Live, Work, and Volunteer in Costa Rica and Peru

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Guanacaste

  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 Peru and Costa Rica. These projects provide the unique opportunity to live and work in Peru and/or Costa Rica 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 and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, as well as San Jose and the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. We also offer projects in a number of other cities and regions and usually accommodate special requests from our volunteers.

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:

- Orphanage/Childcare
- Medical/Healthcare
- Environment & Conservation
- International Business
- Teaching English
- Construction
- Social issues (Poverty, AIDS, religion, etc.)

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 and Peru offer environments that are simultaneously beautiful and challenging for foreign visitors.

Peru is one of the world's greatest centers of ancient civilization. Prior to the invasion by the Spanish conquistadors, the country's diverse cultures and civilizations, that culminated in the well-known Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyo), were some of the most advanced in the world, and they left behind one of the richest collections of architecture, metallurgy, ceramics, and textiles known to man.

Of all of the places on earth, Costa Rica is by far one of the most exotic. The country offers unparalleled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism. In addition, Costa Rica has over 1,000 miles of gorgeous white-and-black sand beaches, copious amounts of sunshine, world-class sport fishing, snorkeling and surfing!

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 World Wide 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 Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Maximo Nivel's Mission Statement: Maximo Nivel specializes in intensive language and international-experiential living and work programs. With offices in Costa Rica, Peru, and the United States, we offer some of the most exciting and diverse destinations available. We are committed to providing all of our clients and participants the highest level of service and the strongest language, culture, and adventure programs in the world. We offer the following fully-accredited programs: TEFL/TESOL Certification, Native Spanish Program, and Volunteer & Internship programs.

Year Founded: 2003