Maximo Nivel > Volunteer Abroad > What to Expect
What to Expect from our Volunteer Programs
Volunteer abroad programs give globally-minded people like you access to international projects that need your help—projects where you can learn to serve and make an impact.
Volunteering abroad is built around short-term programs where people come to learn about the problems and the needs of the world. This is what we call “learning to serve.”
At Maximo Nivel, volunteering is an out-of-classroom learning experience where you work, study, and travel to help benefit a local community and project site. Volunteering abroad pushes you beyond your comfort zone as you take part in a whole new way of living and giving back—it’s a unique experience, both exciting and challenging!
Maximo Nivel is a local organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. We are locally-based and managed here in-country, which means we’re already part of the communities we work with. We partner with other local organizations such as orphanages, clinics, schools, social projects, NGOs, and government agencies. Maximo builds up these local projects by bringing them international volunteers who want to help and give back, and we bring structure, organization, and quality service to the program.
The Maximo Nivel team is multi-lingual, educated, and well-traveled. Our staff in each country is approximately 65% local people and 35% international people. This means, we easily manage the cultural and language barriers that often get in the way, and at the same time we’re familiar with both the local culture and your home country.
Some things to consider before volunteering abroad:
- You are there to help and serve, on their terms, not yours.
- You might feel inadequate at times.
- You may experience culture shock.
- You may be shaken by some people’s living situations.
- The biggest impact is the impact the experience has on you.
A Week in the Life of a Volunteer
Your volunteer work is programmed for the morning shift from 8:00AM to 12:00PM, or the afternoon shift from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Note that times are approximate and vary by project.
We strongly recommend you sign up for Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel—they are discounted for volunteers, and they help you integrate at your project site. Spanish classes are available on the opposite schedule of your volunteer program, so if you’re volunteering in the morning, you will take Spanish classes in the afternoon and vice-versa.
From there, you make your way to Maximo Nivel or directly to your volunteer project. You either have mornings free or afternoons free, and every day you have time to meet other volunteers, socialize, and do some exploring. You can spend some time with your host family, explore the city, take excursions, and hang out at the Maximo institute. Be sure to take advantage of the many free activities we have including salsa classes, cooking lessons, Tandem Conversation Program, and more.
There are plenty of great restaurant options around Maximo Nivel. Be sure to get out and try some of the local dishes and do some looking around.
In the evening, you have dinner with your host family. After dinner, families like to sit and talk about their day and hear about yours—remember, this helps you become more involved in the daily routine of your host family. If you won’t be home until later, or if you’re going out to a restaurant with friends—just let your host family know you’ll not be there for dinner.
At night, your evenings are free to relax at your accommodations or to enjoy the nightlife with friends and other volunteers. You have your own key to the family-stay house and you’re free to come and go as you please. However, we ask you respect the routine and house rules of the family. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly! It’s important to follow the Maximo Nivel safety rules—we want you to have a fun and safe experience abroad.
On your last Friday, make sure you come to Maximo Nivel to check-out, collect your Maximo t-shirt, and leave us your feedback card. Client service is very important to us and we take your feedback very seriously—it helps us improve our programs so that future volunteers continue to have a great experience and make as big an impact as possible.
On your last Saturday, you are welcome to stay at your accommodations until 11:00AM, and breakfast is included. We’re always happy to help organize a lift back to the airport. Please note that airport drop-off is not included in your program fee.
Life at Maximo Nivel
At Maximo Nivel, we have lots of large common areas to hang out and meet up with friends, students, and other volunteers. At the institute, there is free WiFi, a computer lounge, free Spanish tutoring, and free coffee and tea. During your program, you should definitely study Spanish and take part in the free Tandem Conversation Program. Every month we have a calendar of free activities including salsa dance classes, cooking lessons, movie night, and so on.
At every Maximo institute, travel and excursions are easy to arrange through our on-site travel partners.
– MyJ Travel (Costa Rica)
– Old Town Outfitters (Guatemala)
– American Inca Trail (Peru)
Volunteer Philosophy
At Maximo Nivel, we are strongly committed to the projects we work with and we expect the same level of commitment from our volunteers. Being successful in your volunteer abroad experience largely depends on the 8 points below:
Mutual Benefit
You’re here to serve, on their terms, not on yours. Strive to serve and learn at your project. At the same time, you’ll be surprised to see that the biggest impact is usually the impact your volunteer experience has on you.
Cross-Cultural Understanding
Things will look and feel different. That’s part of the experience. Don’t judge. Enjoy the differences.
Absolute Respect
Understand that your project site has probably been functioning for years. Respect their rules and ways of doing things.
Gifts and Donations
Gifts and donations are always nice, but 1) be careful about just giving things to your project, 2) don’t bringing candy to children every day, 2) if you plan to buy something for your project, let us help you find the best place and get the best price.
Process
Integrating at your volunteer project is a process—it usually doesn’t happen overnight. Relax and enjoy the process; work at integrating yourself. Study some Spanish and learn the names of the project staff.
Dedication
Treat your volunteer project professionally. Don’t miss work days; show up on time; call ahead if you’re sick. Work hard and be proactive—you get back what you put into your project.
Project Changes
Project changes are not easy to make, so remember to stay committed and work at integrating at your project. If a change is absolutely necessary, project changes only happen on Mondays and Tuesdays.
24/7 Support
The Maximo Nivel team is available 24/7. Please let us know if something isn’t right or if you need help.
What our Volunteers are saying…
“I had an amazing time volunteering with Maximo Nivel! I had the pleasure of teaching English as my volunteer project. The staff was very helpful and ensured that I had everything I needed to create my daily lesson plan. The program was very structured and I knew going in to it what the expectations were and what I could do to have the most impact on the students. I highly recommend this organization and project to anyone that is looking for an incredible volunteering experience.”
“Thank you so much for such an amazing experience! Between volunteering with nurses, in what appear to be some of Cusco’s highest points, and learning Spanish, I have been able to get some salsa lessons and really experience Peruvian culture here in Cusco! ¡Chao! ”
“My mother, sister and I had the BEST time in Antiqua with Maximo Nivel. I volunteered in a childcare project in San Lucas. Beautiful children, exceptional staff and a blessing of an experience. Thank you to Andrea, Maritza, Wally, Nancy and all for a seamless enjoyable experience.”
“I had a great experience teaching English in San Jose! My host family was fantastic and all of the staff at Maximo are very supportive! I was able to travel with a purpose by helping kids in a wonderful area of Costa Rica where the kids both need and appreciate having classes, while exploring a new place!”
