Volunteer in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

I have been extremely lucky ! After finally deciding to experiment volunteering abroad and do some searching, i found Maximo Nivel. From the start, all our conversations (online chat and e-mail) and explanations assured me as much as possible that this adventure would turn out well.
I've been in San Jose for two weeks, placed at Maria Aux, a daycare for young children from La Carpio neighbourhood, very poor and complicated. What the responsible for the project, Silvia Aguilar, does with the limited space and conditions is amazing : a safe space for the kids, with songs, reading, painting, etc.
The children couldn't be sweeter and were eager to have our help doing all kinds of things, which i gladly did. I could see how Maximo Nivel and previous volunteers have invested in improving the daycare's conditions and it is a work in progress.
I felt very welcomed at the placement and can honestly say that Maximo's team, especially Steve and Emily, were there for whatever i needed. Steve, your idea of a Christmas party is absolutely amazing !
I had a bit more than basic notions of Spanish and felt that the communication with the kids and adults allowed me to give and take much more from this experience.
I've moved now to Manuel Antonio for my final week in Costa Rica. I expect to have a good experience in the new place, but i doubt it will be as rewarding as Maria Aux and La Carpio ! I will surely miss it.

It's my first time volunteering with Maximo and I feel amazing.The staff are super nice and helpful.The homestay mom is very caring and friendly.Hope to see them again soon!
As to the childcare project "Maria Aux" in rural area of San Jose city.I have to say I am super lucky to join this projects.All the kids are super cute and smart.They curious about everything new and eager to learn knowledge.The day care located in a church.The condition is not good for the kids,but they are always smiling and never complain.Thanks to the teacher Sylvia's support,and Maximo's help,now the day care condition is much better.It has claean restoom and colorful paintings on the wall.Many volunteers donate books,food and other facilities,which is lovely.

I had a wonderful time at Bebitos doing childcare project in Costa rica. I had the opportunity to work with kids mainly at the age of 4-6. It was an amazing experience and a very emotional one as well. I had to take care and entertain the chidlren while having support from local staff. Every day we had to do something cretive thus improving the skills of the kids. They gave me a lot of love and even I was working with them for only a week I improved as a person so much. The way how they made me feel cannot be described but it has to be experienced. I stongly recommend to everyone to visit the Bebitos childcare project in San Jose Costa rica! Excellent time of my life!

This program was my first experience as a volunteer, as well as my first solo trip overseas. The attention i received from Maximo was above and beyond anything i was expecting. They thoroughly prepared me with two orientations as well as making an effort once i was on my project, to consistantly keep in contact with me, making sure i was enjoying the project. They were only ever a phonecall or email away if i needed help with anything and all of the staff were super friendly.
I loved my project (turtle conservation) located in Parismina, there really is no feeling like the one you get when you release a bunch of baby turtles into the oceanor when you see how much time and effort female turtles display, just to lay their eggs. The only thing i would improve would be for the project itself- I think there needs to be a volunteer coordinator to make sure everything runs smoothly and to provide other options for when there is not much to do.
But overall the project was brilliant and i will definately be coming back!

I spent one month in Costa Rica doing the sea turtle conservation and childcare projects. I met so many incredible, like minded individuals who I volunteered alongside. The staff at Maximo Nivel was incredibly supportive and easy to work with. I decided to change my projects and project start dates multiple times, and they eagerly helped me to do so.
The sea turtle project was in Junquillal. I and eight other volunteers lived in dorm style housing. The accommodations and food were better than expected. We did a lot of work each day, but it was all worthwhile when I got to see 130 baby sea turtles hatch and be released into the ocean. If you choose to do this project... you should come prepared to work hard, but it is a once in a lifetime experience that I would definitely recommend.
After two weeks of the sea turtle project, I did childcare for two weeks. I was placed at a daycare in an impoverished neighborhood of San Jose. The children and staff were incredibly welcoming.Each day, I would prepare one learning activity to do during class time. The rest of my time was spent playing and talking with the kids. Though it was exhausting, I would absolutely do it again. I truly received more from these children then I gave to them.
In summary, though it sounds cliche, this trip was life changing. I cannot recommend it enough.

Overwhelmed by the great experience offered by Maximo Nivel.
I met a lot of people from different backgrounds and cultures. The experience is definitely very culturally rewarding.
The host family is really warm and takes care of all your needs, demands and dietary requirements like being a vegetarian.
The homestay is very cozy and comfortable.
The program orientation was really comprehensive and detailed which made me feel like home in a little time.
The day care I worked at was amazing. The staff was cooperative and encouraging. The children was very manageable and playful. They are wonderful to work with. Little things like playing with bubbles and coloring minions could keep them entertained for hours. Their smiles can make anyone's day. Thus, I highly recommend Childcare program offered by Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica.

I loved my time in Costa Rica! It was an amazing way to immerse myself in a new culture, while helping others and building friendships. However, I would say the main thing that was a struggle for me was there was a lot I wasn't prepared for. Definitely do your research about the language, transportation, social thing, etc.
But overall, don't be afraid to jump into the deep end. This was one of the best learning experiences of my life! Happy trails :))

This program had a huge impact on me personally. From the beginning to the end, I felt very satisfied with the work we were doing and seeing our progress unfold. By the end of my stay, I felt so comfortable working, using the equipment, and making decisions. Our construction foreman, Danilo, was very helpful and knowledgable, as well as very goofy and fun to be around. The commute to La Carpio was a little longer than anticipated, but it was absolutely worth it. It was a joy to see Amparo, Franklin, Andy, and their two dogs, Bakito and Toti, each day. They made us feel so welcomed in their home. During my last few days, I wished I could just stay longer and keep working until the project was completed! I would love to return someday soon.