Languages

El Lago del Bosque

Spanish Language Village
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About the Village

At El Lago del Bosque, the Spanish Language Village, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, tastes and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Our enthusiastic Spanish-speaking staff will inspire you as you learn, play and eat up the experience of living in a variety of Spanish cultures, from Spain to Mexico to Argentina and beyond. Enjoy traditional foods like tamales, asado argentino (Argentine BBQ) and churros con chocolate. Take part in cultural activities like telenovela (the Village soap opera), canto (singing), stories around la fogata (bonfire) and learning about cultural attire and traditions. Language and imagination come to life at El Lago del Bosque!

North Site Expansion 2025: Due to popular demand, we added more Spanish sessions in 2024 at Lesnoe Ozero, our Russian Language Village across the lake from El Lago del Bosque. We are repeating this arrangement for the 2025 season.

This former resort makes the perfect backdrop for language learning in a natural setting with each cabin nestled into vivid green forest. Villagers at this site can expect smaller cabin groups and smaller language and activity class sizes.

Sessions held at El Lago del Bosque are noted at "Bemidji" in the session description.

Sessions held at Lesnoe Ozero are noted as "North Site" in the session description.

Our Spanish Locations
El Lago del Bosque
Dance Party on the Plaza
El Lago del Bosque
Music Lesson
El Lago del Bosque
Mealtime Presentation
El Lago del Bosque
Traditional Desserts
El Lago del Bosque
Custom Birchwood Nametags
El Lago del Bosque
Weekends Together as a Family
El Lago del Bosque
Day Camp for Our Young Learners
El Lago del Bosque
Bank Time on Arrival Day
El Lago del Bosque
Culturally Appropriate Cuisine
El Lago del Bosque
Teaching Through the CLVway!
El Lago del Bosque
Friendship Bracelets
El Lago del Bosque
Fútbol (Soccer)
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Experience

El Lago del Bosque

A Lifetime of Learning

From our flagship summer youth camps to family programs and adults-only sessions, Concordia Language Villages provides a lifetime of language learning and cultural adventure. Find the program that’s right for you!

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Youth Overnight

Season: Summer

Duration: 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks

Our flagship Language Village camps where language comes to life. A fully immersive cultural experience.

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High School Credit

Season: Year-round

Duration: 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 24 Weeks

Earn a semester or year’s worth of language credit in just two to four weeks (24 weeks for Virtual fall/spring option). Accredited by Cognia.

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Adventure Day Camp

Season: Summer

Duration: 1 Week

Daytime programming for young villagers ready to explore the Village experience without overnight stays.

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Youth Virtual

Season: Year-round

Duration: Varies

Keep your Language Village experience going all year long with our Virtual Clubs, Classes and High School Credit programs.

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Family Weeks & Weekends

Season: Year-round

Duration: 2 Days | 3 Days | 1 Week

Fun and learning for the whole family (and friends)! Enjoy culturally immersive activities, meals and tailored learning.

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Adult Overnight

Season: Year-round

Duration: 3 Days | 1 Week

Learn a new language or advance your skills in a fully immersive environment. Choose from Workshops, Weekends or Week-long programs.

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Adult Virtual

Season: Year-round

Duration: Varies

Choose from a variety of programming options including Conversation Hours, Classes and more, for ages 18+.

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School & Educator

Season: Year-round

Duration: Varies

Special programming for school groups and language educators. Introduce your students to cultural immersion or advance your own education!

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Government & Corporate

Season: Year-round

Duration: Varies

Training for military, healthcare and corporate clients, with customizable programming designed to bridge cultures and break language barriers.

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Upcoming Spanish Camps & Programs

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On-Site Cooking Class: Arepas Colombianas
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 20
-
Jan 20
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 10 - 99
Cost: $
45
Join us for an exciting on-site cooking class where you will learn to prepare Arepas Colombianas, a traditional Colombian dish! Led by María from Colombia, this interactive session will guide you through the process of making these delicious corn-based patties, which are naturally gluten-free. You will have the option to create a classic arepa or a vegan version filled with various ingredients. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind arepas while enjoying a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and flavorful journey into Colombian cuisine!
Registration closes
Jan 15, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 4, 2024
Virtual Culture Talk: Argentine Gaucho Culture
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 20
-
Jan 20
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 14 - 99
Cost: $
40
Discover the rich heritage of Argentine Gaucho culture in this fascinating online cultural talk, presented in English by Guada from Argentina. Learn about the life, customs, and traditions of the Gauchos, Argentina's iconic cowboys, whose way of life has shaped the country's history and identity. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply curious about Argentina, this session will provide an authentic look into the enduring legacy of the Gaucho.
Registration closes
Jan 16, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
On-Site Cooking Class: Gorditas, Mexico
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 23
-
Jan 23
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 10 - 99
Cost: $
45
Join us for a delicious on-site cooking class where you will learn to prepare Gorditas Mexicanas, a traditional Mexican dish! Led by Nora from Mexico, this interactive session will guide you through making these tasty corn-based cakes, which are naturally gluten-free. We will also explore vegetarian and vegan options to suit everyone's preferences. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind gorditas while enjoying a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and flavorful journey into Mexican cuisine!
Registration closes
Jan 19, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 19, 2024
Virtual Travel and Insight: Ciudad de Mexico
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 23
-
Jan 23
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 14 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for an informative online session about exploring Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico! Conducted in English, this session will highlight must-visit locations, delicious local cuisine, and exciting activities to experience while traveling in the city. From the historic Zócalo and vibrant neighborhoods like Coyoacán to the culinary delights of tacos and mole, you'll discover everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip. Whether you're planning your next adventure or just curious about Mexico City, this talk will provide you with essential tips and insights to make the most of your visit.
Registration closes
Jan 21, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
Virtual culture talk : El Tapón de Darien
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 23
-
Jan 23
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 14 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for an insightful online cultural talk exploring the Darién Gap, a remote and rugged region that bridges South and Central America. This session, conducted in English, will delve into the unique geography, biodiversity, and the significant challenges that this area presents for both nature and human migration. Whether you're interested in the environment, history, or geopolitics, this talk will provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding the Darién Gap.
Registration closes
Jan 20, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
On-Site Cooking Class: Puchero Argentino
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 24
-
Jan 24
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 10 - 99
Cost: $
45
Join us for a hearty on-site cooking class where you will learn to prepare Puchero Argentino, a traditional Argentine stew! This interactive session will guide you through the process of making this flavorful dish, which combines various meats and vegetables in a rich broth. Puchero is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone to enjoy. Discover the culinary techniques and cultural significance behind this beloved recipe while participating in a hands-on cooking experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and satisfying journey into Argentine cuisine!
Registration closes
Jan 20, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 19, 2024
Virtual Culture Talk: Mexican Cuisine
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Jan 24
-
Jan 24
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 14 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for a delicious exploration of Mexican gastronomy in this online cultural talk, presented in English by one of our staff members from Mexico. Discover the rich history, regional diversity, and unique ingredients that make Mexican cuisine one of the most beloved in the world. From tacos to tamales, this session will take you on a flavorful journey through traditional dishes and culinary customs that have shaped Mexican culture.
Registration closes
Jan 20, 2025
Male openings:
0
|
Female openings:
0
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
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Government & Corporate Programs

A global outlook is important for success in the domestic and international arena. Concordia Language Villages offers customized corporate, government and military training programs to meet the specific needs of our clients.

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LEARN ABOUT

scholarship

OPPORTUNITIES

Need-based scholarships are available for Spanish summer youth immersion sessions through the Passport Fund. Scholarships are based on a family’s adjusted gross income, number of dependents and the length of the session.

Additionally, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education offers a $1,000 stipend for Minnesota students who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school.

Find Additional Information Here

Our Locations:

El Lago del Bosque

Turtle River Lake

Both of El Lago del Bosque’s sites are located on the shores of beautiful Turtle River Lake. Our main site is on the southern side of the lake, while the north site is on the site of the permanent Russian Language Village but will be used exclusively for Spanish programming during the first half of the summer.

MAIN SITE: Our main, permanent location for El Lago del Bosque is the larger of the two sites in terms of both size and capacity. The entire Village is made to resemble authentic Spanish architecture complete with a traditional central plaza and fountain to highlight the gathering place for sharing a dance or song.

Many of the activities that take place in large group settings will happen on the plaza. In addition, there are ample spaces including volleyball and basketball courts, soccer field, waterfront with canoes and a patio for the evening fogata (bonfire).

Cabins are furnished with bunk beds and bathrooms with private shower facilities. This site is used year-round and the cabins are winterized. During the winter, one may also use the Nordic ski trails located conveniently on site.

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a wooden house with a red roof and blue trim

NORTH SITE: Our north site is the smaller of our two sites, housing fewer villagers and staff than our main site. The former resort sits on a small peninsula with excellent views from the north shores of Turtle River Lake. The site features two-story, sun-filled pine log cabins housing between six and 14 people per cabin, typically in bedrooms sleeping four people each.

Each cabin features one or two private bathrooms with showers shared by the participants and staff living in that cabin. The cabins are fully furnished, with plenty of table space for lessons and games. They also have kitchens for cooking activities. The charming living areas provide a place where you can sit and chat or read a book in front of a cozy, wood stove. Living quarters, activity spaces and the health center are in several centrally located spaces on the site. The cabin area is a short walk to the main building, which includes a dining hall and Village store. Other highlights of the site include a beautiful beach and several nature trails.

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meet

OUR

team

Read more about our professional staff at El Lago del Bosque, our Spanish Language Village.

Kirsten Cristina Addison

Dean

Kirsten Cristina Addison is the dean of both Mar e Floresta, the Portuguese Language Village, and El Lago del Bosque, the Spanish Language Village (first half). She goes by Salome at Mar e Floresta and Cristina at El Lago del Bosque. Kirsten has been on staff at Concordia Language Villages since 1987, serving as dean in various capacities since 1996. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and French, she graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Western Ontario and studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the University of Lisbon in Portugal.

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Colette Nicoleta Feehan

Dean

Colette Nicoleta Feehan is the dean of El Lago del Bosque (second half). Nicoleta started as a villager at El Lago del Bosque in 2003 and has demonstrated leadership since 2010 on the staff of both El Lago del Bosque and 森林湖・Sēn Lín Hú. Nicoleta recently completed her doctoral degree in linguistics, with a focus on the articulatory and acoustic phonetics of speech. Outside of the Language Villages, Nicoleta works as Audiobook Director with Hachette Audio Group.

Rachel Raquel Schaefer

Dean

Rachel Raquel Schaefer is the dean of El Lago del Bosque (second half). Raquel has been on staff since 2013, and prior to that was an El Lago del Bosque villager for nine years. Raquel graduated from Concordia College with a degree in World Language Education and recently completed her masters degree in education from Clemson University. Outside of El Lago del Bosque, Raquel works as a middle school Spanish immersion teacher in Anchorage, Alaska.

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Work at Concordia Language Villages

Concordia Language Villages staff may speak a Village language, creatively teach culture, work and play hard. They also develop skills and qualities that will make them excellent employees in any field.