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UNIVERSITY SPANISH
COURSES

EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR COLLEGE

Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses are available in Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Winter Term, and Summer Term, according to our academic calendar. University Spanish programs are also available on an open enrollment basis and new courses begin every Monday, year-round. University courses are offered in short-term, semester, quarter, and summer term formats, ranging from 3-14 weeks. University students can study part-time or full-time.

Maximo Nivel has a variety of university courses to meet students’ Spanish learning objectives. 100 to 400 level courses are available in small group classes and 1-on-1 private classes. Medical Spanish, Spanish for Business, remedial tutoring, and other Spanish programs for specific purposes are offered on as needed basis.

Academic credit is available for Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses through our official School of Record. The School of Record has approved our courses for equivalency and validated the programs for U.S. higher education credit. The School of Record provides enrolled students with an academic transcript and credits are eligible for transfer into any 4-year university in the United States. Alternatively, we work directly with your home university to help you get credit for your Spanish course. Academic credits can be used to fulfill major, minor or elective requirements.

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Antigua, Guatemala
The main building at Maximo Nivel-Guatemala is a peaceful home base in the heart of Antigua. It is a beautifully restored colonial building with 22 classrooms and a central garden and fountain for students to enjoy. The indoor/outdoor campus has lots of common areas, WiFi, computer lab, and snack bar.

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Cusco, Peru
The Maximo Nivel-Peru institute is a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and the best cultural sites and nightlife. The school and campus sit right in the historical center just across the street from Q’oricancha—the Inca Temple of the Sun. The campus has 4 floors, 23 classrooms, lots of common areas, WiFi, computer lab, and snack bar.

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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio is an open-air institute overlooking the clear, blue waters of the Pacific coast. Spanish students study amidst Costa Rica’s rainforest and white sand beaches. Escape to the beach right after class! The open-air campus has 15 classrooms, a beautiful terrace and lots of other common areas, WiFi, computer lab, and snack bar.

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San Jose, Costa Rica
Maximo Nivel is located in San Pedro, the university district of San Jose. The neighborhood offers a great student vibe, lots of restaurants, gyms, and malls, as well as great nightlife. The campus is only 10-minutes from downtown! The institute has 15 classrooms, lots of indoor/outdoor common areas, WiFi, computer lab, and snack bar.

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Not ready to take it easy just yet? Outside of class, Maximo Nivel provides lots of opportunities for you to use your rapidly-improving Spanish. Join our volunteer abroad or international internship programs and put your Spanish to work out in the field. Partner-up with a local English learner in our Tandem Conversation Program. If you are looking to stay awhile and would like to pursue professional career opportunities abroad, take our TEFL Certification course and teach and travel your way around the world! You can also study from home, before you join us or after you leave, using our Online Spanish classes.

Great Ideas Outside of Class

– Visit the sanctuary-city of Machu Picchu (Peru)
– Visit the majestic Arenal Volcano (Costa Rica)
– Visit the hidden Mayan city of Tikal (Guatemala)
– Explore sandy beaches and soak up the sun (Costa Rica & Guatemala)
– Go whitewater rafting on class III, IV, and V rapids (Costa Rica & Peru)
– Fly over the forest on an amazing zipline (Costa Rica & Guatemala)
– Learn to surf the waves at surf school (Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru)
– Get Scuba certified and discover a new world beneath the sea (Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru)
…and much more with the Adventure & Culture programs

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Small Group Classes (2 hours/day)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $70 $75 $215 $235
2 Weeks $140 $150 $430 $470
3 Weeks $210 $225 $645 $705
4 Weeks $275 $295 $840 $920
Extra Week $65 $70 $195 $215
Small Group Classes (4 hours/day)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $140 $150 $430 $470
2 Weeks $280 $300 $860 $940
3 Weeks $420 $450 $1,290 $1,410
4 Weeks $550 $590 $1,680 $1,840
Extra Week $130 $140 $390 $430
Private Classes (1 hour/day)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $70 $75 $215 $235
2 Weeks $140 $150 $430 $470
3 Weeks $210 $225 $645 $705
4 Weeks $275 $295 $840 $920
Extra Week $65 $70 $195 $215
Private Classes (2 hours/day)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $140 $150 $430 $470
2 Weeks $280 $300 $860 $940
3 Weeks $420 $450 $1,290 $1,410
4 Weeks $550 $590 $1,670 $1,830
Extra Week $130 $140 $390 $430
Private Classes (4 hours/day)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $275 $295 $725 $795
2 Weeks $550 $590 $1,450 $1,590
3 Weeks $825 $885 $2,175 $2,385
4 Weeks $995 $1,095 $2,595 $2,995
Extra Week $195 $225 $595 $695
Super Intensive (4 hours group + 2 hours private)
Antigua,
Guatemala		 Cusco,
Peru		 San Jose,
Costa Rica		 Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica
1 Week $275 $295 $725 $795
2 Weeks $550 $590 $1,450 $1,590
3 Weeks $825 $885 $2,175 $2,385
4 Weeks $995 $1,095 $2,595 $2,995
Extra Week $195 $225 $595 $695

University students receive an official academic transcript for the number of credit hours completed. We strongly recommended that you check with your home institution with regards transferring credits. Non-university students will receive a certificate of completion stating their performance on the course and the number of hours completed. University programs require a $100 non-refundable registration fee.

Open Enrollment Programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru

PROGRAM PROGRAM FEE TERM CREDITS
Spanish Studies Spanish Program fee
+ $165/credit hour		 Year-round 3 – 12 credits

For accommodation options during your Spanish immersion program click here

Why I Maximo Nivel

I stayed in Cusco, Peru for 6 weeks. I did 4 weeks of Spanish classes through Maximo Nivel and traveled throughout Peru. I LOVED every part-the homestay, the classes, teachers, school, and all the facilities. The school is super helpful in any recommendations and safety tips, and the travel agency they work closely with enhanced the stay!

Caitlyn B.
100 Level Spanish University Courses

100 LEVEL COURSES

“BASIC SPANISH”

SPA 101 – Elementary Spanish I

Spanish 101 is a first-level language course designed for students who have not previously studied Spanish or those with a low-basic level. The course creates a foundation in grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills, with additional exercises in reading, writing, and listening while exploring Latin American culture. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish.

Spanish 102 is a continuation of Spanish 101. Students at this level have a very basic working knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language. The course builds upon the elementary grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills learned in Spanish 101. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish.

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200 LEVEL COURSES

“INTERMEDIATE SPANISH”

SPA 201 – Intermediate Spanish I

Spanish 201 is an intermediate level Spanish course. The course reviews the fundamentals of Spanish grammar as well as introduces new grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish and the development of reading, writing, and listening skills.

Spanish 202 is a continuation of Spanish 201. Students at this level have a pre-intermediate to intermediate working knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language. The course builds upon the grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills learned in Spanish 201. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish and the development of reading, writing, and listening skills.

The purpose of the Spanish Service Learning course is to foster a sense of civic responsibility and community, to expose students to local culture and language, and to create an opportunity for students to broaden their global perspective and identity. Students are placed at local community projects where they help in the everyday work of the project and aid in contributing to the project’s long-term goals. Outside of their volunteer work hours, students reflect on the experience and examine the local culture and society, their home culture and society, themselves, and the role of service learning. Guided reflection takes place through required Reflection Workshops utilizing a combination of observation, writing, reading, and group discussions.

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200 Level Spanish University Courses
300 Level Spanish University Courses

300 LEVEL COURSES

“HIGH INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED”

SPA 301 & 302 – Composition & Conversation I & II

Spanish 301 is designed for the high intermediate to advanced Spanish student. The course focuses on speaking and writing in Spanish. This course incorporates different techniques for speaking and writing: formal/informal, presentational, narrative, descriptive, professional, conversational, etc. The course makes constant use of brainstorming, organizing ideas, drafting and editing, and presenting spoken and written Spanish, which means active class participation is necessary.

Spanish 350: Latin American Literature is designed to introduce students to Latin American writers. Through stories, essays, poetry, music, and theater, students explore political, economic, and cultural aspects of Latin American societies. Students read, discuss, and analyze assigned readings every day and students must actively participate in class. Students are also required to complete daily reading assignments and write their own short stories and poems in Spanish.

Spanish 360: Latin American Civilization & Culture examines the history of Latin America from Pre-Columbian civilizations through the present. It is intended to complement the student’s concurrent immersion experience. Pre-Columbian and colonial periods are analyzed as a historical background for the postcolonial development of Latin America. The course explores economic, political, intellectual and cultural trends throughout history.

Spanish 361: Modern-Day Latin America is designed for the intermediate or advanced Spanish student who already has a foundational understanding of major historical events in Latin America. In this course, students examine regional case studies to increase their understanding of the characteristics of Latin America’s political, economic, and cultural institutions and systems. Students also analyze major modern events and headlines, learning to interpret them within the modern political and cultural contexts.

Spanish 370: Medical Spanish is designed to expand the student’s vocabulary and proficiency in Spanish for healthcare. The course focuses on building medical vocabulary and developing speaking, writing, and presentation skills in Spanish within the context of healthcare and medicine. This includes study and research on various healthcare topics, role-play scenarios, research, significant vocabulary acquisition, and, when possible, guest speakers and visits to local clinics or hospitals.

In Unit 4: Medical Specialties, the instructor tailors discussion of medical specialties to 4 areas that most interest or apply to the students’ area(s) of study (e.g. pediatrics, physical therapy, cardiology, etc.).

Spanish 371: Business Spanish is designed to expand the student’s vocabulary and proficiency in Spanish for business. The course focuses on building business vocabulary and developing speaking, writing, and presentation skills in Spanish within the business context. The course also examines topics on business protocol and etiquette in Latin America and Spain.

Spanish 380: Intercultural Communication focuses on learning about culture through people’s daily practices in order to apply culturally-relevant communication techniques in a practical way. Students develop an understanding of Latin American values in social and linguistic practices as well as common greetings, excuses, and requests. Students are required to participate in the Tandem Conversation Program, and  submit a final reflection paper, comparing their own experiences in Latin America with the theories and techniques discussed in class.

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400 LEVEL COURSES

“ADVANCED SPANISH”

SPA 420 – Advanced Spanish Grammar

Spanish 420: Advanced Grammar is designed for advanced-level Spanish students. In this course, students analyze and practice advanced grammar topics and apply their learning in both speaking and writing contexts. Special attention is paid to idiomatic expressions and colloquial usage. The Avanzando text includes periodical and literary excerpts to present advanced grammar topics and activities.

Spanish 480: Advanced Spanish Conversation is designed for advanced-level Spanish students. This course combines linguistic study with cultural exploration of Latin America, and is intended to accompany the student’s immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country. The emphasis of the course is on conversation and vocabulary acquisition. Other language skills, including grammar, writing, and reading help to provide context for speaking activities. Students also learn common idiomatic expressions, slang, and other conversational features to help them achieve “native-sounding” Spanish.

This course is designed to prepare students for the DELE Exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera). The associated Diplomas earned upon passing the various exam levels are official titles certifying degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, and are granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture & Sport of Spain. The Instituto Cervantes organizes examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams, and is in charge of corrections and the final evaluation of all exams.

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400 Level Spanish University Courses
Tandem Conversation Program

TANDEM CONVERSATION PROGRAM

Maximo Nivel’s Tandem Conversation program is a free, optional language and cultural exchange. As an international Spanish student you are matched up with a local student who is studying English at Maximo Nivel. Conversations are open, informal, and natural—taking the pressure off and allowing you and your tandem partner to bond and help one another move forward in your Spanish and English acquisition. This is a great way to meet new friends, develop your conversation skills, and increase your cultural understanding. The Tandem Program gives all participants unequaled access to the most important resource for learning a language—native speakers!

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WHY LEARN SPANISH WITH
MAXIMO NIVEL?

Maximo Nivel is an internationally-accredited institute of higher learning. Our institutes and campuses provide a very unique experience compared to traditional Spanish schools. Maximo Nivel institutes offer a wide range of study abroad programs including Spanish, Service Learning, Internships, TEFL certification, and University courses. Maximo Nivel is also an active English as a Second Language learning center for local students in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. This means there is always an excellent mix of international and local students that make the institute come alive with language and cultural exchange.

  • Choose from small group or private classes
  • Professionally-certified, native Spanish-speaking instructors
  • Spanish programs available from 3-14 weeks
  • New open-enrollment Spanish courses begin Monday, year-round
  • See Academic Calendar for short-term, semester, and other class formats
  • Tandem Conversation Program
  • Excellent home base institutes and campuses
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • 10-Year Payment Guarantee
Spanish Immersion Video

Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses provide formal Spanish studies along with authentic immersion activities  that take you beyond the classroom. Academic credit is available for courses at the 100-400 levels. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!

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