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Visit Maximo Nivel's website to learn more about their programs abroad
Overview
Overview
Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is the Intercultural Center of Latin America. We offer Volunteer Abroad programs, TEFL Certification, International Internships, and our Native Spanish Program in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel is a local organization in each country and we work in partnership with community groups, schools, orphanages, and hospitals to help lead development initiatives with civic and environmental goals. Volunteer opportunities include: Working with Kids, Animal Care, Teaching English, Eco-Agriculture, Conservation, Construction, and Medical projects. Internship opportunities include: Education, Micro-Business, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Rights, and Medical. Everyone has access to our support team and great home-base facilities 7 days/week year-round.
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Editorial
By Sarah Vandenberg
Director of Partnerships
Sarah has worked in the volunteer travel industry since 2004. She supports all of our partners, and shares stories, trends, and advice for travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.
With four institutes and unparalleled in-country support, Maximo Nivel is a leader in international education, study abroad, and travel in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. This organization is a top-ranked local provider in Latin America, specializing in three specific areas for people who want to learn and make an impact: work abroad programs (including volunteer and intern placements), study and teach abroad opportunities, and travel adventures.
Trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru
Maximo Nivel’s programs in Costa Rica bring you to San Jose and Manuel Antonio – two very different locations for very different travel styles. San Jose is Costa Rica’s capital city, and the institute is based downtown. Manuel Antonio, on the other hand, is more of a smaller, quiet beach town.
In Peru, Maximo Nivel’s programs are based in and around Cusco, with their institute located downtown (though arguably in a less hectic area than San Jose). Depending on your placement, you may work right there in Cusco or out into the mountains – or even in the Sacred Valley.
If you’re interested in Guatemala, Maximo Nivel’s programs there are based in the city of Antigua, a top destination for ecotourism that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Teaching English in Peru with Maximo Nivel
Impactful adventures
Maximo Nivel emphasizes education and cultural exchange among all of its participants. Travelers of all ages are welcome to join, and can choose from volunteer, intern, teach, study, and adventure abroad programs. No matter where you go or what you do, you will be encouraged to learn from your counterparts in-country, share skills and stories, and explore the beautiful places where Maximo Nivel works.
Programs are community-developed, meaning a local organization, school, or center either has an ongoing need or has identified an unmet one, and requested volunteers, interns, or teachers from Maximo Nivel. And all programs undergo a vetting process to ensure participants help to provide a local solution to a local problem.
Construction volunteering in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel
Support and safety
A recurring theme with Maximo Nivel is an emphasis on support and safety. Travelers are provided excellent support before, during, and after their trips – whatever questions or concerns they have, a team member can answer. A few highlights:
- Maximo Nivel has a 24/7 emergency support line
- Institutes and staff are based in the communities where you’ll work, so they have local knowledge and context to ensure safety, to respond to any issues that could arise, or just to answer questions about places to go and things to see
- All host families are carefully vetted, and travelers are asked for feedback about their experience
Because Maximo Nivel works with so many students and less-experienced travelers in particular, they want to make sure you have the best trip possible – to get out of your comfort zone, but still to know there’s a safety net if you need it.
Volunteering with animals in Peru with Maximo Nivel
Top projects
Gallery
Volunteer working with children in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. https://maximonivel.com/volunteers/working-with-kids/
Volunteer working with rescued animals in Guatemala.
Turtle conservation projects in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
https://maximonivel.com/volunteers/conservation/sea-turtle/
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Tony Potter
24 Mar 2023
My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Máximo. We started with group classes and ended up taking one on one classes. They were both fantastic, but we were...Read more
My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Máximo. We started with group classes and ended up taking one on one classes. They were both fantastic, but we were also working while we were in Antigua. The hour one on one classes fit our schedules best. Our teachers were top notch. We worked with Dulce, Francisco and Leo. All fantastic! The administration was super helpful with anything we needed at any time. We worked mostly with David and Mary, but everyone was super kind and accommodating! We can’t wait to attend Máximo when we get to Peru next year. I would highly recommend the school for everyone.
Elise
24 Mar 2023
I volunteered and took Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel in Antigua, Guatemala. It was a great experience. Everything was very well organized from A to Z. The staff of Maximo...Read more
I volunteered and took Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel in Antigua, Guatemala. It was a great experience. Everything was very well organized from A to Z. The staff of Maximo Nivel is very professional. They are making sure you are having the best volunteering experience, from project to host family. My host family I stayed with was amazing. Very sweet people that didn’t make any problem cooking vegetarian for me. Also the Spanish classes were of high level. My teacher Alma was fantastic. Totally recommend volunteering and Spanish classes through Maximo Nivel!
Andy Lauer
24 Mar 2023
This was one of the best experiences i've ever had in my life! I only wish i could have stayed longer. The staff at MN is incredible. helpful, kind, out-of-the-box...Read more
This was one of the best experiences i've ever had in my life! I only wish i could have stayed longer. The staff at MN is incredible. helpful, kind, out-of-the-box creative thinkers. If i had an issue they were quick to resolve. They all have the greatest smiles! My Volunteer experience at the Promam clinic was solid and educational - besides the fact that i was able to help older patients with various medical issues. I encourage anyone to work w Maximo Nivel
Uzma Arif
24 Mar 2023
I had an amazing time on my construction and renovation project in Antigua Guatemala. We build a treehouse playground for children with special needs outside the school. This was one...Read more
I had an amazing time on my construction and renovation project in Antigua Guatemala. We build a treehouse playground for children with special needs outside the school. This was one of the most humbling and most memorable experiences of my life!