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VOLUNTEER
TEACHING ENGLISH

EDUCATION VOLUNTEER PROJECTS ABROAD

The public education systems in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru do not offer high quality ESL classes (English as a Second Language). Speaking English is a life-changing skill for people in developing countries, because the language opens both academic and professional opportunities, and provides a path out of poverty. Most middle and upper class students learn English at private language centers, which unfortunately are too expensive for a large part of the population. This creates an unfair gap between those who can afford English and those who can not.

Maximo Nivel’s teaching English projects help both kids and adults improve their English skills, while giving international volunteers lots of opportunity to hone your teaching skills.

As a teaching English volunteer, you can help make real impact in people’s lives in Latin America! As part of your in-country orientation, every teaching English volunteer takes part in Maximo Nivel’s ESL Crash Course. This is an introductory course to ESL teaching techniques and strategies to help you be effective in the classroom. Maximo Nivel also has a full academic team in each country to help support you with lesson plan ideas, materials, and books to get you started.

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– At least 16 years of age
– Participants under 16 are welcome when there is a faculty leader, parent, or guardian present
– Native English speaker or qualified via Maximo Nivel’s English placement exam
– Attend ESL Crash Course before beginning project
– Work independently to create lesson plans
– Able to be creative with limited resources
– Hard working, ready to do anything!
– Positive mindset
– Background check is required for all volunteers working with children

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Work Schedule

– Minimum 1 week; we recommend 2 weeks or longer
– 3-4 hours/day of volunteer work, Monday through Friday
– Work hours are morning, afternoon, or evening depending on project
– Projects may be walking distance or require public transportation

WHAT TO EXPECT

– Airport pick-up
– Host family accommodations (shared room)
– Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
– 3-4 hours/day practical work, Monday-Friday
– Official certificate of volunteer service
– Letter of recommendation
– Emergency contact number 24/7

AND MUCH MORE!

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Antigua
Guatemala		 Cusco
Peru		 San Jose
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
1 week $735 $735 $845 –
2 weeks $995 $995 $1,145 $1,245
3 weeks $1,195 $1,195 $1,445 $1,545
4 weeks $1,395 $1,395 $1,715 $1,815
Additional Week $185 $185 $195 $195

Why I Maximo Nivel

Máximo Nivel is an amazing option for anyone wanting to travel with a purpose. I wanted to give back to a community I love while also being able to enjoy the beautiful coast of Costa Rica and over the past 7 weeks I’ve been able to do just that! My first few days I was beyond nervous and felt unprepared to teach English, but the staff at Maximo accompanied me and helped me create lesson plans until I was confident enough in myself as a teacher. Not to mention that the students are always eager to learn and appreciate all the help they can get! Also, if you have the option to live with a host family, do it! This experience wouldn’t be the same without my host mom and my roommates. You get to practice your Spanish and make lifelong friends. I wouldn’t trade my time here for the world!

Lauren S.
Volunteer Teaching English

WHAT WILL YOU DO AS AN
ENGLISH TEACHER VOLUNTEER?

Maximo Nivel’s teaching English projects serve underprivileged schools and communities—people who want to learn English, but who do not have the financial means to do so. International volunteers work in a variety of settings including public schools, community centers, after school programs, shelters for street children, and other educational programs for the poor.

Work varies at these projects, but generally consists of creating lesson plans, teaching classes, one-on-one tutoring, and organizing educational games and activities. You may also work in support activities such as cleaning and fixing up the teaching areas, fundraising and collecting donations of books and other educational materials. Classes are taught in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings and you should be flexible to the needs of your project.

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VOLUNTEER TEACHING
IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is a top tourist destination and tourism accounts for 11% of the country’s employment. People without English language skills are at an incredible disadvantage economically and in their careers. Many people dream of learning English to advance their academic and financial standing.

As an international volunteer, you help make that dream become a reality. Your teaching English placements in Costa Rica may be in underprivileged schools, after school programs, or communities centers. Teaching English programs work with both kids and adults.

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Volunteer Teaching in Costa Rica
Volunteer Teaching in Guatemala

VOLUNTEER TEACHING
IN GUATEMALA

Developing English language skills is one of the best ways for Guatemalans to participate in the country’s economic success and improve their access to academic opportunities.

As an international volunteer you are placed in government-run schools, after school programs, and community centers around the city of Antigua. There is also a very special project teaching at the local fire rescue station. Your teaching English project helps plant the seeds of language, which then blossom little by little every day, creating a much brighter future in the lives of young people and developing communities.

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VOLUNTEER TEACHING
IN PERU

Most people in Peru lack the financial resources to pay for English classes. Tourism and business are important paths for career development and financial success, but they also require the ability to speak in English.

As an international volunteer, you teach English in after school programs, community centers, or at a local military facility. Your volunteer work helps to equip kids, teens, and adults with the tools they need to communicate in English and to take advantage of professional and academic opportunities that are only accessible with strong English skills.

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Volunteer Teaching in Peru
Certifications to Teach English Abroad

TAKE YOUR ENGLISH TEACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

BECOME A CERTIFIED ESL TEACHER

They say “all those who wander are not lost” and this is especially true if you are certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Do you love teaching English? Do you want your experience abroad to continue? Do you want to travel, teach, earn money, and build your international résumé? Maximo Nivel’s TEFL Certification Program is your ticket to living and working abroad. The TEFL program is a professional, accredited, teaching certification that qualifies you to teach English anywhere in the world.

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WHY VOLUNTEER WITH
MAXIMO NIVEL?

Maximo Nivel has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our volunteer program fees are affordable and transparent.

  • New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
  • Professional Field Managers
  • Volunteer programs available from 1-52 weeks
  • All-inclusive—accommodations, meals, and many extras
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Academic credit available
  • No Registration or processing fees
  • All-inclusive program fees from $735
  • 10-Year Payment Guarantee
Volunteer Abroad Video

We bring structure and organization to your volunteer program, and we match you with the best project according to your personal goals and the positive impact you want to have. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!

Academic Credit for Volunteering Abroad

EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT

FOR VOLUNTEER ABROAD & SERVICE LEARNING

Maximo Nivel is one of the few organizations in the world to offer academic credit for volunteer abroad and service learning programs. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!

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