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
Jun 13, 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 257 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.55%
  • 4 rating 5.45%
  • 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 233 - 240 of 257 reviews
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Neale Donald Walsch

I did not have clearly defined expectations for myself coming into the course as I do not have a teaching or academic language study back ground. I spoke with quite a few people about TEFL courses and did a lot of research on the internet so the one thing I did expect was that a four week course including a week of practical teaching would be far better training than an on-line course that I could complete in two weeks at home with zero practical teaching. My expectations were far exceeded by Maximo Nivel and especially Claudia Behnke. I was fortunate to have some very hard-working and caring teachers back in school but I never had a teacher who loved teaching like Claudia. She gave 110% all the time and never held back. There were what appeared to me to be a full spectrum of learners in our class with a much broader range of challenges that I would have anticipated. From an on-line learner coming in half way through to illnesses and other incidents that took people out of the course and required incredible flexibility on Claudia’s part. To be fair, the entire staff exceeded my expectations. They were friendly, warm and never hesitated to stop in the middle of their busy day to help with whatever we needed at the moment. This included the teachers we conducted our observations with. They were more than happy to speak with us and answer any question we had about their style and the level and character of their classes.

53 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Amani
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome opportunity!

Wonderful program overall. We spent long days going over material, but it was always kept fun and engaging. I truly felt that the teaching method (or critical ESL techniques) would continue to benefit for life due to its practicality. I walked away thinking that all subjects should follow the ESL methods, and can see why it has been as successful as it has.

They really push for excellence and creativity. This is most evident in their reviews and their attention to detail. They really want to graduate top teachers and ensure this through support, but stringent requirements for successfully completing teaching lessons.

Their TEFL trainer did a phenomenal job teaching material due to her passion for education. I loved being apart of her class (which speaks volumes considering I spent most of my time abroad in her class). I felt that I left the program well trained and supported. :)

What would you improve about this program?
Have students engage more with community outside of class and teaching english (i.e. draw maps of Quepos or Manuel Antonio or observation exercises) in order to expose them more to costa rican culture.
55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent program, staff, and overall experience

I did my program with Maximo Nivel at their Manuel Antonio location. I had worked with Maximo Nivel in Peru on a previous occasion, so I already knew that the institution was "legit" and had an incredibly dedicated and motivated staff. As was expected, it was an absolutely amazing experience, to say the least. My TEFL trainer (Audra) and assistant trainer (Kevin) were PHENOMENAL. They brought an energy and vivaciousness to the classroom that I very rarely see in other learning settings that quickly inspired the rest of us. They demonstrated a clear passion and enthusiasm for their work that made coming to class every day and learning an absolute pleasure. They made the class fun and engaging, while maintaining a very professional demeanor all the while. The staff at Maximo are phenomenal, and constantly looking for ways to support your success, whether that be during your stay with Maximo or while you are looking for careers abroad. All in all, I cannot say enough good about this program. Overall incredible experience that I will never forget. If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing.

64 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience in Costa Rica

Taking TEFL with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica has been the most amazing experience! The school overlooks a beautiful beach, the staff is incredibly accommodating, the course is chalk full of hands on teaching opportunities and the culture here is beautiful. My instructors, Audra Wooldridge and Kevin Martinson made all the difference with their encouragement, vivaciousness and love for teaching. I highly recommend this course to anyone with an adventurous spirit, a love for teaching and an appreciation for natural beauty. Thanks to everyone at Maximo Nivel for making this experience so memorable.

68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tristanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome time!

The course was quite intensive, and yet, a lot of fun. Our instructor, Audra, was fantastic!! She is a great teacher who makes tough content easier to understand, dry stuff fun, and brings her wonderful attitude to class every day. She is a wealth of knowledge and offers astute feedback. She truly wants everyone to be successful and was always available to help us out. Everyone at Maximo Manuel Antonio was very friendly and helpful: Kevin (assistant extraordinaire!), Barbara, Karen, Jake, and Brandon. A big heartfelt thanks to all of you!!! I hope our paths cross again soon.

62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emilie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome program!

I highly recommend this course (ESPECIALLY with this program) to any and all people who are wanting to change up their daily routine, people who want a productive vacation, or anyone who wants to travel and make a living wage and have fun while doing it. The instructors of the program were amazing, and provided me with awesome job finding assistance, more so than I was expecting, and awesome moral support.
This is an awesome program, and well worth it all.
10 out of 10!

What would you improve about this program?
Not enough information given before leaving the country. More about home stay information should be given.
60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL

I had a great time at Maximo Nivel and learned so much! I definitely felt prepared to be a teacher by the end of the course, and my knowledge of the English language expanded as well. Karen, my TEFL trainer was especially awesome, and made 150 hours of course material (that easily could have been boring and dry) both interesting and entertaining. And being in Costa Rica definitely didn't hurt! Loved it! I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested.

55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Experience

There are so many aspects of the course that I loved. Our class had really great chemistry that led us to challenge and praise each other often. We had fun, everyday, while teaching and learning from one another. The material itself was interesting. Learning how to teach a language that you speak natively really makes you think about that language in ways you hadn’t before. Karen Wilke was a truly wonderful instructor and I am so happy I was able to take the course with her!

What would you improve about this program?
Lighter books :) These textbooks do not travel well.
60 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/