Martin Graefe, director for Concordia Language Villages year-round programs, has preached the strengths of language immersion for the 20 years he has been involved with the Language Villages. Important to continue challenging oneself and applying the principles he preaches, he decided it was time to immerse himself in a new language experience.
A Bemidji, Minn resident, living a stone’s throw from the permanent Language Village site, Graefe felt it important to gain a purer experience of all that’s new and different. So, in an effort to put adult language learning in a larger context, Graefe attended a two-week intensive French language course in Avignon, France. “Living in Avignon reawakened the joy, challenge, and achievement possible when one’s environment creates a need to apply the language in a natural, authentic setting”, said Graefe upon his return. “Yet an added benefit of living the language at a Language Village where the atmosphere and the foreign setting is simulated so well, is that the program staff and a community of learners are at your side day in and day out to support each learner at their level."
Stay tuned as Martin will share more about his French language learning experience in the future…
This fall’s adult program offerings at Concordia Language Villages includes programs for Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish.
 The word is out: Concordia Language Villages’ family weeks are popular with families all around the United States and other countries, too! We’ve recently received endorsements from two popular magazines: Budget Travel magazine rates our family camps as one of “50 All-Star Family Camps” featured in their February issue. This month, Minnesota Monthly magazine recognized the Language Villages’ family programs as one of their “24 Great Getaways” in the state.
Travel magazines aren’t the only ones who have discovered the quality and value of our family programs. Families who travel from around the country to take part in our programs know the value of a language learning vacation. One French family program participant raves, “As always, I appreciate the  conscientious attention to detail, the ‘no limits’ approach to creating a truly French immersion experience, and the staff’s commitment to engaging all participants, regardless of age experience. It remains the best camp experience we’ve ever had. Merci mille fois!”
Enroll today to make sure your family will be part of a Family Week this summer! Register now!
Jacqueline Gabriela Irland, M.D., of Brookfield, Wisc., can attest to the fact that language learning is for people of all ages and occupations. A three-time Spanish Adult Immersion Week participant, Gabriela finds the experience of learning Spanish at Concordia Language Villages to be an enriching experience. It’s not just fun and games for Gabriela. She has professional goals as well. 
Gabriela is committed to learning Spanish so that she can give the best possible care to her Spanish-speaking patients. She says, “By being able to use the Spanish I have learned in the program, I am able to establish a bridge with the patient without waiting for an interpreter.” Gabriela adds, “While I may not always be perfect in my spoken Spanish, my attempts to speak Spanish enhance my patients’ trust in me as a doctor; it allows them to feel somewhat in control and they know that I am truly there to take care of them.” Gabriela is excited to see that Concordia Language Villages is now offering Spanish for the Health Care Professional and hopes to continue her language journey in that program this year.
Gabriela attends the Spanish Adult Immersion Week at El Lago del Bosque, the Spanish Language Village, because of the rich balance of classes and cultural activities. She says, “It’s like going back to camp where things are interactive and learning is fun.”
Looking for a great winter getaway? Family Fun Weekends bring language and culture alive in the beautiful North Woods all year long! Join families from all over the country as you explore the joy of language learning with your children.
Spend a weekend with us and enjoy quality time together as a family. We’ll keep the whole family active and engaged while building language and global citizenship skills. Language lessons for adults and children, indoor and outdoor activities, music, crafts, food and fun all await you at the Family Fun Weekend. It’s not too late to enroll now for our Finnish, French, German, and Spanish weekends in February and the Danish/Swedish weekend in April.
“These programs are a great way to introduce children to the concept of language learning through immersion and prepare them for participating in summer programs at the Villages,” says Larry Saukko, leader of the Finnish Family Fun Weekend. He notes that many families return year after year to the Finnish Weekend, making it a sort of family tradition.
These programs provide an opportunity to instill a love for language learning and a respect for world cultures no matter which language you choose. See the full schedule of programs here.
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