the course, I was comfortable teaching a group of ESL students. It became fun building rapport, managing a classroom, increasing student-talk-time, eliciting information from them, confirming their comprehension, correcting errors, and being relaxed enough to show my personality. The facility itself was outstanding! It was large, very clean, nice landscaping, an enticing snack bar, a kind and helpful staff, air conditioning, wifi, lockers, printers, computer access, and a million-dollar view of the Pacific ocean! I would recommend Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica to anyone interested in getting their TEFL certification. Wonderful people, beautiful place, and new, effective teaching skills I can use in the future. Thank you Audra, my teacher, and thank you to the lovely ladies at Maximo Nivel who made me and my dog Rasta feel so welcome during our course attendance (July-August 2017). Thank you for your humor, kindness and joy. Sincerely, Rasta and Erica

What would you improve about this program?
By adding me to their staff!!!!!
This program is perfect! I wouldn't mind joining the staff and teaching others what I have learned.
39 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Apart from what the others have already suggested, I would also advise that any travel you intend on doing, you are prepared to leave until you've finished or to start beforehand. Manuel Antonio is a beautiful place, and you will certainly have beach time. But don't be fooled! The classes are intensive and require outside-the-classroom prep time. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks so much for your reply. I'd love if you could connect me with them! I'm going to be studying at Maximo in January 2017 and am very keen to teach :)

I would definitely recommend a laptop. You'll need it to work on assignments and lesson plans out of class. The building can get pretty hot, so being able to relocate to cooler locations is a must. Regarding clothes, I wore decent shorts and collared shirts for the classes. For interviews, I would recommend something more business casual.

The cost of the program varies by location and what type of stay you prefer (apartment, hostel, or homestay). I have added a link to the estimated program costs below that you may find helpful. In general, the cost will be somewhere between $2000-$2500, not including your flight. http://www.maximonivel.com/tefl-tesol/prices/