Concordia Language Villages will require all participants eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to be fully vaccinated prior to arrival at a residential session, effective September 1, 2021. Read our vaccine FAQ for more information.​

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Villagers experience French language and francophone cultures through an immersion experience that features wilderness adventure, outdoor living and an exciting camping expedition into the North Woods of Minnesota and/or Canada.

Four-week credit sessions include two weeks on our main site in Bemidji as well as two weeks to either Voyageurs National Park, the Mississippi or The Boundary Waters to put all of our skills to use and immerse ourselves in the outdoors. Excursions often also include a visit to Old Fort William, a hands-on living museum in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about what you can expect from a week excursion into the wilderness with Les Voyageurs! Blog post: Turtle River Trip Log, 2015

Building a campsite, splitting firewood, cooking over an open fire, identifying plants and birds, canoeing, portaging and paddling through sun and rain are just a few of the ways that villagers develop their adventurous side and leadership skills. Woven throughout the day are songs, foods, games, cultural stories and artistic activities from around the French-speaking world.

During a session, credit villagers are able to develop a strong base in listening and speaking as well as develop as readers and writers in French. Learning occurs throughout the day, and is tailored to each individual’s skills and personal goals. Language immersion, small learning groups, hands-on activities, villager led projects and adventure are the keys to this unique learning experience. Villagers of all languages levels are welcome. Learn more about our high school credit program.

A Typical Day at the Main Site
Wake up at sunrise
Breakfast
Canoeing excursion
Small group activities (villager choice)
Lunch
Break time to rest, write letters, read, etc.; mid-day campfire
Free to spend at the café or boutique, playing games or doing arts and crafts
Credit villager class time
Dinner
Canoeing excursion or whole-group activity
Campfire and songs
Bedtime
A Typical Day En Voyage
Wake up at sunrise
Work together to break down camp
Breakfast
Canoeing on the great lakes and rivers (while singing and enjoying conversation)
Lunch on the go
More canoeing to get to the next site
Work together to set up camp
Free time to explore, play games, etc.; pitch in to cook the evening meal
Dinner
Evening Activities – conversation, journaling, credit villager "class time"
Campfire and songs
Bedtime

 

 

Concordia Language Villages reserves the right to consolidate or cancel sessions that are below minimum enrollment levels.