Live, Work, and Volunteer in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru

  Costa Rica

• Other Cities in Costa Rica: 
Rural Areas
• San Jose: 
San Jose

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Trujillo,  Arequipa,  Puerto Maldonado,  Urubamba,  Iquitos

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs start every Monday

Description: Maximo Nivel offers volunteer and internship projects in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. These projects provide the unique opportunity to live and work in Latin America while experiencing the countries' rich cultural diversity and building your proficiency in Spanish. Through the various project opportunities you are able to make a contribution to global society while at the same time bettering yourself.

The majority of our volunteer and internship projects take place in Cusco, Peru, San Jose, Costa Rica, and La Antigua, Guatemala. However, we also offer volunteer and internship projects in other areas and cities including: the Sacred Valley and Puerto Maldonado (Peru), the Pacific and Caribbean coastal areas (Costa Rica), and Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango (Guatemala).

Projects offer opportunities for international travelers and students to help out, develop skills and even undertake in-depth study of a particular area in an international setting. Volunteer and internship opportunities include:

- Orphanages/Childcare
- Medical/Health care
- Environment & Conservation
- Teaching English
- Construction
- Not-for-profit/NGOs
- Social issues (Poverty, religion, etc.)
- International Business and Tourism

During your project, you will engage in daily activities working under the supervision of a local manager and Maximo Nivel's country coordinator. You will receive a full orientation and be fully supported by the Maximo Nivel staff. However, it is important to remember, that ultimately the success of your project depends on you and what you make of it. We strongly encourage you to be outgoing and "ready to pitch in" in a busy environment with a lack of funds this will go a long way to ensure you are as deeply involved as you want to be.

Highlights: Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru offer environments that are simultaneously beautiful and challenging for foreign visitors.

Costa Rica literally means 'the rich coast', and it is indeed a tropical paradise. Pristine rainforests lead to white sand beaches, and the "pura vida" (pure life) pace of life is relaxed. Costa Rica is a great place to begin your adventure, because it's a well known launching point for people planning on traveling through Latin America.

Peru was the center of the Inca civilization, but it has more to offer travelers than just Machu picchu. The Amazon River runs through the jungles to the east, the peaks of the Andes run the length of the country, and both offer travelers excellent opportunities for adventure and cultural travel in Peru. Peru is also home to undiscovered beaches on its north Pacific coast that rival anything Central America or the Caribbean have to offer.

Guatemala is known for its Mayan roots and vibrant culture, which makes it a great place for adventure and language travel. Timeless architecture, archeological ruins, and volcanoes looming overhead. The Mayan ruins of Tikal are to the north, Lake Atitilan and its small Mayan pueblos are to the south, and the Pacific coast beaches are to the west. Trek up live volcanos Volcan Pacaya, Volcan Agua, Volcan Acatenango, or Volcan Fuegoor settle back and feel the vibe in La Antigua.

Qualifications: The only projects which require special qualifications are medical/healthcare projects. Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, and other healthcare professionals must provide notarized copies of their licenses. Third Year Medical students are welcome to join us on most healthcare projects, but we need notarized copies of the transcripts.

The volunteer experience is a commitment that includes a willingness to overcome challenges of various sorts. In cases where volunteers are experiencing difficulties, we strongly encourage creative and collaborative solutions. If you are put in an uncomfortable position, every effort will be made to accommodate you, but it is also important that volunteers remain flexible and understanding. Open-mindedness and patience will go a long way toward ensuring an enjoyable volunteer experience.

Cost in US$: Please contact us for more information.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Maximo Nivel's Mission Statement: Maximo Nivel (Maximum Level) offers international study/work experiences, intensive language studies, volunteer programs, and teacher training in Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala and the United States. Whether you're interested in volunteering, improving your Spanish, or becoming a certified English teacher our programs are recognized worldwide. We offer comprehensive training, and a professional and fun environment. We have years of experience helping people realize their dreams of working and living internationally. Maximo Nivel is deeply committed to offering quality, client service, and first-class facilities, so your experience with us is nothing short of excellent.

Year Founded: 2003