TEFL Certification with Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica

TEFL Certification with Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica

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

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
Oct 07, 2025
Jul 02, 2026
61 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.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This TEFL program in Manuel Antonio offers intensive, hands-on training with passionate instructors who provide strong support and job assistance.

Program Highlights

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

Travel Grants Available for a Limited Time!

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 Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 268 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.4%
  • 4 rating 5.6%
  • 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 209 - 216 of 268 reviews
Maren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

The TEFL class at Maximo Nivel in MA is amazing—Manuel Antonio is gorgeous. Our TEFL trainer Audra was caring, perceptive, funny, helpful, and awesome. It was also a joy getting to befriend some really remarkable classmates. For anyone out there considering taking the plunge and coming to Costa Rica –especially to anyone who is feeling intimidated by the prospect of teaching and being in a foreign country— I was also nervous. It turned out to be a great experience. I'm very grateful to my classmates, Audra, and all of the people who came to participate in our lessons. Highly recommend Maximo to anyone wanting to try/ learn something new. It will be a brilliant adventure. ☺

76 people found this review helpful.
Robert
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rican Adventures of a TEFL Teacher

Maximo Nivel was above and beyond what I expected. t. Maximo Nivel has done their due diligence in choosing these families that are selected for host stays. My host family is my family now. How many people do you know that can say they have strangers coming in for months at a time to live with them. I am so grateful for my new brothers sis and parents. It was a perfect fit. The real reason that this program was so amazing was because of the amazing teacher I had. Audra was amazing and really made this program and experience awesome. I used to be in the corporate world and didn't have the faintest idea of what the life of a teacher really consisted of. I can now make great lesson plans, know how to really teach information without just narrating to the students. She went above and beyond to convey the course material in a fun and challenging way. I really enjoyed being able to be molded into the teacher I have become and can't wait to add in more of my flare to the amazing blueprint she thought I would respond to as a student. Defiantly not her first rodeo! So if you are on the fence on whether or not this kind of course is worth it, Take that leap of faith and see how well you are paid back with confidence in having the knowledge to go farther. The only thing you can never waste your money on is traveling. Having this amazing course under my belt now is proof of that and an added bonus!

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I have to suggest is that they give the students a little more information on the host families they are with. I know I fell in well with mine but, I had no idea where i was going until I landed in Costa Rica. So that in itself is a little stressful when you are moving to a foreign country for a month.
85 people found this review helpful.
Felisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Pura Vida!

When I first started looking for a school that would meet my needs, Maximo Nivel kept popping up in my search inquires. I decided to delve a little further into this program, and I am so glad that I did. From the very start of requesting information, Julia-not sure of her job title, but she was a part of the international program and the reason I eventually choose Maximo Nivel, was very patient and very attentive with answering my many questions. Julia also arranged pick up for my arrival in Costa Rica, provided transportation to my prearranged host family, and was most generous at offering any continuous help if needed.
My first day at Maximo Nivel was no different than the great customer service that Julia had given me; the staff extended the same courtesies. The program at Maxmof Nivel is top notch. I was impressed at how much information was covered in only a 4 week span. The program from my perspective provided:
• Intensive classroom instruction
• An opportunity to observe the teaching skills and strategies by former students of Maximo Nivel
• Techniques to teach English without knowing the mother tongue of the students taught
• How to prepare thorough and in-depth lesson plans
• How to obtain and maintain classroom management
• The opportunity to teach non-English speakers from the community
• Continued support and encouragement
• Life time certification
Audra, the instructor that taught me, was highly knowledgeable, very enthusiastic and energetic. She kept things fun, yet she left no stone un-turned when it came to making sure each of her students was well prepared. I would highly recommend this program to anyone that is serious about wanting to make a difference in the lives of those who want to learn to speak English. Two of the nine students that were in my class had already accepted jobs upon their completion of the program.

71 people found this review helpful.
Ayanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL in Manuel Antonio

Taking the TEFL course through Maximo Nivel was so much more than I thought it would be! I did the 4 week program based in Costa Rica and I absolutely recommend taking you TEFL here. My instructor, Audra, was great. She really makes this intensive course fun and possible. The institute itself has most of the resources that you need, and if they don't have something, they'll help you find it somewhere else. The view from the school overlooks the ocean and the mountains and was one of my favorite places to relax. If you have any doubts about taking the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, don't! They will answer all of your questions and you will definitely learn the key ESL techniques.

What would you improve about this program?
More working computers in the computer lab.
77 people found this review helpful.
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Teaching Experience

This was a wonderful course! I am so glad that I took the TEFL certification course through Maximo Nivel. Audra was an absolutely incredible teacher--she made the content relevant and easy to comprehend. She was full of energy, which made the course a lot of fun, and she was also available for help whenever we needed her. I loved having Audra as a teacher! The practical teaching portion was invaluable. To be able to actually teach to real-life learners was a perfect opportunity to put the content into practice, and I think this is what really made this course stand out. It was a perfect way to spend four weeks learning!

81 people found this review helpful.
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tefl with Maximo Nivel

I absolutely loved the TEFL program with Maximo. I am a first time traveler outside the US and had a little bit of cold feet at the beginning and voiced these concerns with Paula in San Jose and then was put in contact with Karen and Audra in Manuel Antonio. They were so patient and called me at home to discuss any worries I had and immediately put me at ease. I am SO glad I came and completed the TEFL program. It is a pretty rigorous course so make sure to keep up with your lesson plans and assignments but, at the end of the course YOU WILL feel prepared and excited to enter the wonderful world of teaching English.

You get a lot of great feedback and guidance and you get 10 hours of practical teaching experience which automatically puts you ahead of the game when looking for jobs. The location is gorgeous, you do get to enjoy Costa Rica and see the sights on the weekends if you're caught up on everything. You become really close with your fellow teflers and Audra the trainer is thebomb.com She keeps class funny, light and really cares about your success as a teacher. She helps you find your personal strengths and plays to them. The other staff members at Maximo/Cosi are a delight. They always have a smile when they see you and are always willing to help you with whatever you need. I stayed with a host family in Quepos and they were so sweet and generous as well. You have many opportunities to speak Spanish and see hospitality and generosity at its finest.

Definitely recommend!! I will probably see about doing a volunteer program with them next year!

82 people found this review helpful.
Lynn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

No Regrets!

To say that Maximo Nivel was great, would be a huge understatement. From the moment I inquired about the course till my last days, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. The course teacher, Audra, was outstanding! The course was intense, fun and very informative. I've gained the knowledge and skills I need to be teacher, and I can't thank them enough. My experience here has been one that will stay with me forever. I've gained some life long friendships and learned a lot about myself at the same time. Thank you so much Maximo!

84 people found this review helpful.
Whitney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fabulous experience!!

I had the best time ever in Manuel Antonio taking the TEFL course! It was one of the best decisions of my life! I made so many new friends and together we made so many memories to last a lifetime, and on top of that I'm now TEFL certified! My teacher, Audra, is what made the course as great as it was! I had so much fun learning with her and looked forward to class each day. I fell in love with this country, this lifestyle and never want to leave! 100% recommend this program to anyone considering it. PURA VIDA

82 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/