Maximo Nivel, San Jose, Costa Rica
The team at Maximo Nivel is composed of dedicated, multilingual professionals available 24/7, reflecting a diverse multicultural background with members from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. All instructors, field managers, and directors hold excellent credentials in their respective fields, including linguistics, culture, travel and hospitality, sociology, biology, business, and emergency management. With expertise across these disciplines, the team is committed to providing personalized service and sharing their knowledge to help every student succeed.
Students at Maximo Nivel in San José come from around the world and represent a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, including university students, gap-year travelers, professionals, and retirees. Many are drawn to Costa Rica's natural beauty and the vibrant energy of the capital, combining Spanish language studies with volunteer work, internships, or eco-tourism adventures. What unites them is a desire for high-quality instruction, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable experience in one of the most exotic places on Earth.
Maximo Nivel is officially accredited by the Ministries of Education in Guatemala and Peru, ensuring that all programs meet national educational standards.
As a member of NAFSA - the Association of International Educators - the institution is actively connected to the global community of international education professionals.
Maximo Nivel is recognized for Bildungsurlaub in Germany, allowing professionals and employees to use their educational leave for language studies.
Additionally, the organization serves as a certifying organization for the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award, recognizing students who contribute meaningful volunteer service.
For those seeking academic credit, Maximo Nivel offers university credit through its official School of Record in the United States, providing students with transferable credits that support their academic goals.
The Maximo Nivel campus in San José features 15 classrooms, a computer lab, an open-air snack bar, and large common areas, providing students with a comfortable and functional learning environment. The institute offers very nice indoor and outdoor study areas and is available for use seven days a week, including holidays. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the campus, and the snack bar serves free coffee and tea, allowing students to study, relax, and connect with fellow learners in a supportive atmosphere.
Courses
Individual Spanish - 10 lessons per week
The Individual Spanish program with 10 lessons per week offers a flexible and personalized approach to learning Spanish, ideal for students who wish to combine language study with other activities such as volunteering, internships, or exploring Costa Rica. Private classes start any day of the week, year-round, and can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon. After a free placement exam and discussion of learning goals, each program is tailored to the student's specific needs and interests, whether focusing on conversation, grammar, DELE exam preparation, or specialized topics.
Individual Spanish - 20 lessons per week
The Individual Spanish program with 20 lessons per week provides a more intensive one-on-one learning experience, allowing students to progress quickly with uninterrupted attention from a native-speaking instructor. Classes start any day of the year and are available in the morning or afternoon, with content fully customized after a free placement exam and goal-setting session. This option is ideal for those who want maximum flexibility and a curriculum designed entirely around their personal objectives, learning style, and pace.
Intensive Spanish (small group) - 20 lessons per week
The Intensive Spanish program in a small group setting offers 20 lessons per week, with classes starting every Monday, year-round, in the morning or afternoon. Groups are formed based on results from a free Spanish placement exam and range from 3 to 8 students, with most groups averaging only 3 to 6 participants. This format provides a great balance between personalized attention, social interaction, and engagement, allowing students to learn from one another while making steady progress at all levels from Basic to Advanced.
Super Intensive Spanish - 30 lessons per week
The Super Intensive Spanish program places students in class six hours per day, combining four hours of small group instruction with two hours of private lessons. This format works best when paired with a traditional family homestay to maximize the Spanish immersion experience. Recommended for those who want to learn very quickly or break through a learning plateau, the Super Intensive program is also excellent for university students and business professionals seeking maximum gains in the least amount of time. All levels, from Basic to Advanced, are available.
Spanish for Special Purposes - 10 lessons per week
The Spanish for Special Purposes (SSP) program offers 10 lessons per week, focusing on specialized language skills for professional contexts, including Medical Spanish, Spanish for Business, and Spanish for Lawyers. Classes are best taught in a two-hour-per-day format and are led by some of the most experienced instructors, who possess additional expertise in business and healthcare. This program is intended for medical and nursing students, traveling healthcare professionals, paralegals and lawyers, and business professionals who need specialized Spanish for their careers.
Housing
Host Family (shared room, half board)
Students choosing the shared room option stay in a room with a person of the same gender and approximate age, offering a great opportunity to connect with fellow travelers while experiencing Costa Rican hospitality. Host families are approved partners of Maximo Nivel and provide comfortable beds, hot showers, and WiFi, with breakfast and dinner included seven days a week. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available upon request, and all homestays are located within a 10-20 minute walk or a short taxi or bus ride from the school.
Host Family (private room, half board)
The private room option offers students added privacy and personal space while still enjoying the warmth and cultural immersion of living with a local host family in San José. Breakfast and dinner are included seven days a week, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon advance notice. All families are long-term partners of Maximo Nivel, providing comfortable accommodations, hot showers, and WiFi, with homestays conveniently located within a 10-20 minute walk or a 15-25 minute taxi or bus ride from the institute.
Student Residence (shared room)
The student residence in San José offers shared rooms for groups, providing accommodation in a community setting with 10 to 40 participants. Shared bathrooms are available, and breakfast and dinner are included seven days a week. This option is ideal for groups seeking a social and supportive environment while studying at Maximo Nivel.
Student Residence (private room)
The student residence in San José also offers private rooms for groups, allowing participants greater personal space while still enjoying the benefits of communal living. Private bathrooms are available as an option, and breakfast and dinner are provided seven days a week. This choice suits groups who want a balance of privacy and social interaction during their Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica.
Transfer
Flights
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