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WHAT TO
EXPECT

WHEN VOLUNTEERING ABROAD

Maximo Nivel is a local organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. We are locally-based and managed here in-country, which means we are already part of the communities we work with. We partner with other local organizations such as clinics, schools, social projects, NGOs, and government agencies. These placements and local projects are built up and supported by the international volunteers who come through our community service programs. Maximo Nivel’s role is to bring structure, organization, and quality service to your volunteer experience.

The Maximo Nivel team is multi-lingual, educated, and very well-traveled. Our team in each country is made up of approximately 65% local people and 35% international people. This means, we easily manage the cultural and language barriers that often get in the way, and at the same time we are familiar with both the local culture and your home country. We take you out of your comfort zone, while keeping you comfortable.

Volunteer abroad programs give globally-minded people access to international projects that need help—projects where you can learn to serve and make an impact. International service learning is an out-of-classroom  experience where you work, study, and travel to help benefit a local community and project site. Volunteering abroad pushes you beyond your comfort zone as you take part in a whole new way of life and giving back—it is a unique experience, both exciting and challenging!

Volunteer abroad programs are usually built around short- to mid-term itineraries  of 1 to 52 weeks, where you come to learn about the issues and the needs of the world. Where you learn how to make a difference and where you learn about yourself and what you have to offer the world. This is what we call “learning to serve.”

Things to Consider Before Volunteering Abroad:

– You are there to help and serve, on their terms, not yours.
– You might feel inadequate at times.
– You may experience culture shock.
– You may be shaken by some people’s living situations.
– The biggest impact is the impact the experience has on you.

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Life as an International Volunteer

Arrival Day

Airport pick-up is included in your volunteer abroad program. Maximo Nivel’s professional drivers meet you outside of baggage claim as you exit the airport—just look for the yellow smiley face flag. You receive a Welcome Pack detailing your accommodations, orientation time, and all emergency contact details. Depending on your time of arrival, you come directly to the Maximo institute or you go directly to your accommodations.

Orientation

Your Welcome Pack tells you the exact time of your orientation. Your host family shows you the best way to get to/from your family-stay and the Maximo Nivel institute. If you are in another type of accommodations, the Maximo Nivel team shows you the route. Orientation is very important because we cover specific details about your program, including a health and safety review, dos and don’ts, available cultural activities and tours, and a short walking tour to be sure you are familiar with the area. During your orientation, you also take a free Spanish placement exam.

First Day

You have breakfast at your accommodations. We have a lot to do on Day 1, so we expect you at the institute first thing in the morning! A Field Manager from Maximo Nivel shows you how to get to/from your volunteer placement and Maximo Nivel (e.g. buses, taxis, walking, etc.). Our Field Manager accompanies you to the volunteer project, introduces you to the project director, explains the activities that take place, and answers any questions you have, so you are fully prepared to begin volunteering.

Your volunteer work is programmed for the morning shift from 8:00AM to 12:00PM, or the afternoon shift from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Note that times are approximate and vary by project. We strongly recommend you sign up for Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel—they are discounted for volunteers, and they help you integrate at your project site. Spanish classes are available on the opposite schedule of your volunteer program, so if you’re volunteering in the morning, you will take Spanish classes in the afternoon and vice-versa.

During Your Program

During the week, you start the day with breakfast at your host family, generally around 7:00AM to 8:00AM. Most often, you eat with some of the family members or with other volunteers who are staying at the house.

From there, you make your way to Maximo Nivel or directly to your volunteer project. You either have mornings free or afternoons free, and every day you have time to meet other volunteers, socialize, and do some exploring. You can spend some time with your host family, explore the city, take excursions, and hang out at the Maximo institute. Be sure to take advantage of the many free activities we have including salsa classes, cooking lessons, Tandem Conversation Program, and more.

There are plenty of great restaurant options around Maximo Nivel. Be sure to get out and try some of the local dishes and do some looking around.

In the evening, you have dinner with your host family. After dinner, families like to sit and talk about their day and hear about yours—remember, this helps you become more involved in the daily routine of your host family. If you plan to miss dinner, or you are going out with friends, just let your host family know you will not be there for dinner.

At night, your evenings are free to relax at your accommodations or to enjoy the nightlife with friends and other volunteers. You have your own key to the family-stay house and you are free to come and go as you please. However, we ask you respect the routine and house rules of the family. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly! It is important to follow the Maximo Nivel safety rules—we want you to have a fun and safe experience abroad.

Weekends

Weekends are free to go sightseeing, traveling, or trekking. You can arrange tours with Maximo Nivel’s on-site travel partner or pool together with other volunteers and head out on your own. If you are traveling, please be sure your host family knows where you are going and when you plan to return so they do not worry. If you decide to stay with your host family on the weekends, you are welcome to get involved in their routine, go to church with them on Sundays, and in general spend quality “family time” together.

Departure Day

Departure day is always bitter sweet. Our program participants are excited to go home and share their adventure with family and friends, but they also realize they are going to miss their new home and new friends in Latin America. Remember, you are always welcome to extend your stay!

On your last Friday, make sure you come to Maximo Nivel to check-out, collect your “I Lived it” t-shirt, get your volunteer certificate, and leave us your feedback card. Client service is very important to us and we take your feedback seriously—this helps us improve the volunteer abroad program and ensure a great experience.

On your last Saturday, you are welcome to stay at your accommodations until 11:00AM, and breakfast is included. We are always happy to help organize a ride back to the airport.

Volunteer Service Philisophy

VOLUNTEER SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

At Maximo Nivel, we are strongly committed to the projects we work with and we expect the same level of commitment from our international volunteers. Being successful in your volunteer experience largely depends on the 8 points below. Please read about our philosophy and approach to international community service.

Mutual Benefit
Contribute to your project and learn from it! Do not be selective about the work you do—help is needed in many ways. Take responsibility and push yourself to learn, understand, and pitch in. Remember you need to serve on their terms, not yours.

Cross-Cultural Understanding
Learn about the local culture! Be curious, ask questions, and be respectful. People here have their own experiences, expectations, and beliefs. They expect you participate, dress appropriately, and abide by their rules.

Absolute Respect
Be respectful of your project’s ways of doing things. Accept that things may be done differently in this country and at this project. Understand the magic of your experience comes when you truly learn to enjoy the differences!

Continuity
Remember, you are here for a limited time. Be honest with yourself and the project regarding your time here. If you implement something, make sure you pass on the knowledge, so future volunteers can continue in your footsteps.

Gifts and Donations
The Maximo team can help you buy gifts and donations at the best places for the best prices. We DO NOT recommend showering projects and children with gifts as this may create dependency and hinder future service efforts.

Process
Be patient. Do not give up when things feel difficult or disorganized. Warm up to your project and the people working there. Remember, you need to take initiatives and to be very proactive in order to integrate into your project.

Dedication
It is very important you go to your project every day and that you are on time! You are expected to treat the project as a professional commitment. If you are sick, please notify Maximo Nivel and your project.

Flexibility
You must be flexible. Your project may change with little notice and it might feel disorganized sometimes. For example, a new Project Director is hired, work changes direction, or the project closes unexpectedly. Be prepared!

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