International Day

Join us for International day on July 5 and August 9, 2013!

Check out the International Day blog for 2012!

Check out some of the photos from International Day last year below!

What is International Day?

Twice each summer, villagers and staff meet at Waldsee, the German Language Village to celebrate "International Day."  This gathering of roughly 2000 villagers, staff, parents and guests is open to everyone and requires no admission fee. It is a unique opportunity for villagers, parents, and the public to learn about the language and cultural immersion programs we offer — all at one site!

We have all kinds of things to do. For example: Peace Site Ceremony, Parades, World Cup Soccer Extravaganza, BioHaus Tour, Global Summit, International Film Festival....

1:00 p.m.  Shuttles begin transporting visitors to Waldsee
1:15 p.m.  International Peace Site Rededication
2:15 p.m.  Opening Ceremony
2:45 p.m.  Global Market and Festival
3:00 p.m.  CLV Global Summit        
5:15 p.m.  Closing Ceremony

In an effort to reduce non-biodegradable plastic waste, we ask everyone to bring a water bottle and use our water refill stations. We are no longer distributing free bottled water.

*Please note: Only the High School Credit villagers and two week villagers at Spanish Marine on St. Croix participate in International Day. One week sessions located at this site do not.

The purpose of International Day is to create a festival that:

• celebrates in meaningful and fun ways the languages and cultures represented by the Villages;
• promotes respect and tolerance of all who are members of the Villages community;
• builds on the friendships that have been created among and between the Village programs; and
• provides an opportunity for villagers, staff, parents and guests to be connected to the overall mission of the Villages.

The festival is held at Waldsee, the German Language Village at our Turtle River Lake site north of Bemidji, Minnesota. Villagers are transported to the festival and back to their Villages by bus.

Parents and guests park at the International Day entrance of the Turtle River site. Shuttle buses offer convenient access from the parking lot to the festival. Tours of the Turtle River site, including the French, Norwegian, German, Finnish and Spanish Language Villages will be available.

Who attends?

Everyone is welcome at International Day! There are no admission fees though most people bring a little cash for food and drink as well as spending money for the International Bazaar. Villagers attending sessions during International Day are transported to the festival with their Village staff and return to their "home" Villages that evening. Former and future villagers, parents, grandparents, little brothers and sisters, former staff, and guests are invited to attend on their own. It's one of the best days of the year at the Villages!We also invite special and honored guests to join us. Dignitaries, former directors, award-winning staff and special friends and supporters of the Villages help us celebrate as well.

A variety of food is available for purchase and plenty of activities for all ages are planned. This is a great time to feel the tremendous spirit of the Villages. The experience has been compared to the excitement of the opening ceremony of the Olympics by a Sjölunden alumna an Olympic athlete.

2012 International Day Theme: Live Together Speak Together
2012 International Day Song: Hey Hey by Mia

In 2011, villagers and visitors were asked to write down a pledge about what they will do to "become the change." See the pledges here.
2011 International Day Theme: Become the Change
2011 International Day Song: Jambo Bwana  Click here to listen!

2010 International Day Theme: Party Like it's 1961
2010 International Day Song: Jai Ho, by A. R. Rahman. Click here to listen!