Maximo Nivel

I had the opportunity to work with IVHQ on a project in Antigua with men and women in a rehabilitation center (drugs, alcohol, abuse issues). We conducted art workshops engaging the participants in drawing and writing their visions for the future and what activities each person enjoys doing that help to heal. The drawings and writings were heartfelt and expressed a great deal about their honest desires and goals. I found the IVHQ and Maximo Nivel staff to be very supportive and they providedv input about potential activities for the workshop and allowed us volunteers (3 of us) to develop our own ideas for the week at the rehabilitation center. I appreciate coming back to the Maximo Nivel office on a daily basis and the variety of offerings such as tours, salsa, cooking classes and Spanish one-on-ones. The homestay was a wonderful experience with a local family who were welcoming, supportive ,and I was fortunate to have meaningful conversations with about life in Guatamala. Maximo Nivel and IVHQ and Guiness staff thank you for your help in add-on tours and also arranging transport. I plan to go to Peru next with this outstanding organization. Thank you all.

This is my 3rd IVHQ trip and the 2nd one volunteering with Maximo Nivel. I also volunteered at their San Jose, Costa Rica location. Had an amazing experience with them during my volunteer week! Our Maximo Nivel POC, Kevin, was an excellent resource for the school stuff, local recommendations (I had an amazing massage during my stay), and cultural knowledge-how (including how to take the bus). As older travelers, my friend and I appreciated being housed pretty close to Maximo Nivel so we could walk there. Maps and directions that were given for around town were good. The cooking class that Maximo held during the week I was there was fun and delicious and great to cross paths/meet other volunteers. Our homestay host, Jasmine, was super nice and the food was good - it was great to have traditional dishes and see how local people lived. This is a great was to give back in a community and have a genuine cultural experience.

As seasoned traveling retirees, this was our 16th time volunteering abroad. Maximo Nivel, in partnership with IVHQ, did not disappoint. Communications up front were clear & informative. Our project was diverse, with the option to vary tasks daily. We picked coffee, helped in the garden,composted, and more. Homestay provided authentic interactions and home cooked meals. Questions were answered, recommendations and suggestions were freely offered. Social options like salsa & cooking classes were a plus. As we like to say, "When it comes to volunteering, age is just a number." Flexibility helps!!!

My volunteer program with the elderly in Antigua was a memorable experience that I cherish dearly. You get so much support from the moment you sign up until you arrive, throughout your program and afterwards as well. The team at Maximo Nivel is great, kind and very supportive. I loved every moment working in the program with the elderly (the abuelitas in my case) the hospital staff and everyone I met during my time there. Overall, my trip was a combination of giving back and working closely with a group of very sweet abuelitas and dedicated, caring staff; immersion in a new culture; meeting wonderful human beings including my Guatemaltecan host family and the program team; and getting to practice my Spanish. All in the very beautiful and scenic setting of Antigua, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and many excellent coffee spots. An experience I highly recommend to anyone who is feeling the inner calling to do good, have a fun trip abroad and learn so much along the way!

Our family had an incredible experience during our one-week volunteer project with Maximo Nivel. My three children attend a bilingual school (English/Spanish) in California, and I wanted to trade traditional classroom lessons for an authentic work opportunity. ​It was a full family effort: my 13-year-old twin daughters served as teacher assistants in 2nd grade, my 15-year-old son assisted in 4th grade, and I worked with the 5th grade. A highlight of the trip was on the fourth day, when I stepped in as a substitute teacher so the lead teacher could attend a doctor’s appointment. I taught Communication, English, Math, and Literature & Culture to a bright class of 27 students. ​If you are an intermediate or advanced Spanish speaker looking to challenge yourself and your children while being of service to Guatemala, I highly recommend Maximo Nivel.

.................................................................................... أنا حقا أحب طبخ