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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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Jorge Sabogal
24 Jan 2020
No words could describe the incredible experience I have had here in Antigua, Guatemala. I have been able to impact the lives of individuals and grow as a nurse. I...Read more
No words could describe the incredible experience I have had here in Antigua, Guatemala. I have been able to impact the lives of individuals and grow as a nurse. I had the pleasure of being at Mis Años Dorados and I LOVED IT! The abuelitos touched my heart and I will never forget them. My only regret is that I couldn´t stay longer. Thank you Maximo Nivel, you´re the best!
Becky Ubelhor
24 Jan 2020
It has been an amazing experience with maximo nivel here in Guatemala. I was able to learn and do so much with the utmost confidence due to the safe orientation...Read more
It has been an amazing experience with maximo nivel here in Guatemala. I was able to learn and do so much with the utmost confidence due to the safe orientation and the kind owners of my accommodation. It was also a blast to be able to connect with others in my homestay from around the United states and the world. They were very kind and understanding as well as knowledgeable and accommodating whenever I needed absolutely anything. I 10/10 recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone who is coming to Antigua to study or work with new ideas! As they say here in Guatemala, Que Dios les bendiga y que les vaya bien!
Naoumi Lugtu
24 Jan 2020
This is a really great program for those who want to learn more about the indigenous communities of Guatemala. Living with a Kaqchikel family for two weeks felt like a...Read more
This is a really great program for those who want to learn more about the indigenous communities of Guatemala. Living with a Kaqchikel family for two weeks felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'm very grateful to have had. Firstly, arriving in Guatemala was a bit nerve-wracking (especially since this is the first time I have ever travelled alone) but there's a lot of support from Maximo Nivel if you need it. Also, both in Antigua and in the program, I felt very safe and I knew that if at any point I didn't, I would be well-supported by Maximo Nivel. With regards to the program, I was very sad to leave after feeling like I had become part of the family. They were unbelievably giving and welcoming people. I have definitely gotten a deeper understanding of their culture as indigenous people and their everyday lives. By far, my favourite part of the program was learning to weave. During my first week, it took me a whole day to do a single line of the weave; in my second week, it just clicked and I managed to finish the rest of the weave in three days. I definitely recommend trying it out for those who want to take part in the program. The family will instruct you in Spanish which was difficult to understand at times (I speak Spanish but I wouldn't say I speak it fluently), but they are always willing to help out if they know you're struggling. However, if that's not what you want to do, the family won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. There are so many other activities you can take part in as well like visiting the coffee and sweet potato farm, visiting the viewpoint in Santa Catarina or even visiting other places during the weekend like Lake Atitlan or Tikal.
Loida Sanchez
24 Jan 2020
Extremely wonderful staff to work with at Puesto de Salud Santa Catarina Barahona and the directors and staff at Maximonivel were wonderful to be around and such great help.Read more
Extremely wonderful staff to work with at Puesto de Salud Santa Catarina Barahona and the directors and staff at Maximonivel were wonderful to be around and such great help.