Välkommen till Sjölunden, our Swedish language and cultural immersion program. Here, in a Village of traditional svenska stugor (Swedish cottages) resembling a small fishing village, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds, flavors and customs of Scandinavia’s most populous nation. Learn the language and the culture of the country that has not fought a war in 200 years, serves up scrumptious foods and is the home of popular music (ABBA), cars (Saab) and furniture (Ikea). Experienced and native speakers will help you live the language of one of the world’s most prosperous and progressive countries, one that just happens to have also been the ancestral home of thousands of Minnesotans.
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!
Season: Summer
Duration: 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks
Our flagship Language Village camps where language comes to life. A fully immersive cultural experience.
Season: Summer
Duration: 1 Week
Daytime programming for young villagers ready to explore the Village experience without overnight stays.
Season: Year-round
Duration: Varies
Keep your Language Village experience going all year long with our Virtual Clubs, Classes and High School Credit programs.
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.
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.
Season: Year-round
Duration: Varies
Choose from a variety of programming options including Conversation Hours, Classes and more, for ages 18+.
Season: Year-round
Duration: Varies
Training for military, healthcare and corporate clients, with customizable programming designed to bridge cultures and break language barriers.
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.
More InformationNeed-based scholarships are available for Swedish 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.
The intimate atmosphere of a Swedish coastal fishing village in Småland, Sweden inspired the architectural design of Sjölunden. Sjölunden joins seven other culturally authentic Villages situated on an 875-acre tract of land on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minn.
Our Swedish Language Village opened in 1975. Since 2006, we have been adding new, dedicated, culturally authentic Swedish facilities. The weaving studio (vävstugan) and boathouse (båthuset) are highlights of the site. The weaving studio’s red interwoven wood exterior and airy open indoor spaces reflect a Swedish architecture style found in a traditional fishing village.
Modern cabins house up to 14 villagers and staff in bunks, with bathrooms, shower facilities and classrooms. An outdoor dance pavilion, beautiful swimming beach and sport field offer plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun.
Read more about our professional staff at Sjölunden, our Swedish Language Village.
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.
