Concordia Language Villages

In 1960, Concordia College professor, Gerhard Haukebo had a dream to offer language learning programs for youth through innovative immersion methods and cultural activities in a summer camp-style setting. The next year, Prof. Haukebo launched a pilot program at Luther Crest Bible Camp near Alexandria, Minn., called “Waldsee,” with the goal of teaching German to kids ages 9-12. The program was a resounding success and interest in this idea steadily increased. By the late 1960’s four more languages were added and 800 acres of lake shore property was acquired near Bemidji, Minn. It was time to take the next step: to build a Village of our own. In 1970, we completed construction of Skogfjorden, our Norwegian Language Village, on the shores of Turtle River Lake. Since then, we have built seven more culturally-authentic Villages with more than 200 buildings. The newest addition is Sup sog?i Hosu, the Korean Language Village. The Villages are more than just a collection of buildings. They provide the space to create a community of learning and understanding. They allow for the exploration of a new world which is intentionally constructed to evoke the look, feel, sounds and tastes of communities where these languages are spoken. They give villagers the opportunity to embrace our natural setting in Minnesota's North Woods, unplugged from screens and headphones. We have literally created a World of possibilities and, with your help, we will continue to inspire courageous global citizens at Concordia Language Villages for years to come! Be a part of sustaining this World of possibilities by making a gift of $100, $250, $500 or more to the “It Takes a Village” fund in order to help us invest in the maintenance and upkeep of our beloved Villages! Use??this link??to make a gift today! https://loom.ly/womMlWU

It's #NametagDay! At Concordia Language Villages, nametags are more than just a fun tradition — they’re a gateway to a whole new identity and language experience. From the moment villagers arrive, they embrace a new name, immersing themselves in a world where they can take risks, grow, and communicate in ways they might not elsewhere. Koyomi, one of our co-deans at Mori no Ike Japanese Language Village, even based her graduate research on how adopting these new identities helps villagers build confidence and courage in speaking another language. What’s your Village name?

?? Spotlight on Sj?lunden Swedish Language Village! ?? V?lkommen to our immersive Swedish experience! ???? Nestled in a picturesque village of traditional svenska stugor (Swedish cottages), Sj?lunden is the perfect place to dive into the language, culture, and customs of Sweden. From savoring delicious Swedish dishes to exploring the sounds, sights, and customs that make Sweden unique, Sj?lunden offers an unforgettable adventure! Whether you're singing along to ABBA, learning about Saab cars, or exploring your Swedish heritage, our village is your gateway to a world of culture. Ready for a Swedish adventure? Join us at Sj?lunden this summer! https://loom.ly/hvdYpAg

This week, I had the honor of having Brenda Lund at Concordia Language Villages as a guest speaker in my Global Supply Chain class. Brenda shared her inspiring journey, including over 10 years of experience at General Mills and your current position in LTC (military linguist logistics). Her hands-on experience and strategic view of the field enriched our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in logistics, offering students valuable insights into various career paths in Supply Chain. It was an amazing session with deep insights that undoubtedly inspired our students to reflect on their own professional journeys. I am immensely grateful to Brenda for sharing her time and expertise with us. #GlobalSupplyChain #Logistics #CareerPaths #GuestSpeaker #SupplyChainManagement

Step into the Spanish-Speaking World at El Lago del Bosque! At El Lago del Bosque, every day is an adventure in language and culture! Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Spanish as you: ?? Gather around la fogata for stories and songs ?? Act in a telenovela and bring language to life ? Play fútbol, paddle across the lake, or dance in the plaza ??? Savor delicious foods like tamales, asado argentino, and churros con chocolate ?? Explore traditions through crafts, music, and celebrations from across the Spanish-speaking world Whether at our vibrant Main Site or the cozy North Site, you’ll speak, play, and live Spanish every day. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us this summer! https://loom.ly/n0zvOkU #ElLagoDelBosque #SpanishImmersion #LiveTheLanguage #ConcordiaLanguageVillages

Check out our virtual camps starting in March! There's something for everyone, from one-off workshops to virtual classes that last for several months. Registration closes soon, so save your spot today at https://lnkd.in/ge4H5aDq!

?? 14 Ways to Say "I Love You" in 14 Languages ?? Love is universal, but how we express it depends on the language we speak! This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in all its forms — romantic, familial, and friendship — by learning how to say "I love you" in 14 different languages! ?? Arabic: ???? ?? Chinese: 我喜欢你 ?? Danish: Jeg elsker dig ?? Finnish: Min? rakastan sinua ?? French: Je t’aime ?? German: Ich liebe dich ?? Italian: Ti amo ?? Japanese: 愛してる ?? Korean: ???? ?? Norwegian: Jeg elsker deg ?? Portuguese: Amo-te ?? Russian: я тебя люблю ?? Spanish: Te amo ?? Swedish: Jag ?lskar dig At Concordia Language Villages, we believe that language is more than just words — it’s about connection, culture, and understanding. No matter how you say it, love is a language we all share. ?? How will you say I love you today? #ValentinesDay #LoveThroughLanguage #ConcordiaLanguageVillages

At Lesnoe Ozero, you won’t just learn the Russian language — you’ll live it! From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience living in another language and participating in cultural activities from a variety of countries and cultures where Russian is widely spoken. Design your own nesting matryoshka doll or Ukrainian pysanky (Easter egg), explore music from Tuvan throat-singing to Tchaikovsky, and dance the dynamic Ukrainian hopak or the lively Central Asian kara jorga. ???? And, of course, there’s blini, hachapuri, and more delicious dishes to cook and share! ???? Through history and international relations activities, you’ll engage with past and present global events, expanding your knowledge while strengthening your language skills. At Lesnoe Ozero, every conversation, meal, and game of chess is part of an immersive journey. Ready to learn, explore, and connect? Join us this summer! https://loom.ly/0J-hnTc #LesnoeOzero #LearnRussian #LanguageImmersion #GlobalPerspectives #ConcordiaLanguageVillages

Summer Camp Chef – Culinary Experience with a Cultural Twist! Love cooking and want to gain hands-on experience? Join Concordia Language Villages as a Summer Camp Chef! Perfect for culinary students looking to fulfill internship requirements while exploring cultural cuisine. What You’ll Do: -Prepare and serve culturally appropriate meals. -Plan menus, manage kitchen staff, and ensure food safety. -Learn new skills in a professional kitchen setting. Perks: -Free meals, lodging, and paid training. -Tuition discount for your child at camp. About Us: Concordia Language Villages offers a unique cultural experience in the beautiful North Woods of Minnesota. Join our team and make a difference while developing your culinary career! ?? For more info, contact [email protected].

?? 5 Concordia Language Villages-Inspired Tips to Stay Motivated in Your Language Learning Journey! At Concordia Language Villages, we believe learning a language is about more than words—it's about living the experience. Here’s how you can use our immersive, experience-based methods to stay motivated ?? 1?? Create Your Own "Grand Simulation" Transform your environment into a cultural immersion! Decorate your space with elements from your target culture, cook traditional meals, or create scenarios like ordering at a café or planning a trip abroad. Live the language! 2?? Build Community-Based Learning Find your "Village" by connecting with language learners online or in person. Join a group class, a conversation hour, or a language exchange to practice with others and learn together. Community is key! 3?? Live the Language Daily Use your target language in real-life contexts. Label items in your home, write your shopping list, or journal in the language. Approach everyday tasks as learning opportunities, just like our villagers! 4?? Learn Outside the Classroom Take your learning outdoors. Whether it’s practicing vocabulary during a hike or learning nature-related words while gardening, engaging with the natural world can make language learning more exciting and memorable. 5?? Stay Curious and Reflect Embrace the process. Ask yourself questions about the culture behind the language, reflect on what you’re learning, and seek out authentic resources like music, movies, or books. Curiosity leads to growth! ? Want to experience this immersive approach firsthand? Discover Concordia Language Villages and take your learning to the next level! Whether you join us online in a Virtual Village or at one of our overnight camps in the beautiful Minnesota North Woods, we’ll help you achieve your language learning dreams. #ConcordiaLanguageVillages?#LanguageLearning?#Immersion?#CulturalExploration?#GlobalCitizenship