Location
  • Guatemala
    • Antigua
Length
150 hours
Training Type
Classroom

Program Details

Teaching Practicum
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Certifications
TEFL TEFL (Hybrid) TESOL
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
1295
Price Details
– Airport pick-up
– Program and safety orientation
– Walking tour
– Official TEFL/TESOL Certificate
– Letter of recommendation
– Lifetime job-finding assistance
– Guaranteed Job Placement
– Free Tandem Conversation Program
– Free office-wide WIFI
– Free Salsa dance classes
– Free cooking classes
– Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
– Institute is open 7 days/week
– Emergency contact number 24/7
What's Included
Activities Airport Transfers Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Feb 12, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Become a certified English teacher by earning a TEFL certification with Maximo Nivel in Antigua, Guatemala. TEFL Certification is your passport to living and working as English teacher anywhere else in the world!

The 4-week/150-hour certification program includes more than 15 hours of practical English teaching and observation of experienced teachers. Groups are small with usually 2 to 14 people.

The TEFL Program consists of 14 modules:
1. Approaches to Learning & Teaching
2. Critical ESL Techniques
3. Class Management
4. Lesson Planning
5. English Grammar Review 1
6. English Grammar Review 2
7. Teaching Grammar
8. Teaching Vocabulary
9. Teaching English with Games
10. Teaching Speaking & Writing
11. Teaching Listening & Reading
12. Assessing Learners
13. Introduction to International English Exams
14. Practical Teaching

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

Impact 🌎

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed Job Placement
  • Accredited certification accepted worldwide
  • Highly qualified TEFL Trainers
  • 15 hours of practical teaching and observation
  • Lifetime job-finding assistance

Program Reviews

4.99 Rating
based on 179 reviews
  • 5 rating 98.88%
  • 4 rating 1.12%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.95
  • Facilities 4.9
  • Safety 4.85
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Value 4.85
  • Academic Rigor 4.55
  • Job Assistance 4.9
Showing 33 - 40 of 179 reviews
Default avatar
Steven
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL

Wayne was an outstanding instructor! His level of understanding of the material and energy in presenting it was extremely effective. He was always available for support and was extremely supportive throughout the four weeks of classwork.

With many options to become TEFL certified, I am extremely happy with my choice of Maximo Nivel. Maximo does a great job making sure it's students are comfortable and well taken care of. I have nothing but great things to say and memories of my time here! I feel well prepared to teach!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Get lots of rest, it is an intense 4 weeks.
Pros
  • Well organized
  • Great support
  • Well recognized across the World
Cons
  • Very intense workload
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tefl Guatemala

Nice course, enjoyed it and would recommend. I studied really hard and learned a lot. It's an intensive course. There are many modeles which need to be completed, but it's an awesome induction to the esl world. The course lasts a month. Is set in a valley between volcanoes, and has a beautiful backdrop for study. I am really pleased that I decided to do my course at Maximo Nivel,. I learned so much because the course is rigorous and thorough. If you are considering a tefl course, ho for it. Worth it. Don't hesitate to give it a go. I am glad I now have my certificate.

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Leo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Nivel TEFL certificate program Guatemala

If you are interested in teaching or developing your teaching skills, I highly recommend this program. I can't begin to explain how many useful things I've learned in this program. If I had taught ESL without this program, I wouldn't have even known where to begin. The progress I made through this program was significant. For me personally, I found the workload to be heavy but you get a lot for your money.

Having the opportunity to get hands-on experience teaching with detailed feedback allowed me to know what to improve on. One of the biggest highlights from the course has to be my TEFL program teacher Wayne Summerbell. This course wouldn't have been half as enjoyable without his high energy and patience. He is hands down one of the best teachers I've ever met. He gave us constant encouragement and support during the program. As a class, we were extraordinarily lucky to have him as our teacher. I am very grateful for what he has taught me. If he ends up being your teacher, I'm jealous of you.

I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to explore teaching as a career or if you want to develop your existing teaching skills for teaching ESL.

37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hamish
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL Review

This course was very insightful and rewarding for me. The teacher Wayne was very helpful and charismatic this really helped me to grow as a teacher. The course was tough and some aspects were a little daunting, but having completed the course I feel I am ready to be a Tefl teacher. At the beginning of the course I was very scared to teach even a 20 minutes class, I felt very awkward and I had no idea how I would ever do an hour long class. But now I feel I have the skills abilities and experiences to be a successful Tefl teacher.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve racking moment for me was my first mini lesson. I was so nervous that I kept dropping the white board markers
Pros
  • It is a very rewarding course
  • It will definitely prepare you to become an Esl teacher
  • The lessons are very enjoyable
Cons
  • It can be stressful
  • Not much free time
  • Teaching can be nerve wracking in the beginning
40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible experience

The course was so incredible. We all improved immensely and enjoyed it thoroughly. The course was somewhat challenging but also guided us through every step. It was truly such a valuable experience and I know we all feel very prepared to teach English. Wayne is an incredible instructor and will consistently support you. He used the same techniques you learn to use, making it much easier to apply them yourself. You will genuinely learn so much, I absolutely could not recommend the course enough..

35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First Class Experience

This course is very intense however, don't let that put you off. It is absolutely 100% worth it, in no small measure thanks to my instructor, Wayne Summerbell. He is not only very knowledgeable on the TEFL methodologies and techniques, he is also very engaging and funny. From day one, he consistently modeled the TEFL teaching techniques and methodologies we were to learn and adopt in our classes. He is passionate about TEFL and the TEFL students' success. This 4-week course is jampacked and on the third day, we were already conducting vocabulary sessions with ESL learners! Wayne really didn't miss an opportunity to give us real-life experience and he continued to be our cheerleader throughout the course. His thoughtful and detailed feedback during our Practical Teaching Week was invaluable for my personal growth and success in this course.
In addition to the fantastic in-class experience, we received incredible support from the Maximo Nivel administrative team. They truly did take care of us inside and outside of the classroom. If you are looking for an international TEFL training experience, I would definitely recommend the Maximo Nivel program in Antigua, Guatemala and I hope you will be fortunate enough to have Wayne as your instructor - his personal energy and investment in his students' success is absolutely amazing.

Pros
  • Very well organized and planned course - phenomenal instructor (Wayne Summerbell)
  • Great support from the Maximo Nivel team
  • Fantastic homestay
Cons
  • Honestly, I can't think of any - I had no issues.
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Happy Graduate of Maximo Nivel's TEFL Program in Guatemala

If you are even remotely thinking about being part of this course I am here to tell you not to hesitate and do it. Maximo Nivel and their staff go way above and beyond to make sure your experience is a positive one. The back drop of Antigua is breathtaking and the people of Guatemala and some of the happiest and kindest people I have ever met.

Wayne Summerbell, the Maximo TEFL trainer is amazing at leading you through one of the toughest courses out there with laughter, academic grace and a well organized curriculum. Maximo promotes a kind and inviting environment for local learners and learners from around the world. Do not kid yourself, it is not an easy 4 weeks at all but in the end it is worth every minute of it especially during Practical Teaching Week when you get to put all of the pieces together and see just how much of a difference you can make in someones life simply by helping them learn English.

Pros
  • The course is taught in such a proficient way that the 4 weeks though not easy fly by.
  • You can stay with a local family and learn about the culture and have a safe environment to learn in
  • All of Maximo Nivel's staff want you to succeed and go above and beyond to ensure that you do.
Cons
  • It is a tough course, there may be moments when you want to give up but it is worth it not too.
  • You will be so busy for the 4 weeks you will not be able to explore a lot so plan to explore before or after the course.
  • You will fall in love with Guatemala
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic!

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. I expected a rigorous challenging course, but not the beautiful camaraderie with my classmates and unbelievable support of my instructor, Wayne. I could go on forever about what an amazing teacher he is. Not just incredibly knowledgeable but a kind and interesting person. The Maximo staff was also a bonus. They were readily available and helpful for all my needs. The Saturday tours were a great way for those of us not able to socialize a lot to meet other students at Maximo and explore the area. Highly recommend Wayne and Maximo for anyone wanting to obtain their TEFL!

43 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

I'm in the states right now....but looking forward to heading to Cambodia to teach at a school there. I was teaching for Oxford Language in Guatemala since 2 weeks after my certification.