Specialty Programs
If you decide to delve deeper into a certain aspect of learning German, you have several options.
NEW! German Apprentice Program
In Waldsee's German Apprentice Program, you'll learn German by becoming a Lehrling, working half-time developing a community skill auf deutsch, and learning German half-time in regular Waldsee learning groups. German apprentices live with regular Waldsee participants and join in village activities, but also contribute to the Waldsee community and develop a work skill at the same time, learning from master teachers and experts in their field. It's a time-honored German tradition and a great leadership opportunity - and you can join the adventure this summer! Participants receive a certificate of apprenticeship with work hours included. Reduced tuition.
For ages 15-18 with 2 years or more of German. Apprentice opportunities in Bakery and Kitchen * Carpentry * Store, Bank and Café * Gardening/Green Roof * Music * Technology/Podcasting/Webblogging * Art and Photography *Science/Environmental Studies. GB 26, GB 66, GB 86
Die Grüne Welle
Die Grüne Welle is a hands-on nature and environmental immersion program. You can discover the legends and lore of German Wälder (forests), enjoy Kanufahren (canoeing) on the Mississippi, and learn modern cutting-edge environmental techniques — all in German! Offered during GB22, GB42, GB62, GB82, GB02 and GB83.
Kollegstufe
This program emphasizes reading and writing as well as "living" the German language, Kollegstufe is a good fit if you are a two-week villager who already has some speaking and listening proficiency. Offered during GB42, GB62, GB82 and GB02.
Der Märchenwald
Our forest of legends will take you back to medieval days where you can play medieval games, and join a theatrical troupe! You might take on the identity of a medieval personage, make chain-mail, sword-fight (and sword dance!), design a coat-of-arms, do leatherwork and calligraphy, cook over the open fire, and maybe even achieve knighthood. Offered during GB22, GB62, GB82 and GB02.
Stadttheater
Develop your acting skills at das Stadttheater and explore the language and culture of stage theater in German-speaking Europe. You'll have an opportunity to present a villager-produced play at the end of the session. Offered during sessions GB22 and GB42.
Waldsee Radio
Learn how to play the latest global hits on Waldsee's own low frequency radio station! You will operate a radio studio, conduct live broadcasts, and work with the latest European charts—all while learning and speaking German! Offered during GB62, GB82 and GB02.
Helvetia
Helvetia unites the French (Bemidji), German and Italian Language Villages in a program focusing on Switzerland. You will live in one of these three Villages, then all three languages will come together for a day to learn about Swiss language and culture. The program is co-ed for villagers aged 8-18 with beginning to advanced French, German or Italian language skills. We also will offer a Helvetia Swiss Week for kids 8-18 and family adventurers of all ages.
Die Grüne Welle High School Credit Program
In Waldsee’s environment/nature high school credit die Grüne Welle program, you’ll do projects just like the classic credit program, but with a focus in environmental science, conservation, energy, chemistry, or forestry. You’ll use your German to live and discover our beautiful natural surroundings. You’ll get to plan and go on a one-week canoe trip down the Mississippi and across the great Northern Minnesota landscape, camp and sleep in/outside of a tent, build a fire and cook over it, enjoy the sunsets as the loons call out in the distance, learn about plants and animals – all in German.
You’ll also carry out experiments and learn about sustainable living in the Waldsee BioHaus, North America’s first certified passive house — a building designed to use 85% less energy than a comparable American building. It’s a low-energy building in a high-energy program.
Der Märchenwald High School Credit Program
Der Märchenwald (forest of legends) high school credit program in Waldsee takes participants back in time to experience a unique combination of the Middle Ages and theater. The only program to come complete with its own storyline, der Märchenwald challenges its participants to create a kingdom from a path through the woods, a theater in a forest clearing, and authentic medieval persons in themselves. The result is a mountain of experience combining language, history, arts & crafts, music, creative writing, literature, ongoing role-playing, tons of teamwork and, finally, a formal knighting ceremony. In the program, you’ll do projects just like the classic credit program, but with a focus on medieval roles and crafts along with a major theater production.
College Credit for Advanced High School Students
Explore contemporary political, social and cultural issues influencing Germany today. Germany is the center of Europe, the world’s third largest economy, the powerhouse of the European Union, home to the euro, and is on the cutting edge of environmental thinking and energy efficient approaches to the 21st century. In Concordia College’s course German 221: Modern German Culture and Civilization, taught at Waldsee, advanced high school students delve into modern German perspectives and challenges while participating fully in Waldsee life. It’s an invigorating experience for those ready for a positive challenge.
Open to students in grades 11-12 (entering high school junior or senior year, but not yet a fully enrolled college student) who have three previous years of language study. The Language Villages’ German college credit sessions are designed for high school German students who want to be challenged in their language study.
