School Groups

Programs for school groups provide a fun and unique language and cultural immersion experience during the academic year for students and their language or social studies teachers. For more than 30 years, teachers from the Midwest and from as far away as Florida and Washington have brought large and small groups to the Language Villages to enrich their students’ knowledge of the world.

IMMERSION WITH THEMES
Each language has a theme. It could be a famous person, a journey through a country or a special event. Native speaking staff create a fast-moving, activity-filled atmosphere that immerses students in another culture and another language for the duration of the program.

Students use their present language skills at any level and develop a higher level of understanding and enthusiasm. Language and culture come to life through authentic games, arts, sports, traditions, music, food and native-speaking staff. Meals are also culturally authentic and are often named in evaluations as one of the best parts of the program.

Language Teachers have the opportunity to communicate in their chosen language at a conversational level, exchange ideas with other language teachers, and learn how to integrate Village activities and games into classrooms back home.

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Spanish
• Additional languages offered upon request

PROGRAMS
Explore both options for your class and choose the program that fits your schedule, budget and language or cultural interest. Join together with other teachers at your school to organize a large group, or bring a small group and meet other teachers and students from around the country. Policies and reservation procedures are similar for both options.

VILLAGE FIELD TRIPS (Monday-Friday)
Marine on St. Croix, Minn.: The Forest International Retreat Center is less than one hour east of the Twin Cities, making this ideal for short field trips during the school week. We also host one day educator workshops here throughout the year.

• Day trip (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday)
• Overnight trip (Tuesday-Wednesday or Thursday-Friday)
• Custom lengths (Perfect for fall or spring breaks!)

VILLAGE WEEKENDS (Thursday-Friday)
Bemidji, Minn.: Our world-renowned Turtle River Lake International Retreat Center in the North Woods of Minnesota boasts authentic Village architecture reflecting cultures that speak many of the languages we offer. This is a beautiful site for weekend and longer customized programs and hosts our longer summer workshops and courses for educators.

Stillwater, Minn.: Our newest year-round site addition is The Forest International Retreat Center. Just a quick 30-40 minute drive from the Twin Cities it is nuzzled away in the hardwood forests just north of Stillwater Minnesota. Come see this convenient new location. 

• Regular weekend (Friday through Sunday)
• Long weekend (Thursday through Sunday)
• Custom lengths (Perfect for fall or spring breaks!)

SPRING BREAK VILLAGES (Sunday - Saturday: March 7-April 10)
This new program, offered near St. Paul, Minn., is ideal for middle and high school language students to boost skills and confidence during the school year. Students can participate individually or as a group accompanied by a teacher.