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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!

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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Cooking Workshop: Ajiaco Colombiano
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 10
-
Nov 10
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join our gastronomy class and enjoy the experience of making your own Colombian AJIACO. Indulge in the rich flavors of Ajiaco Colombiano – a true culinary treasure. Pure Tradition: Handcrafted with premium honored ingredients, it's the authentic taste of Colombia in every spoonful. A must-taste dish! This workshop will be conducted in Spanish.
Registration closes
Nov 8, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 9, 2024
On-Site Cooking Class: Tartas saladas argentinas
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 11
-
Nov 11
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 15 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for a hands-on workshop where we dive into the world of savory Argentine tarts, guided by native speakers. Learn to make classic and delicious tarts filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, and meats. Perfect for anyone wanting to experience authentic Argentine flavors in a fun and interactive environment. No prior experience needed!
Registration closes
Nov 4, 2024
Male openings:
40
|
Female openings:
40
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
September 26, 2024
On-Site Cooking Class: Argentine Ñoquis
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 13
-
Nov 13
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Get ready for a delicious journey through Argentine culinary traditions! Join us for a special cultural talk and cooking class dedicated to the art of making Ñoquis, Argentina's beloved potato dumplings. In this class, we will cook together, learning the techniques, tips, and family secrets that make this dish a staple in Argentine homes. Perfect for food enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire! Experience the warmth of Argentine hospitality and the joy of creating (and tasting!) this comforting classic. Secure your spot now!
Registration closes
Nov 11, 2024
Male openings:
40
|
Female openings:
40
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 10, 2024
Travel & Insight: Wines of Argentina
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 14
-
Nov 14
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Discover the secrets behind Argentine wines in our upcoming exclusive talk! Immerse yourself in the richness of their vineyards, learn about the unique characteristics of their varietals, and feel like an enologist as you learn to taste wine with us in this journey through one of Argentina's most important gastronomic experiences. A sensory journey that will awaken your passion for wine. Don't miss it! This workshop will be conducted in English. ¡Descubre los secretos detrás de los vinos argentinos en nuestra próxima charla exclusiva! Sumérgete en la riqueza de sus viñedos, conoce las características únicas de sus varietales y siéntete un enólogo aprendiendo a degustar vino con nosotros en este recorrido por una de las experiencias ligadas a la gastronomía más importantes de Argentina. Un viaje sensorial que despertará tu pasión por el vino. ¡No te lo pierdas!
Registration closes
Nov 12, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
July 9, 2024
Mexican Christmas Workshop
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 15
-
Nov 17
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 16 - 99
Cost: $
325
Minimum registration fee $50 Christmas in Mexico is not just the 25th of December - it's a whole season that runs from December 8 to January 6, with all kinds of fun and joyful traditions to experience! This weekend overnight workshop, led by our native-speaking Spanish staff, will prepare you with food, crafts, music, and more that you can bring home with you to share with family and friends throughout the Mexican Christmas season. For those who love to cook (or love to learn!) we'll be making traditional foods such as tamales, tortillas, mole, and pozole. If you'd like to practice your artistic skills, we'll be making traditional crafts such as Christmas tree ornaments made from felt or tin. And of course, it wouldn't be Mexican Christmas without songs, dances, and piñatas! This program will be predominantly held in English, with Spanish songs and language peppered throughout.
Registration closes
Oct 18, 2024
Male openings:
50
|
Female openings:
50
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 2024
Culture Talk: Traditional Columbian Festivals
Adult Virtual
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 18
-
Nov 18
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
40
Culture Talk: Traditional Colombian Festivals Join us for an engaging session conducted in English, where you'll delve into Colombia’s vibrant traditional festivals. This class aims to introduce participants to the rich cultural heritage of Colombia through its festive traditions. Learn about the history, customs, and unique features that make Colombian festivals so lively and colorful. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply curious about Colombian traditions, this talk will provide fascinating insights into the country's festive spirit. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Colombian celebrations! This session will be conducted in English.
Registration closes
Nov 15, 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: Salsas Mexicanas
Adult Overnight
|
Spanish
Dates:
Nov 18
-
Nov 18
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 15 - 99
Cost: $
40
Join us for a cooking workshop where we'll make traditional Mexican salsas, the vibrant and flavorful sauces that are the heart of Mexican cuisine. Learn to create a variety of salsas, from tangy and spicy to smoky and smooth, and discover how they can elevate any dish. Perfect for anyone looking to add authentic Mexican flavors to their cooking!
Registration closes
Nov 11, 2024
Male openings:
40
|
Female openings:
40
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
September 26, 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.