Maximo Nivel

From the start of my trip to the end, I have had a great experience with Maximo staff. It was very easy to apply, go through the process and plan my trip. I also felt like I had support as soon as I arrived. All of the staff is very friendly and fun, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. I also had a fabulous time staying with my family. I tried local Guatemalan food and learned about their lives here in Antigua. At the school (volunteering), it was a great experience learning how to work with students with special needs while also practicing my Spanish. I really enjoyed my experience with Maximo and would love to come back sometime.

-I volunteered near Antigua for a week teaching English to 6-12 year olds and teenagers. I was paired with another volunteer, so we co-taught and planned lessons together. Máximo Nivel provided great support for us, including orientation, accompanying us to the project on the first day, and giving us a brief TEFL crash course. The staff were always open to our questions. I loved living in a homestay with a few other volunteers and Spanish Immersion students. It was very easy to communicate with the hosts or Máximo if there was anything I needed. -For teaching, we were given some tips on what our specific classes and others had done previously, but it was really up to us to plan each lesson from scratch. I enjoyed having that freedom. Plus, there were books and other education materials available at the Máximo office that we could use. -I highly recommend staying for longer than a week if you can. You'll miss your students! -I also recommend signing up of any Spanish classes, cooking/dance classes, "Tandems" (conversation-based language exchanges with community members learning English), or any opportunities that are available. They really helped me take advantage of the whole experience and meet new people.

Maximo Nivel has been amazing & I can’t recommend them more!! I loved my project & the kids I got to work with! Maximo is so flexible and really works with you to make your experience fun and fulfilling. I can’t wait to go on another trip with them!

This was my first trip to Guatemala and first time volunteering with Maximo Nivel. I was a medical volunteer for one week. It was a great volunteer trip. Everything was organized so well. It was one of the best volunteer trips I have ever done. Great support and everyone made me feel welcome. Special thanks to Jorge, who was amazing! He help me so much and made me feel so welcome. He is a true asset. The best Thanks

This place was incredible, the people, the culture, the energy of it all makes you feel like you were meant to be here. Experiencing this different side of healthcare was eye opening and will allow me to take it back home with me and be more humbled. The way they appreciate everything and anything and you can come make the smallest difference is an experience in itself. It’s truly an amazing experience to be able to be in such a beautiful country and dive right into the culture. Máximo did great in making my homestay wonderful with great individuals and friend for a life time!

Although we were short on volunteers a few of the weeks I was here, the project was a wonderful experience. During my time, I worked on painting the walls of a primary school, which although perhaps unexpected, was a wonderful way to interact with students while still being able to improve the infastructure. However, I will say that the projects vary heavily and that you never quite know what you might get when joining.