We can accommodate most medically-verifiable food allergies, vegetarian and vegan diets, dairy-free alternatives, celiac disease, allergy announcements at all mealtimes and a basic menu overview for diabetic planning.

We cannot accommodate allergy to aerosolized allergens, sensory-related or selective eating habits, kosher/halal/gluten-free kitchens, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorders, special or individualized diets (FODMAP, Keto, etc.), provision of specific carbohydrate counts and multiple allergies in Villages where those ingredients are a predominant part of the cuisine and/or no realistic alternatives can be found.

Participants are responsible for arranging transportation to adult overnight programs. Most drive themselves to the Village. You may also choose to fly into the nearest airport. For those attending a program at our Turtle River sites near Bemidji, we offer a shuttle to pick you up and return you to the Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI), for a nominal fee.

The cuisine at Concordia Language Villages is culturally appropriate. Be prepared to try new dishes from around the world. Our staff will join you at meals to help you continue to use the target language during your mealtime.

There is a packing list within the confirmation/welcome packet to guide the adult learner in what to bring. Optional items would be any type of musical instrument, target language games or pictures of a recent trip to the target country. The Villages provides all linens, towels, bedding, pillow with pillowcase and Kleenex; participants are required to bring personal clothing, toiletries and bath soap. View a packing list here.

Participants live in winterized residential facilities. We typically house 4-8 participants within a cabin or residential facility. Some facilities have bathrooms and showers in the building, while some bathrooms and showers are in an adjacent building just a short walk away. Staff and leaders are housed separately.

Select scholarships are available for German and Norwegian adult overnight programs, thanks to generous endowments from current and former adult village learners. See our Scholarships page for more details.

We do various activities through large and small group activities. Ethnic crafts, outdoor games, board games, card games may be offered in both the target language and English. While the waterfront will not be open, we invite participants to enjoy seasonal activities including nature walks or biking. (Bikes must be either rented or brought to the Village.)

Language sessions will be separate and divided by language ability. Activities like sports, crafts, music, song, dance and cooking can be attended all participants depending on interest.

Adult weeks and weekends are considered exploratory programs providing learners with the opportunity to interact with others using the target language. This kind of real communication is impossible to replicate by using a textbook! At the same time, participants learn about the culture and traditions of the nations where the language is spoken. We strive to meet language learners at their individual developmental and linguistic levels.

Adult learners must be at least 18 years of age to attend the adult overnight weeks and weekends. Participants come from around the United States and Canada to experience language and culture at Concordia Language Villages. Many are looking towards an introduction to the language. For some, the language is part of their heritage or they are preparing for a trip abroad. Many see the program as a ‘learning vacation’, where they enjoy the unique combination of recreation and instruction. It’s also a great way to get language learners of any adult age to become familiar with the Language Villages. Many of our participants return year after year.

Participants come from around the United States and Canada to experience language and culture at Concordia Language Villages. Many are looking towards an introduction to the language. For some, the language is part of their heritage or they are preparing for a trip abroad. Many see the programs as a ‘learning vacation’, where they enjoy the unique combination of recreation and instruction. It’s also a great way to get language learners of any adult age to become familiar with the Language Villages. Many of our participants return year after year, attend another language adult overnight week, attend a family summer week or send youth to the summer programs.

Adult overnight weekends normally begin on either Thursday or Friday evenings and last through brunch on Sunday or Monday. They provide an excellent introduction to language and culture for beginning learners, as well as a great way to practice existing language skills for more advanced speakers. These programs are held in the spring and fall months at our facilities near Bemidji, Minn.