TEFL Certification with Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica

I finished my TEFL course at maximo Nivel in Manuel Antonio two weeks ago and have only positive things to say about the entire program.

Firstly, my housing situation was wonderful. I did the host family option and was set up in an awesome lady’s house. She was lovely and was also a professional chef who ran cooking classes at the school so every meal she made was absolutely delicious. The house was very clean and just a short walk away from the bus stop which took me right outside the institute. My “host mom,” as we call it, demonstrated such patience with me as I came to Costa Rica speaking no English at all. She cleaned the house very often and she was always lenient when I would have to have breakfast/ dinner at a different time due to schooling conflicts.

Next up, the institute itself has the most beautiful scenery and view that I have ever seen at a school. Learning in an environment like this manages to keep the students motivated even when the course got very stressful and difficult. It was also right next door to some awesome cheap places to get food during the day. I probably ate at the 1000 colones pizza place right next door at least 20 times during my one month course. The open concept layout created such a warm and welcoming environment and made the work not seem like work at all. The many dogs that would be constantly walking around the institute was an awesome bonus.

It was incredible having such awesome workers in the school who were constantly checking in to make sure we were doing well and had everything we needed to be successful. Karen, DJ, and Valeria were some of the kindest people I’ve met so far in Costa Rica and that is saying a lot considering how friendly everyone is here. I felt extremely supported by the staff here and they helped me with everything I needed.

Starting this program as a 20 year old, I was extremely nervous to come as I thought I wouldn’t be able to connect with my classmates because of the age differences. That is honestly hilarious to think about that now because this group has become my second family. There is a 30 year age gap between me and the oldest person in the class, but I created such a deep and special bond with each and every one of my classmates, many of who I know I’ll be friends with for life. I’m currently travelling through South America with two of my friends that I made in the class. I seriously could not have asked for a better group of people to spend every moment of this month with. We laughed together, struggled together, partied together, and I watched every single person turn into a wonderful ESL teacher in such a short time period. My advice to anyone debating getting TEFL certified with maximo… you’re never too young, and you’re never too old to do this program. Everyone shares the same goal and you’ll all come out as best friends in the end.

The last and most important person I would like to discuss is my incredible TEFL trainer, Jackie. Jackie finds a way to keep 11 adults motivated and engaged in a classroom for 7 hours a day when the sunny, beautiful beach is just minutes away. She is kind, caring, sweet, intelligent, motivating, fun, hardworking, passionate, committed, and every other adjective that describes a perfect teacher. She teaches in the same way that she teaches us to teach in our ESL classrooms, so we’re constantly engaged to good habits and she managed to turn us all into teachers in one month. She is certainly loud and intense at times, but it is always in the best interest of her students. She truly cares about us so much and created a very warm and friendly environment for us all to grow as friends, as teachers, and as people overall. Anyone who has the privilege of getting TEFL certified from Jackie is in for a real treat.

Thank you for everything Maximo🎉🎉🎉

Just recently graduated from Maximo Manuel Antonio, and had such an incredible experience! Felt so lucky to have met such an amazing group of like-minded people doing the course, which I felt really added to the experience. The course itself was a lot more challenging than I'd initially thought, but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and made it all the more fulfilling to graduate! The school has an incredible view, which I never got tired of. The staff were super friendly and helpful - and our TEFL Trainer Jackie was insane, couldn't have done the course without her patience, guidance and constant encouragement, her can-do attitude got us all through it 100% :)

I had a phenomenal experience in the TEFL course at Máximo Nivel. Jackie was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. She cared deeply for her students and about the material. She made class extremely interesting in a way that kept students engaged and gain a deeper understanding. I feel prepared to teach after the practical teaching and constant feedback from this course. It was an excellent launching pad into a new country and culture. Great service in assisting with airport pick up, extra nights with early arrival and assistance with bus to and from San Jose.

My experience with living in Costa Rica was one that I will never forget. I ate delicious food and stayed with an amazing host family. Participating in the TEFL Program at Manuel Antonio was great, too. I met wonderful people, who I now consider lifelong friends, and learned new techniques for teaching English. My trainer, Jackie, made sure we stayed on top of our work and did our best when it came time to teach our lessons. The staff at Maximo Nivel welcomed me and were supportive throughout my program. Thank you for a memorable experience!

This was an amazing program; you do not need to have a background in education/teaching to take the TEFL program at Maximo Nivel. I completed 4 weeks of intense studying, teaching locals and learning different methods to become an effective teacher. The course is for all learners and the TEFL trainer in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was amazing. (She knows what she’s doing) My experience is unforgettable and positive. I had amazing classmates and the staff at Maximo Nivel was extremely helpful when I was in need. I recommend this program to anyone who wants another skill in education or a career change.

I truly cannot recommend this program enough. I went in with high expectations and yet all my expectations were exceeded. From the gorgeous scenery and wildlife to the hearts of the staff, I was impressed. Everyone was helpful, supportive and easy to work with. The class itself was engaging and rigorous. I learned more than I could have ever anticipated. Between our instructor and the practical teaching experience, I feel prepared for my job as a TEFL teacher. And, yes, I was able to secure a job before graduating.

I was part of the TEFL Hybrid program, so I completed my first 2 weeks of the program online, and joined the rest of the group in Costa Rica foe weeks 3 & 4. It takes organization, dedication, self motivation, and communication to successfully complete the online portion. You do have a trainer available to help you and grade you/give you feedback, but it does require a lot of self discipline as well. Once you're with your onsite classmates, trainer, and students, the real fun begins! Everything you have read about, learned, and continue to learn, will be put in action! It's challenging indeed, but the support from classmates, trainers, support staff, community, even the students themselves are so supportive and dedicated...it's just a magical experience that I DEFINITELY do not regret!! My experience came with additional personal challenges that I faced during the program, and still I do not regret it. In fact, I would do it all over again the same exact way. Obtaining my TEFL Certification from Maximo Nivel-Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. You can do it too! Pura Vida!!

Doing this program was the best idea I had in all my six months abroad.
The work is rigorous but it definitely prepares you for a career as a teacher. In four weeks you are given the absolute best in terms of materials and knowledge needed to become an ESL teacher. I grew in ways I never could have imagined that I would and ways I definitely needed to. The coursework is not difficult, it is just fast paced and rigorous. This is not a program for those that are not motivated. Trainer Jackie is a true gift to the program and I could not have survived without her.