Maximo Nivel

Why choose Maximo Nivel?

Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a leading organization in study abroad and educational travel. We are an internationally accredited organization with 4 locally based institutes in 3 of the most beautiful countries in the world—Costa Rica, Guatemala. and Peru. At Maximo Nivel, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best education and travel experiences in Latin America, as well as top-notch client service and great home base facilities.

Since 2003, our commitment to quality programs and great client service has made Maximo Nivel the leading study abroad and educational travel organization in Latin America. Our job is to provide you with great work-study-travel programs in a safe and supportive environment. We are here to make sure your experience is nothing short of excellent! The Maximo team is available 24/7, so please reach out and let us know when you need support or help along the way.

Website

maximonivel.com

Founded

2003

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Community Photos

A visit to class by Kayla, from Maximo Nivel

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Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

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.

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Impact

Ethical 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.

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Reviews

I volunteered in a school for students with disabilities. I was welcomed with open arms. The staff were great and helped me through my Spanish weakness. The students were amazing to work with one on one. My host family was amazing! They opened their house to me with open arms. The family helped me learn more Spanish and also helped me to understand more about Guatemala. I also took a weekend trip to Lake Atilan which provided me with a lot of Mayan history and beautiful scenes. I am 62 years old and this was my first experience everyone at Máximo made this first experience fabulous!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I was nervous about doing this trip on my own. I did not know anyone and was not sure if I would be able to get around without Spanish fluency. I was able to muddle through because everyone I encountered was helpful! I met some amazing people and have thoroughly enjoyed this adventure.

Pros

Máximo is available to help
People in Guatemala are wonderful and hwlpful
The program is well organized

Cons

Specific details about volunteer position were unclear.
My Spanish ability

Amazing course I loved taking the t with Lewis and Sean. Lewis and Sean were prepared, and delivered the course in a manner where we addressed subject matter regarding English and improving the Student Talking Time. I was given resources to get a job, and am currently teaching at Maximo Nivel after my TEFL. The course provided me with skills to advance, and also provided me with professional development tools. The resources at the school were amazing, and the teachers were not soft I wasnt just given my certificiation.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Went to Lake Humantay

Pros

Time Management
Resources
Fun Events

The entire course was very enjoyable, the teacher made what would be a heavy course very fun, and I am now filled with confidence going into my new career as an English teacher. The course itself was great fun, despite being incredibly heavy, we still managed to enjoy ourselves the entire time. I would absolutely recommend the course itself to people, as well as recommending the teacher.
Furthermore, the international staff who help us out were especially helpful, making sure that we were safe and looked after while getting used to the new surroundings.

What was your funniest moment?

Whenever reading, the teacher would often get us to read out chunks of text in accents. Sufficed to say it was a hilarious car crash.

It was a great trip! I especially loved staying with my host family— I got to play fútbol with my little host brother on my free afternoons. It was incredible to get to stay there in the city with locals and walk around wherever I needed to go. I never felt unsafe walking around Antigua, which I was glad about! There were so many things to see and so may cool places to try. I did the medical program, and it was well-organized in such a way that I could enjoy breakfast before hopping on a bus (sooo fun!!! The buses are inexpensive and a fantastic way to meet people and see the area) to go to my assignment and then ride back midday with the rest of the afternoon free!

What was your funniest moment?

There was a free salsa dancing class one night, which was fun as we all tried to follow along with our very-energetic instructor 😂

Pros

I felt more confident in my Spanish by the end of the trip!
I met great people!
I gained confidence in traveling and serving in an unfamiliar place.

Cons

Just a few friendly cockroaches

I was impressed with the facility I worked at and how much work goes on. The nurses work so hard and it was incredible to see the efforts and impact. I felt I was able to help out but wish I could have done more hands-on activities. I felt like I was contributing but wish I could have helped more in a medical sense. I have a lot of experience there but was not really putting that to use. However I still got to assist where needed and I was able to learn a lot about a different culture and a new hospital setting.

Pros

Safe
Social
Busy

4.96 •46 reviews

Learn Spanish in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! Combine fun in the sun...

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I wanted an opportunity to change my career path from a dissatisfying corporate job to a rewarding career that can take me traveling around the world and enable me to gain cultural experiences in different diverse countries whilst helping others in learning a 2nd language to enable better job opportunities.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The Maximo Nivel program provided me with top quality information travel assistance, support staff and teachers who were extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience extremely worthwhile.

They organized my volunteer program and also the accommodation at my host family, and assisted with holiday and activity options.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If I were to do the course again, I would definitely choose a professional organization that is well-credentialed and respected like Maximo. It makes it so much easier having a strong support base and experienced team.

I would definitely allow for more travel time either before or after the course, so you can get to appreciate the country you are visiting.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The program is very solid and lots to fit in every day, as it is a compact course.

Having said that, there were still afternoons off and a couple of free days to chill. And an average day consisted of about 8 hours at school with a mixture of theory and practical class observations and activities.

After school, you would generally need to do 2 hours of homework or reading.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Jennifer Pazdzior

2018 Alum

Alain Alisca

2018 Alum

Samantha Ni

2018 Alum

Elissa Tauscher

2018 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Visiting Panama is definitely my most memorable travel experience. It was my first time traveling alone and I met a lot of new people. Seeing new places, experiencing a new culture and being by myself for the first time was amazing.

I participated in a lot of tours and activities and I learned a lot. This experience motivated me to keep travelling.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to be part of the Mini Adventure program in Guatemala. I have always wanted to go to Tikal and learn more about the Mayan Culture in Guatemala.

I feel the Mini Adventure gives you the opportunity to visit really nice places in Guatemala in a short period of time.

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What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I feel proud of my team every time we happily adapt to last minute changes in order to make the participants experience be awesome and unforgettable.

Becca Wilgosh

Program Advisor

Website

Founded

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Community Awards

Alumni Interviews

Richard Lovegrove

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Any last thoughts?

Staff Interviews

Annia Alvarez

What is your favorite travel memory?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?