• Quality Education

Teaching English to Vulnerable Communities

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Help students that come from low-income families.
  • Create educational lesson plans and prepare comprehensive materials.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Empower local students! Develop engaging lesson plans and materials to boost their English skills. ️

Volunteer English teachers are placed at projects in impoverished communities where students come from low-income families and cannot afford to study at private institutes. Most students are children (of all ages), however we occasionally have placements with projects that teach to adults. Typically ...

About the program

Volunteer English teachers are placed at projects in impoverished communities where students come from low-income families and cannot afford to study at private institutes. Most students are children (of all ages), however we occasionally have placements with projects that teach to adults. Typically classes are held in small community centers, public schools, or churches.

As volunteer teachers, participants have the opportunity to:

  • Create lesson plans or prepare materials in advance
  • Engage in games and cultural activities with students
  • Provide general support for all activities on site

Please note that you do not necessarily teach in front of large classes or in formal classroom settings. Often, teaching is done in one-on-one format or in small groups. If you are asked to teach at a school, you may be assisting a non-native English teacher with their lessons.

You should expect your teaching English project to feel disorganized, understaffed, and underfunded. In fact, this is why they need volunteers! During the orientation before volunteers join your project, Maximo Nivel provides them with materials, books, lesson ideas, and a brief crash course in teaching English to get them started.

Volunteers are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at the project every day.

Our projects are located in the Antigua area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from your project. Travel time varies widely from project to project, and volunteers should expect to spend 20-60 minutes traveling each way. Taxis are also widely available. On the first day at the project, volunteers travel on local transport with a Maximo Nivel representative who provides all the necessary information on how to get there and back.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Free-time activities

There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more ...

Free-time activities

There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more to explore including nearby coffee farms, volcanoes, and both Mayan and colonial ruins. Further outside the area, participants can visit beautiful Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the famous Tikal archaeological site. Our staff are experts on Guatemala and can answer any questions clients have. Tours and trips can also easily be booked through our on-site travel partner.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Maximo Nivel

Our fees include:

- Airport pick-up
- Host family accommodations (shared room with breakfast and dinner)
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Emergency contact number 24/7
- Program management
- Free Tandem Conversation Program
- Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
- Free social activities
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

Airport pick up in Guatemala City is included. Volunteers find our representative outside the airport bringing a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

Accommodation

Volunteers stay in a traditional family-stay where you they are placed with a pre-approved middle class Guatemalan family. Breakfast and dinner are included in their home stay.

Food & Beverages

Volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner) 7 days a week.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Every Monday, all year round. 
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,287€
5 weeks 1,461€
6 weeks 1,635€
7 weeks 1,809€
8 weeks 1,983€
9 weeks 2,157€
10 weeks 2,331€
11 weeks 2,505€
12 weeks 2,679€
13 weeks 2,853€
14 weeks 3,027€
15 weeks 3,201€
16 weeks 3,375€
17 weeks 3,549€
18 weeks 3,723€
19 weeks 3,897€
20 weeks 4,071€
21 weeks 4,245€
22 weeks 4,419€
23 weeks 4,593€
24 weeks 4,767€
25 weeks 4,941€
26 weeks 5,115€
27 weeks 5,289€
28 weeks 5,463€
29 weeks 5,637€
30 weeks 5,811€
31 weeks 5,985€
32 weeks 6,159€
33 weeks 6,333€
34 weeks 6,507€
35 weeks 6,681€
36 weeks 6,855€
37 weeks 7,028€
38 weeks 7,202€
39 weeks 7,376€
40 weeks 7,550€
41 weeks 7,724€
42 weeks 7,898€
43 weeks 8,072€
44 weeks 8,246€
45 weeks 8,420€
46 weeks 8,594€
47 weeks 8,768€
48 weeks 8,942€
49 weeks 9,116€
50 weeks (max. stay) 9,290€
Average fees 254€/week

Program fees

254€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Maximo Nivel

Brilliant 4.7 rating (110 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Georgie

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

Maximo Nivel offers Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

Meet your organization

Who we are? 

Maximo Nivel is a family-owned organization that has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, where we also own and operate 4 intercultural centers in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica.

What we do? 

We offer a wide range of work-study-travel programs, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Gap Year, Spanish Immersion, Adventure & Culture, and more! 

Where we work? 

Maximo Nivel’s work-study-travel programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San José, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala and in the Amazon Jungle and Sacred Valley of Peru. 

Our mission/vision: 

Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

Our goals: 

  • Deliver high-quality, safe, affordable programs 
  • Provide the best Spanish language immersion in all of Latin America 
  • Improve impact at every volunteer project site where we work 
  • Train and certify world-class ESL teachers 
  • Organize excellent internships and other opportunities for international work experience 
  • Help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.

Who are we looking for? 

Adventurous people who are passionate about travel, culture, languages, and helping others.

Why choose us? 

Maximo Nivel's program fees are affordable and transparent. We pride ourselves on providing great client service!

110 reviews · rating4.7

Wolfgang Oberauer rating5

2024 at Construction and Renovation Assistant

I had the most amazing experience as part of this volunteering programme. Maximo Nivel was great in taking me feel looked after. My hist family was always there for me, kept my room clean, cooked for me and were super reliable. A great benefit was also the Spanish classes which really uplevelled my ...
Martina Gut rating4.4

2024 at Support Local Healthcare

Fue una linda experiencia para mí y me quedé satisfecha de toda manera. La primera semana estaba en un asilo de ancianos y las próximas semanas en un colegio para niños discapacitados, siempre con gente muy amable. En los fines de semana siempre hice excursiones fabulosas como montaña de siete ...
Aisha Rahman rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Observing the hatching of baby sea turtles in Costa Rica was an unparalleled experience. Everyone made me feel welcome and supported. It was great to be able to explore Tamarindo and other beach towns during the weekends and I met so many great people I still keep in touch today. Thank you for the ...
Daniel White rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Experiencing an arribada in Costa Rica was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thousands of turtles arriving simultaneously to lay their eggs was a remarkable sight to behold. As a volunteer, I felt privileged to contribute to the conservation of these endangered ...
Kathleen Nordstrom rating5

2023 at Community Childcare Supporter

I would recommend Máximo Nivel a million times over. The warm, engaging staff and volunteer/student community make you feel welcome from the moment you step in the door, and I met several lifelong friends. There are lots of opportunities to explore, including around the city and the country as a ...
Javier Jiménez rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

The project that I was in was the turtle conservation in Junquillal and it was for 3 months. I didn't know what to expect at all but I fell in love with the little town and the wonderful locals that were so loving and caring towards me. When we had to release the baby turtles into the wild I really ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Guatemala > Antigua

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  English Teaching in Guatemala
Contact Georgie
  Very high response rate
English, Spanish

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