Our Village Staff Create the Learning Environment

The villagers benefit greatly from the nurturing and supportive environment that is created at each of the Village programs. Most of the young people greatly appreciate the personal ways in which staff members have made a difference in their time spent at the program. Language Villages' overarching goals permeate through all of our programs.

The program’s major goals:

Language and Cultural Immersion: The Concordia Language Villages Language Learning Philosophy is to create a community of learners in which opportunities to interact in a second language and experience other cultures permeate life at the Villages. The ultimate goal of all programming is an immersion experience in language and culture that motivates participants to be life-long learners and responsible citizens in a global community.

Global Awareness: The interdependence of the peoples of the world is a topic of utmost importance in the context of our Villages. As the world grows smaller due to technology and trade, communication among nations and cultures becomes increasingly important. Concordia Language Villages is committed to promoting global citizenship through education and awareness.

Environmental Awareness: By combining world languages and cultures with ecological studies and hands-on environmental experiences, we seek to emphasize harmony with nature as well as with others. Most Villages offer daily “environmental awareness” activity periods that infuse language learning with a deeper understanding of global issues and environmental concerns. Some Villages also make a sustainable environment a matter of personal responsibility for villagers.

We periodically review our business operations and administrative procedures to stimulate a heightened sense of environmental awareness. Besides using recycled paper, we strive to use biodegradable and recyclable products.

Our staff members:

• encourage participant involvement in the language and culture of your Village.
• speak the target language as often and as frequently as possible.
• select a name in the target language and wear a name tag throughout the session, just as villagers do.
• encourage an understanding of the target culture of your own Village.
• promote awareness of other cultures and the need for understanding among all cultures.
• guide villagers to develop and “live” a respectful global community while at their Village
• share their own cultural realia including books, magazines, cassette tapes, CDs, posters and native costumes. A special emphasis is placed on global awareness, so materials such as maps, inflatable globes, etc. are also welcomed.
• meet and orient villagers and parents, on the opening day of each session.

clv@cord.edu
1.800.222.4750