I am Isabelle, a 53-year-old woman who just retired after 34 years of service in the Canadian Army. I grew up in a French-speaking family and learned English as part of my job. Some 20 years ago, when I became bilingual, I realized the advantages you gain from speaking more than one language, and this is when my quest to learn another language started. I chose Spanish as my third language because of its similarities to French, but also because it is the main language in Central and South America, where I am planning to travel in the next few years.
I stumbled across the programs offered by Maximo Nivel through a simple web search. I loved that it offered me the opportunity to learn Spanish both inside and outside the classroom. The host family concept really keeps you accountable for continuing your practice when you are not in class.
I wanted to have more time to assimilate what I was learning during classes, and I love to socialize, so the 4 hours/day group classes were appealing to me. The placement exam was a little tricky as it hardly differentiates between true beginners and advanced beginners, but being placed in a basic class provided me with a good review of the fundamentals. I must admit that I would not have been happy with a total beginner class if I had stayed there for only a week. However, since I was there for a total of four weeks, I had plenty of time to progress at a good rhythm. The international staff at the school were always very attentive to my needs and, in the end, I took a combination of group and private classes to maximize my learning.
I believe that the best part of the Maximo Nivel Spanish immersion program is the opportunity for social interaction outside the classroom. From salsa classes to Tandem conversations, I found that this was the best way to put into practice what I had learned in class. I made a great friend through the Tandem program (where Spanish learners are matched up with locals who want to learn English). Kary—my tandem friend—and I ended up spending a lot of time together, having coffee and lunch, and walking around beautiful Cusco. She helped me discover local markets, and I brought her to a local production theater put on by a children’s orphanage.
I had two different teachers during my four weeks of classes, Rocio and Vilma; they were both extraordinary. They love their job, and you can tell. They were patient and would do everything they could to make me understand the intricacies of Spanish. Learning a new language truly has its ups and downs. Some days I felt like I was improving so much, and other days I felt like it was useless and that I should just be happy that I can already speak two languages. Looking back, I know that I have improved my Spanish a lot. I only realized that I had made great progress once I returned home and continued practicing with Duolingo. For the first time since getting the app, I felt like I understood the “why” behind the sentence structures.
Going to Cusco helped me accomplish two bucket list items: Improving my Spanish and going to Machu Picchu! Maximo Nivel partnered with American Inca Trail, a travel agency that offers amazing pre-made or custom trips. We booked through them for three trips (Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley & Rainbow Mountain); we loved every minute of it. The sales staff are really knowledgeable, and their packages really remove any stress related to planning a trip in a foreign country. I wish I had more time to explore Peru after my four weeks of immersion—alas, all good things must come to an end!
I am totally considering studying with Maximo Nivel again—probably in Guatemala next time. Cusco is amazing, you get a lot of value for your money, and the locals are beyond amazing. However, the altitude is hard to adjust to, so keep that in mind and be prepared to take it really slow during your first week.
To anyone considering Spanish immersion with Maximo Nivel, I would recommend signing up for the Tandem program during your first week; it will enable you to quickly practice your new skills in real-life situations. I would also recommend signing up for as many activities as possible, especially the ones involving locals.