Volunteer in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

At risk of sounding cliche, this was a lifechanging experience. Without knowing what to expect, I was placed in an assisted living facility in Cartago. My spanish leaves something to be desired, and the first week it was difficult to converse with the nurses and residents. Everyone I encountered however was extremely patient and kind. Further, there were nursing students at the project from a local university, and they were helpful and it was a joy practicing spanish while they worked on english. There was a doctor who came once a week, and he was open to questions and often we had conversations about treatment options for the residents. He has a lively sense of humor and did excellent work. I was able to build meaningful relationships with the residents, nurses, and made a number of friends at Maximo. I couldn´t be happier with my placement and my time spent in Costa Rica.

During 4 weeks, we've worked in construction at a day-care-center and we liked it. We were able to support the local taskmaster and had a lot of fun working there. The taskmaster always came along with the team, supported and encouraged us. For us it was a great experience to help with our own hands and to see a result after every day. We also liked the way to work for 3 to 4 hours a day, to take spanish classes and stay at our host family. During free time or to organize trips, you can stay at Maximo Nivel and use free internet there, which is very useful. The team of Maximo Nivel can give you great suggestions of tours and nice places to visit. Nextdoor to the school, you can find a travel agency.

Yes, specially the time with our host family was very precious; to share life with them, talk with them about everything, to spend time with them as locals. It was so worth it!

Having always had a keen interest in languages, this program seemed like the perfect fit to both integrate myself into the lives of the locals here and share my passion for languages with equally interested and eager students. Despite being intrigued by my fellow volunteers' projects, I have to say that I could not have chosen a more pleasant and rewarding program. Just offering my students the opportunity to hear and speak English has ameliorated their skills immensely, and our mutual appreciation for the wonderful 2 months spent together speaks for itself. I will miss them and general Tico loving hospitality tremendously, and hope that this review sways you to pick the Teaching English program.

Volunteering has always been a key part of my life. I came to volunteer in Costa Rica with my sister for something different, and I am so glad that I did. We were based at a facility called Sonrisas and it gave me a new appreciation for the little things in life. The kids were so sweet and so appreciative of everything! They were full of energy and opened my eyes to what is important to live a good, simple life. You definitely need to have a lot of energy and a positive outlook, but it is easy if you want to make the most of this experience. Maximo Nivel helped ensure that everything went smoothly so do not worry about navigating a new place. I definitely recommend branching out and volunteering in Costa Rica. If you think you do not have time, make time. It is worth it! Open your heart and open your eyes. Take everything in.

My sister and I decided to do this program together and we are so happy we did! Our only regret is that we didn't spend longer here. We stayed for one week and volunteered at Sonrisas with kids of all ages. We were able to really immerse ourselves into the culture, and staying with a host family is so special and unique. We were able to learn some Spanish, try traditional foods and learn more about the residential areas rather than just the tourist areas. And I came in not knowing much Spanish, so if that's holding you back, don't let it. We learned our way around very quickly, asked questions (Maximo Nivel is SUPER helpful) and we just made the most of it. The kids are so sweet and excited to see us everyday. And even though we are there to help them, they are the ones that ended up helping us in the long run.... reminded us to just have fun, keep it simple, and that the game of tag never gets old. We hope to do another program again in the future.

As an 18 year old girl traveling all by herelf i was very nervous, but from the second i got off the plane i was greeted by Maximo Nivel staff and felt safe. the staff here is amazing at making you feel safe and comfortable especially if you are like me and do not speak a lot of spanish. i was in junuillal for the turtles and it was the best time of my life, everyday you were doing something for the community, environment or the turtles and you truly felt like you were making a difference. i made life long friends and memories that i will cherish forever and am truly so grateful for this experience. my best advice if you are looking into traveling here, bring lots of bug spray, and open mind and a big heart, this trip will change your life for the better!

Hello,

My name is Jason and i had an experience here in Costa Rica. This was my first time volunteering outside my country and I really feel like I made a difference working with Maximo nivel. Ontop of that the people that work here for Maximo Nivel are very nice, very patient and very understanding they have an amazing service that is always available to you while you stay here.

I strongly recommend the Maximo nivel programs in Costa Rica to anyone wanting to make a real difference in the world.

I stayed in Quepos with the loveliest hostmom called Noemy. We got along very well and she was always happy to help with anything. Sometimes we just spent the nights together to go walking around in Quepos, I really liked it, as my spanish was not the best and practicing makes it perfect. And addition to all the good things, she was an excellent cook and the house was always clean.
The project I attended was called working with the kids. My job was to teach them english for one hour and then we just played together. The kids were so sweet, and would come every day running to hug you. And even though sometimes it was hard to make them listen to you, I left the place every day with a bigger smile on my face. First I was a little bit afraid to raise my voice on them as I really wanted to get along with them. But after doing it a few times, I understood that that is how you earn the respect of the kids. So do not be afraid to raise your voice sometimes, the kids still love you and are super happy that you are investing your time into them.
The local staff was super friendly as well and there for me all the time. Fortunately I did not have any big problems, but if I would have had, I would not have been afraid to ask their help.
All in all, a great experience for everyone, who wants to attend an eye opening project and meet the happiest kids!