WHAT TO
EXPECT

Airport pick-up is included in your internship 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.

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.

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 internship placement and Maximo Nivel (e.g. buses, taxis, walking, etc.). Our Field Manager accompanies you to the internship placement, introduces you to your supervisor, explains the activities that take place, and answers any questions you have, so you are fully prepared to begin working.

Your work hours are usually from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, with an hour for lunch. Note that times are approximate and they vary by internship type and placement. People working in hospitality and tourism, for example, may work on weekends and then have 1-2 alternative days off during the week.

Your internship program includes Spanish classes 1 hour/day, Monday through Friday. Most interns take their Spanish classes toward the end of the day, after their work schedule.

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

From there, you make your way to Maximo Nivel or directly to your internship site. In the afternoon, you join us at the Maximo Nivel institute for your Spanish classes. Most days, you have time to meet other students, socialize, and do some exploring. In your free time, you can visit with your host family, explore the city, take excursions, and hang out at the Maximo institute. There are plenty of great restaurant options around Maximo Nivel, so be sure to get out and try some of the local dishes and do some looking around. Take advantage of the many free activities on campus including salsa classes, cooking lessons, Tandem Conversation Program, and more. Don’t forget to check out the monthly Activities Calendar!

In most cases, interns have weekends free to go sightseeing, traveling, or trekking. You can arrange tours with Maximo Nivel’s on-site travel partner or pool together with other interns 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. If you decide to stay with your host family on the weekends, you are welcome to get involved in their family routine, go to church with them on Sundays, and in general spend quality “family time” together.