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FRESHMAN
YEAR ABROAD

FRESHMAN ABROAD IN LATIN AMERICA

The Freshman Year Abroad is a unique “first year away” program that gives students the opportunity to complete their first-year degree requirements at one of Maximo Nivel’s campuses in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. This is an alternative, experiential program that maintains proper academic standards and ensures transferable credit is earned toward graduation.

The Freshman Year Abroad program is a carefully designed, 14-week, cohort-based program with a maximum of only 25 students. Participants take part in experiential service learning programs, while also studying Spanish language and general education courses specifically chosen to ensure students stay on track with their degree requirements. Each semester course load includes:

– 2 Spanish language courses
– 2 general education (GE) courses
– 1-week educational travel program
– 7-week service learning experience

Freshman students can join both the Fall and Spring semesters or choose to attend for just a single semester. Most students earn 12-15 credits during each semester.

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Maximo Nivel takes your academic success very seriously. We evaluate each student’s motivation for the program and academic history. This helps to ensure a productive and successful cohort experience.

– At least 18 years of age
– High school diploma
– First year university-bound student
– Academically prepared for university level work
– Proficient in the English language
– Positive mindset; ready to live and study internationally

Areas of Study

– Anthropology
– Business
– Education
– Environmental Studies
– International Development
– Med Health Professions
– Sociology
– Spanish
– Veterinary & Animal Science
– Undeclared

TERM DATES
Winter Term 2024-2025 06 January – 17 January
Spring Semester 2025 10 February – 16 May
Spring Term I 10 February – 28 February
Spring Term II 10 March – 28 March
Spring Term III 31 March – 18 April
Spring Term IV 28 April – 16 May
Summer Term 2025 02 June – 25 July
Summer Term I 02 June – 27 June
Summer Term II 30 June – 25 July
Fall Semester 2025 15 September – 19 December
Fall Term I 15 September – 03 October
Fall Term II 13 October – 31 October
Fall Term III 03 November – 21 November
Fall Term IV 01 December – 19 December
Winter Term 2025-2026 05 January – 16 January
FULL ACADEMIC CALENDAR

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Semester Costa Rica Guatemala Peru
Fall $10,245 $8,545 $8,545
Spring $10,245 $8,545 $8,545

All students receive an official transcript from our official School of Record. Credits are eligible for transfer into any 4-year university in the United States. Final tuition cost may vary based on itinerary and housing preferences.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Why I Maximo Nivel

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the classes at Maximo Nivel, but I am very happy how it turned out. I came to Costa Rica knowing only “Hola como estas?” but now after six months of learning and studying with this school I have earned the level of being an advanced student. I never could have imagined everything I have learned here. I am very glad I had this experience through Maximo Nivel.
Zoe L.

Life as A Freshman Abroad

Week 1

Week 1 is Orientation Week. You spend the first week getting oriented to your new country, host family, and fellow students. Learn how to stay safe and healthy in Latin America.

The first week also includes various guided exercises designed to help bring students together and get you prepared to work as a cohort over the next 14 weeks.

Students meet 1-on-1 with their Academic Advisor to discuss the program and address any individual needs. Advisors help students understand their Spanish language placement exam and you are coached on what you need to do to benefit from the intensive Spanish classes and general education courses.

The first week also includes a city tour to help familiarize you with your surroundings including malls, supermarkets, gyms, and cinemas.

Week 2-7

Students begin academic courses studying Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm.

Spanish courses take place 4 hours/day and you progress 2 levels in Spanish, with 120 hours of Spanish during weeks 2-7! Students also take part in 1-2 general education courses, with each course taught for 90 minutes/day Monday-Friday. Each course includes 45 class hours taught over a 6-week period.

Week 8

In Week 8, students take a well-deserved break and head out into the field with professional guides to learn more about local culture, history, and adventure. During this 5-day tour, students see the highlights of their new home country.

Costa Rica — Cultural Night, Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs, Catamaran Tortuga Island tour, Manuel Antonio National Park

Guatemala — Pacaya Volcano hike, 3 days/2 nights on the beach (surf lessons included), 2 days/1 night in Tikal (airfare to Tikal included), Jungle Zip-line tour

Peru — Saqsayhuaman archeological site, Sacred Valley, Moray Ruins, 2 days/1 night tour of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca

Weeks 9-14

During the second half of the semester, students take part in a service learning experience. You choose from Animal Care, Construction, Healthcare, Indigenous Communities, or Teaching English. Students’ field work is led by Maximo Nivel’s experienced, bilingual Field Managers. This phase in the semester requires you to assume more independence and responsibility. As a service learning student, you work at your community project 4 hours/day for 6 weeks totaling 120 hours of service. To help students reflect and process their study abroad experience, guided reflection workshops are held every Thursday evening for 2 hours—all Freshman Year Abroad participants are required to attend these workshops.

Freshman Semester Abroad

SAMPLE COURSE LOAD

COURSE HOURS CREDITS
Spanish course (level 1) 60 3
Spanish course (level 2) 60 3
Introduction to Sustainability 45 3
History of Latin America 45 3
Cultural Tours 5 days –
Service Learning 120 3
Reflection Workshops 10 –

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STUDENT SERVICES

– Campus and Institute open 7 days/week, 363 days/year
– Academic Advisor
– Travel office onsite
– Free WiFi and computer lab
– Free Spanish tutoring
– Tandem Conversation Program
– Salsa dance classes
– Cooking classes
– Onsite snack bar with free coffee and tea
– Emergency Contact 24/7

AND MUCH MORE!
Freshman Gap Year with College Credit
Program Management

RISK MANAGEMENT

Maximo Nivel is a responsible educational provider. We organize our teams and our programs to ensure the safety and enjoyment of every participant. Our first priority is the safety, health, and well-being of each student and faculty member. We minimize risk through careful pre-departure planning and preparation. Once students and faculty are in-country, our Country Managers, Academic Directors, and Field Managers provide excellent on-the-ground support 24/7. Our teams are ready to enact the Maximo Nivel Emergency Plan whenever necessary. Our liability insurance and required student insurance provide an added layer of protection should circumstances call for it.

Schools of Records

EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT

UNIVERSITY ABROAD

Academic credit is available for Maximo Nivel’s Study Abroad programs. Our programs can fulfill major, minor, or elective requirements. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!

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