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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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Virtual Travel and insight: Guanajuato
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 6
-
Mar 6
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 14 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for an exciting online session about Guanajuato, one of Mexico's most vibrant and colorful cities! Conducted in English, this session will delve into the rich history and unique architecture of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning colonial buildings and winding alleyways. Discover local culinary delights, including traditional dishes and regional specialties that reflect the city's diverse heritage. We'll also explore the natural beauty surrounding Guanajuato, including nearby parks and landscapes that offer a serene escape. Whether you're planning a trip or simply curious about this cultural gem, this talk will provide essential insights to enhance your understanding and appreciation of Guanajuato.
Registration closes
Feb 27, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 4, 2024
Adult Virtual Spanish Class
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 9
-
Apr 15
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
470
Improve your Spanish with our virtual classes, held twice a week, featuring native Spanish-speaking instructors. These sessions focus on both conversation and grammar, helping you develop a solid foundation in speaking, listening, and understanding the language. Learn through interactive activities that immerse you in Spanish and its rich culture, all from the comfort of your home. Perfect for learners of all levels! Program meets Sundays and Tuesdays
Registration closes
Mar 2, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
Spanish Adult Virtual Class
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 9
-
Apr 13
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
470
Improve your Spanish with our virtual classes, held twice a week, featuring native Spanish-speaking instructors. These sessions focus on both conversation and grammar, helping you develop a solid foundation in speaking, listening, and understanding the language. Learn through interactive activities that immerse you in Spanish and its rich culture, all from the comfort of your home. Perfect for learners of all levels!
Registration closes
Mar 2, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
December 4, 2024
Youth Virtual Spanish Class
Youth Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 9
-
Apr 15
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 8 - 17
Cost: $
470
Give your child the opportunity to learn Spanish with native speakers through our virtual classes, offered twice a week! These fun and interactive lessons focus on both conversation and grammar, helping young learners build a strong foundation in speaking, listening, and understanding Spanish. With engaging activities and cultural exploration, students will develop language skills while connecting with the vibrant Spanish-speaking world—all from home! Perfect for youth at any level. Class meets Sundays and Tuesdays
Registration closes
Mar 2, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 1, 2024
Virtual Survival for Travelers: Transportation
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 12
-
Mar 12
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 16 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for an informative online session designed to help you navigate transportation in Spanish-speaking countries! This session will cover essential vocabulary and phrases related to various modes of transport, including buses, taxis, and trains. You'll learn how to ask about schedules, buy tickets, and communicate your travel needs effectively. Additionally, we'll discuss cultural tips for using public transportation safely and efficiently. Whether you're preparing for your next journey or simply want to feel more confident getting around, this interactive class will provide you with the essential language tools you need to travel with ease.
Registration closes
Mar 5, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 4, 2024
Virtual Survival for Travelers: Shopping and Markets
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 19
-
Mar 19
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 16 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for an engaging online session designed to help you navigate shopping and markets in Spanish-speaking countries! This session will cover essential vocabulary and phrases for shopping, including bargaining tips, asking about prices, and understanding product descriptions. You'll learn how to communicate effectively in various shopping environments, from local markets to souvenir shops. We'll also discuss cultural insights to enhance your shopping experience and help you connect with local vendors. Whether you're preparing for your next trip or just want to boost your Spanish skills, this interactive class will equip you with the language tools you need to enjoy shopping adventures abroad.
Registration closes
Mar 12, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
November 4, 2024
Spanish Adult Week
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Mar 20
-
Mar 26
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
1195
Standard price $1195 65+ and students $1100 Minimum deposit $125
Registration closes
Mar 13, 2025
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 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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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.

Jose Maidana

José Maidana

Dean

José works in research at the intersection of public policy, health, and cultural heritage conservation. He grew up in northern Argentina and pursued studies in linguistics, sociology, and anthropology at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. José is passionate about global education and its role in creating a community of world learners. In addition to English and Spanish, he also speaks French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Rachel Schaefer

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.