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COUNTRY JUMPER
SEMESTER ABROAD

PERU | COSTA RICA | GUATEMALA

Maximo Nivel’s Country Jumper Semester Abroad is a unique semester program that combines intensive coursework, language immersion, internships, and service learning across Latin America. Designed as a cohort-based university experience, the program takes students through three to four dynamic 3-week terms in Peru, Costa Rica, and optionally Guatemala.

During each term, students select from university-level content courses, Spanish language courses at multiple proficiency levels, and service-learning projects connected to the local community. Students may also enroll in an internship in their field of study. The program is all-inclusive with housing and meals, and includes two 1-week breaks during the semester for independent travel or optional Adventure & Culture excursions offered by Maximo Nivel.

Maximo Nivel oversees every aspect of the semester experience. Our team of multilingual program advisors and field managers include international and local professionals—we come from a wide variety of backgrounds including education, business, international relations, and science. As experts on Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, the Maximo Nivel team is here to help you every step of the way, and students receive 24/7 support throughout their time abroad.

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Maximo Nivel takes the academic success of our students very seriously. We evaluate each student’s motivation for the program and academic history. This helps to ensure a productive and successful cohort experience.

– At least 18 years of age
– Currently enrolled in a university program
– Spanish language skills are not required
– Hard working, passionate, creative, and resourceful
– Minimum GPA 2.50

The Country Jumper Semester Abroad is open to students from all fields of study.

TERMDATES
Winter Term 2026-202704 January – 15 January
Spring Semester 202701 February – 07 May
Spring Term I01 February – 19 February
Spring Term II01 March – 19 March
Spring Term III22 March – 09 April
Spring Term IV19 April – 07 May
Summer Term 202731 May – 23 July
Summer Term I31 May – 25 June
Summer Term II28 June – 23 July
Fall Semester 202713 September – 17 December
Fall Term I13 September – 01 October
Fall Term II11 October – 29 October
Fall Term III01 November – 19 November
Fall Term IV29 November – 17 December
Winter Term 2027-202803 January – 14 January
Spring Semester 202831 January – 05 May
Spring Term I31 January – 18 February
Spring Term II28 February – 17 March
Spring Term III20 March – 07 April
Spring Term IV17 April – 05 May
FULL ACADEMIC CALENDAR

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ProgramsCusco,
Peru		Manuel Antonio,
Costa Rica		San Jose,
Costa Rica		Antigua,
Guatemala
Fall / Spring Semester
14 Weeks		$8,995
Term I
3 Weeks		$1,995–––
Term II
3 Weeks		–$2,295––
Term III
3 Weeks		––$2,295–
Term IV
3 Weeks		–––$1,995

*Final tuition costs may vary based on personal itinerary. Academic credit through official School of Record requires additional fees of $165/credit hour + $100 program registration.

What’s Included
– Airport pick-up
– Host family accommodations
– Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
– Safety orientation and walking tour
– Letter of recommendation
– Spanish language tutoring table
– Tandem Conversation Program
– WiFi and computer lab
– Salsa dance classes
– Cooking classes
– Free coffee and tea and onsite snack bar
– Campus is open 7 days/week + holidays
– Emergency contact number 24/7

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Why I Maximo Nivel

I studied at Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica for 5 months and it was the best choice I have ever made! I worked alongside nurses and doctors in a retirement home and learned so much! As a nursing student, I felt the medical project really helped me become eager to learn more about healthcare in poverty countries. The staff was beyond helpful and so compassionate, they always made sure I felt at home and never had any questions! Even my host family felt like real family by the end of my trip. I highly recommend Maximo Nivel, they are an outstanding organization.

Isabel R.

Be a Country Jumper!

A unique 14-week academic and cultural immersion experience
in three of the most amazing countries in Latin America

TERM I

3 WEEKS – CUSCO, PERU

Begin your semester in the heart of the Andes. Dive into university coursework and Spanish language studies while experiencing one of South America’s most iconic cultural destinations. Students select from content courses taught in English and Spanish language courses at all levels. Class sessions are 3 hours per day, Monday through Friday.

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Country Jumper Semester Abroad Peru
Country Jumper Semester Abroad Costa Rica

TERM II 

3 WEEKS – MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA

Continue to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Combine academics with adventure—all while living steps from one of the world’s most biodiverse national parks. Students continue with content courses and Spanish language classes in an unforgettable beach and jungle setting.

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TERM III 

3 WEEKS – SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

Move to Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city. San José offers an urban setting ideal for professional growth, cultural immersion, and exploring everything the Central Valley has to offer. Students may continue with content courses and Spanish, or begin an internship or service learning placement.

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Country Jumper Semester Abroad San Jose Costa Rica
Country Jumper Semester Abroad Guatemala

TERM IV 

3 WEEKS – YOUR CHOICE!

Design your final term. Stay in San José, move to Manuel Antonio, head back to Peru, or extend your journey to Antigua, Guatemala. Guatemala is an optional add-on destination. Students may continue with coursework or complete an internship or service learning placement during this final term.

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CONTENT COURSES

University-level content courses are taught in English and provide focused academic study in key areas relevant to Latin America. Each course carries 3 credits. Students select one content course per term.

BUS 301: Entrepreneurship in Latin America

This course focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises in the private sector across Latin America. The course uses a mix of case studies and traditional lectures with a focus on company formation, innovation, social and legal environments, and business planning.

This course presents the foundations of successful marketing in Latin America. Students explore the economic, cultural, and social issues that are unique to marketing in Latin America. The course emphasizes understanding the Latin American marketplace, its potential, opportunities and challenges.

This course introduces students to frameworks for negotiating international business agreements. Students learn to account for complex contexts related to global business and cross-cultural communication. Focus is on the development of the negotiation process, decision-making, and reaching a successful result. The course includes lectures, case studies, and simulations.

This course examines public health systems, policies, and challenges across Latin America. Students explore topics including healthcare access, epidemiology, community health, and the social determinants of health in developing countries. The course emphasizes the intersection of culture, economics, and public health outcomes.

This course develops students’ knowledge of social justice issues in Latin America. The course focuses on indigenous rights, women’s empowerment, LGBTQ rights, as well as environmental issues, in the scope of Latin America’s economy, culture, history, religion, and politics. Students analyze social justice, development, and sustainability alongside both supportive and conflicting societal variables and interests.

Students are introduced to the theory, principles, and practices of sustainability using Latin America as a case study for wider global implications. The course emphasizes sustainable business practices, social justice and responsibility, and environmental impact. Students identify the key characteristics of human and natural systems as they pertain to sustainability and learn how they interact with one another.
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Country Jumper Content Courses
Country Jumper Spanish Language Courses

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES

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.

SPA 105 – Special Topics
SPA 201 – Intermediate Spanish I
SPA 202 – Intermediate Spanish II
SPA 301 – Spanish Composition & Conversation I
SPA 302 – Spanish Composition & Conversation II
SPA 350 – Latin American Literature
SPA 360 – Latin American Civilization & Culture
SPA 361 – Modern Day Latin America
SPA 370 – Medical Spanish
SPA 371 – Business Spanish
SPA 380 – Intercultural Communication
SPA 420 – Advanced Spanish Grammar
SPA 480 – Advanced Spanish Conversation
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INTERNSHIPS & SERVICE LEARNING

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN LATIN AMERICA

Gain hands-on professional experience or give back to local communities through experiential learning programs. Placements are available in fields aligned with your area of study. Students may enroll in an internship or service learning placement during any term of the semester.

Internships offer excellent experiential opportunities to work with small and medium size organizations in developing countries. Students gain international experience in professional areas aligned with their field of study. Internship placements are available in Education, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Rights, Medical, Micro-Business, Special Education, Veterinary, and customized fields. Intermediate Spanish or higher may be required depending on the placement.

Service learning provides unique opportunities to give back to local communities while earning academic credit. Students work with community organizations on projects including construction, teaching English, working with kids, eco-agriculture, indigenous communities, healthcare, and animal care. Required guided reflection workshops are held weekly for all service learning students.
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Country Jumper Semester Abroad Internships and Service Learning
Schools of Records

EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT

UNIVERSITY ABROAD

Academic credit is available for Maximo Nivel’s Study Abroad programs. Our programs can fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!

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