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El Lago del Bosque

Spanish Language Village
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THE

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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!

New for summer 2024: additional youth overnight sessions will be held across Turtle River Lake at our Russian Language Village (north site). 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. Select "North Site" when registering.

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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Culture Talk: Caribbean Drinks
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 27
-
Nov 27
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
"Culture Talk: The Caribbean and its Drinks Immerse yourself in the rich Caribbean culture with virtual talks about their iconic beverages. Step aboard on a delightful Caribbean Drink journey and explore the wide array of tantalizing cocktails and beverages that this tropical paradise has to offer. Indulge in the refreshing taste of rum-based delights, inspired by the beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal blue sea. From classic Mojitos to vibrant punches, there's a drink for every occasion. Whether you're sipping on a sunny afternoon or hosting a gathering, let the flavors of the Caribbean transport you to a world of tropical bliss. This session will be conducted in English. Sumérgete en la rica cultura caribeña con charlas virtuales sobre sus bebidas icónicas. Suba a bordo de un delicioso viaje de bebidas caribeñas y explore la amplia variedad de tentadores cócteles y bebidas que este paraíso tropical tiene para ofrecer. Deléitese con el refrescante sabor de las delicias a base de ron, inspiradas en las hermosas playas de arena blanca y el mar azul cristalino. Desde mojitos clásicos hasta ponches vibrantes, hay una bebida para cada ocasión. Ya sea que esté disfrutando de una tarde soleada o organizando una reunión, deje que los sabores del Caribe lo transporten a un mundo de felicidad tropical."
Registration closes
Nov 25, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 28, 2024
On-Site Cooking Class: Argentine Empanadas
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 28
-
Nov 28
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join our cultural talk about how to make and try Argentine empanadas! Discover the secrets of this delicious culinary tradition, from the preparation of the dough to the most authentic fillings. Learn, cook and enjoy in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for foreigners who want to immerse themselves in Argentine culture. Don't miss this opportunity to live a unique and delicious gastronomic experience! Reserve your place now and take a little piece of Argentina with you.
Registration closes
Nov 26, 2024
Male openings:
40
|
Female openings:
40
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 10, 2024
Travel & Insight: Mexican Spirits
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 28
-
Nov 28
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Are you passionate about distillates? Join our Mexican distilled spirits class where you will learn more about their origins, and find out which regions of Mexico each distillate originates. Mexico is famous for its diverse and high-quality distilled beverages, many of which have a deep cultural and historical significance. Take advantage of the opportunity to become a distilled spirits expert for your next trip. Reserve your place today! This workshop will be conducted in English. ¿Te apasionan los destilados? Únete a nuestra clase de destilados mexicanos en los que aprenderas más sobre su origen, conoce en que regiones de Mexico se originan cada destilado. México es famoso por sus bebidas destiladas diversas y de gran calidad, muchas de las cuales tienen un profundo significado cultural e histórico. No te pierdas la oportunidad de volverte un experto en destilados para tu proximo viaje. Reserva hoy mismo tu lugar!
Registration closes
Nov 26, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 9, 2024
Cooking Workshop: Meriendas y mate
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 30
-
Nov 30
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Vive el corazón y el alma de la cultura argentina con nuestro evento especial: ""Merienda Argentina y Mates"". Únete a nosotros para una encantadora charla cultural y clase culinaria donde cocinaremos juntos y aprenderás sobre la querida tradición argentina de la merienda y el arte de preparar y compartir el mate. Descubre la historia, los rituales y las recetas que hacen de esta merienda y bebida vespertina algo tan especial en Argentina. Ya seas un entusiasta del té, un amante de la comida, o simplemente tengas curiosidad por las costumbres argentinas, este evento es perfecto para ti. ¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de sumergirte en los sabores y tradiciones de Argentina! This workshop will be conducted in Spanish. Experience the heart and soul of Argentine culture with our special event: ""Argentine Merienda and Mates"". Join us for a delightful cultural talk and cooking class where we will cook together and you will learn about the cherished Argentine tradition of the merienda and the art of preparing and sharing mate. Discover the history, rituals, and recipes that make this afternoon snack and drink so special in Argentina. Whether you're a tea enthusiast, a food lover, or simply curious about Argentine customs, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavors and traditions of Argentina!"
Registration closes
Nov 28, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 9, 2024
Spanish Family Weekend
Family Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Feb 14
-
Feb 17
2025
Location:
Bemidji
N/A
Cost: $
395
Adult price $395 Youth price $215 Ages 3 and under free Minimum deposit $50 per paying participant
Registration closes
Jan 31, 2025
Male openings:
30
|
Female openings:
29
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 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 6, 2025
Male openings:
17
|
Female openings:
15
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 2024
Spanish Adult Week
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Apr 24
-
Apr 30
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
1195
Standard price $1195 65+ and students $1100 Minimum deposit $125
Registration closes
Apr 10, 2025
Male openings:
19
|
Female openings:
17
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.

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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.