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Skogfjorden

Norwegian Language Village
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THE

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About the Village

From innovative technology to a history of exploration, learning Norwegian gives you an edge in the world. Whether you are interested in your heritage or your future, this unique language will guide you down a path towards success. Tens of thousands of people have chosen to learn Norwegian at Skogfjorden, and you can, too! Experience unique cultural activities like folkdans (folk dance) and innebandy (indoor floor hockey). Enjoy traditional foods like Kjøttkaker (meatballs) and lefse (griddle cakes). The authenticity of this Language Village will inspire your imagination and immerse you in the sights, sounds and language of the land of the midnight sun.

Our Norwegian Location
Skogfjorden
Group Song Time
Skogfjorden
Culturally Appropriate Cuisine
Skogfjorden
Learning Through Song & Dance
Skogfjorden
Fun on the Beach
Skogfjorden
Friendships for a Lifetime
Skogfjorden
Traditional Desserts
Skogfjorden
Community Building
Skogfjorden
Learning Through Performance
Skogfjorden
Custom Wood-burned Nametags
Skogfjorden
Reading Time
Skogfjorden
North Woods Learning
Skogfjorden
Village Currency
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Experience

Skogfjorden

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: 4 Weeks | 24 Weeks

Earn a year’s worth of language credit in just 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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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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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 Norwegian Camps & Programs

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Norwegian Adult Virtual Class A1
Adult Virtual
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Sep 9
-
Dec 5
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 19 - 99
Cost: $
920
Mondays & Thursdays, 5:45-6:45 PM. A1 På Vei Textbook - 1st half; no class on Thanksgiving, 11/28. Late registrations will be accepted through the first week of the session, registration deadline 9/15 Join instructor Alida for this beginner Norwegian Class based on the På Vei Textbook.Beginners (A1) which will spend 12 weeks working through the first half of På Vei and can continue with the second half of the text in the January course. På Vei is the primary Norwegian language textbook used for teaching new immigrants and students in Norway. The latest edition has beautiful pictures and graphics that will be used as a jumping-off point for discussions about language and culture. There are also updated dialogues that better reflect the people, culture and workforce in Norway. Sessions meet twice per week for 60 minutes over Zoom. Textbook required, workbook optional.
Registration closes
Sep 15, 2024
Male openings:
4
|
Female openings:
7
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 26, 2024
Norwegian Adult Virtual Conversation Hour
Adult Virtual
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Oct 21
-
Nov 25
2024
Location:
Virtual
Ages 19 - 99
Cost: $
210
Mondays 7-8 PM. Join Alida for this intermediate to advanced level Conversation Hour. Topics will vary by semester but you can rely on lively discussion in a fun and informal format.
Registration closes
Oct 14, 2024
Male openings:
11
|
Female openings:
4
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 26, 2024
Norwegian Adult Virtual Class A2
Adult Virtual
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Jan 13
-
Apr 3
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 19 - 99
Cost: $
920
Mondays & Thursdays, 5:45-6:45. A2 På Vei Textbook - 2nd half. Continue on from the fall sessions or join for the first time with instructor Alida for this elementary Norwegian Class based on the På Vei Textbook. Elementary (A2) students will spend 12 weeks working through the second half of På Vei. På Vei is the primary Norwegian language textbook used for teaching new immigrants and students in Norway. The latest edition has beautiful pictures and graphics that will be used as a jumping-off point for discussions about language and culture. There are also updated dialogues that better reflect the people, culture and workforce in Norway. Sessions meet twice per week for 60 minutes over Zoom. Textbook required, workbook optional.
Registration closes
Jan 2, 2025
Male openings:
6
|
Female openings:
5
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 26, 2024
Norwegian Adult Virtual Conversation Hour
Adult Virtual
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Jan 13
-
Feb 17
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 19 - 99
Cost: $
210
Mondays 7-8 PM. Join Alida for this intermediate to advanced level Conversation Hour. Topics will vary by semester but you can rely on lively discussion in a fun and informal format.
Registration closes
Jan 2, 2025
Male openings:
7
|
Female openings:
6
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 26, 2024
Norwegian Family Weekend
Family Overnight
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Jan 17
-
Jan 20
2025
Location:
Bemidji
N/A
Cost: $
395
Hyttetur: A Norwegian Winter Wonderland Experience the Magic of Norway in Minnesota Join us for a unique winter getaway at Hyttetur, a multi-generational program immersed in Norwegian language and culture. Nestled in the peaceful setting of Skogfjorden, just outside Bemidji, our program offers a cozy and enriching experience for families of all backgrounds. Discover Skogfjorden Our picturesque location on Turtle River Lake provides the perfect backdrop for winter adventures. Explore the snowy landscape through Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, sledding, and building snow sculptures. No matter the weather, we're prepared to make the most of our surroundings, embracing the Norwegian saying, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing." Embrace Norwegian Language And Culture In addition to outdoor activities, Hyttetur offers a variety of indoor experiences. Participate in language learning groups, enjoy traditional Norwegian baking like vafler, and engage in creative crafts. A Welcoming Community for All Whether you're a seasoned Norwegian speaker or just beginning your journey, Hyttetur is a welcoming place for families of all backgrounds. Our program is designed to foster a sense of community and provide unforgettable memories. Join us for a truly unique winter experience. Bli med på Hyttetur! Family programs are designed for family units that include at least one adult (age 19 or older) and one child (age 18 or younger). Individual adults should register for our Adult Programs instead. Adult programs provide more and more intensive opportunities for language learning geared specifically towards adult learners. Individual adults not attending with minor children may request an exception to this policy, please contact clvregister@cord.edu to start this process. All attendees, regardless of age, need to register individually for the Family Programs. Tuition is as follows: Adult participants: $395 each Youth participants: $215 each Participants ages 3 and under: Free All paying participants must pay a $50 registration fee to save a spot.
Registration closes
Jan 2, 2025
Male openings:
57
|
Female openings:
57
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 2024
Norwegian Adult Virtual Conversation Hour
Adult Virtual
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Feb 24
-
Mar 31
2025
Location:
Virtual
Ages 19 - 99
Cost: $
210
Mondays 7 - 8 PM. Join Alida for this intermediate to advanced level Conversation Hour. Topics will vary by semester but you can rely on lively discussion in a fun and informal format.
Registration closes
Feb 10, 2025
Male openings:
8
|
Female openings:
7
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
June 26, 2024
Norwegian Adult Weekend
Adult Overnight
|
Norwegian
Dates:
Apr 24
-
Apr 27
2025
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 18 - 99
Cost: $
640
Standard price $640 65+ and students $590 Minimum deposit $50
Registration closes
Mar 27, 2025
Male openings:
37
|
Female openings:
34
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 2024
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Upcoming Holiday Workshops

Nordic Holiday Workshop
Adult Overnight
|
Nordic
Dates:
Dec 6
-
Dec 8
2024
Location:
Bemidji
Ages 21 - 99
Cost: $
325
Minimum deposit $50 Join us for a delightful celebration of Nordic traditions! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as we explore the rich customs of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Enjoy hands-on workshops where you can bake delicious holiday treats (nine in total!) and create beautiful crafts. Engage in cultural activities that highlight unique Nordic traditions and join in the joyous festivities with family and friends. This enchanting weekend offers a perfect blend of learning and celebration, providing opportunities to deepen your appreciation for Nordic culture. Experience the joy of crafting, cooking and connecting with others as you discover the magic of the season together. Don't miss this chance to enrich your holiday spirit and celebrate the wonders of Nordic holiday traditions! Nordic baking typically involves wheat flour and nuts, especially hazelnuts and almonds. Dietary accommodations for recipes made by participants during the program may be limited. Meals and snacks prepared by the Culinary Arts staff will be prepared in accordance to dietary restrictions that are indicated on your health forms at the time of your registration.
Registration closes
Nov 11, 2024
Male openings:
46
|
Female openings:
4
Register NowJoin Waitlist
Session Full
Registration Closed
Limited Availibility
Registration opens on
March 10, 2024
Concordia Language Training Center Logo

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 Norwegian 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 Location:

Skogfjorden

Turtle River Lake

Our first architecturally authentic Language Village, Skogfjorden was built in 1968 on the shores of Turtle River Lake, and has been updated over the years. Skogfjorden magically transports visitors to a small lakeside village in Norway, amongst the beauty and nature of the North Woods.

Villagers live in dormitory-style cabins with double bunks. Each beautiful cabin is built for year-round use with carpeting, electricity and indoor plumbing. Cabins house up to 16 villagers and staff.

Gimle, the large dining hall, features beautiful rosemaled ceilings and traditional woodwork. Utgard, the activity building, offers gymnasium facilities, which also serve as a meeting area for larger groups.

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meet

OUR

team

Read more about our professional staff at Skogfjorden, our Norwegian Language Village.

Tove Tove Dahl

Dean

Tove Dahl is Dean of Skogfjorden, the Norwegian Language Village. She has been on staff since 1979 and was a villager for four years. Tove is fluent in Norwegian and has also studied Russian, French, Spanish and Dutch. She was named a Knight of the First Class of the Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V of Norway in 2008 for the advancement of Norwegian language and culture in the United States. Tove earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. She completed her doctorate in educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a professor in educational psychology at the University of Tromsø, Norway.

Erik Brakstad

Program Leader

With a lifelong passion for Norwegian language and culture, Erik has been involved at Skogfjorden as a staff member (and later as a parent) since it rocked his world when he came for the first time as a counselor during college. Now serving as Program Leader for Skogfjorden‘s adult residential programs, Erik relishes how Skogfjorden brings together people of different backgrounds and experiences. Erik attended Follo Folkehøyskole in Norway before graduating from Reed College. When not teaching at the Villages, he works as a general contractor in Portland, Ore.

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Sarah Alida Uttormark

Program Leader

Alida has been learning Norwegian since she started as a Skogfjorden villager at age seven and later moving on to a staff position for both virtual and overnight programs. Her passion for learning about Norwegian language and culture has lead her to four different study abroad experiences in Norway as well as degrees in Norwegian and Nordic Studies from St. Olaf College. When not teaching eager Norwegian students of all ages, she can be found knitting sweaters, practicing the many different instruments she plays or working in her lab at Cornell University where she is performing research for her doctoral degree in Applied Physics.

Steve Sverre Asper

Program Leader

Steve Sverre Asper has 30 years of experience teaching Norwegian and French at Concordia Language Villages. He spent multiple years in Norway on exchange programs in Tønsberg and Oslo. He taught third grade at L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion School and serves as the Chief Information Officer for Kozefò, a small nonprofit organization that serves A New Arrival Center Primary School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His passion for Education, Technology, Children, Languages and Service, cultivated at Concordia Language Villages intersect to drive him in his role of Director of Technology and Innovation for White Bear Lake Area Schools and his work in Haiti.

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Jessica Dina Korynta

Program Leader

Jessica Dina Korynta is part of the leadership team of Skogfjorden, the Norwegian Language Village. Dina has been a villager, credit villager, counselor, volunteer, business manager and staff counselor as well as now leading the Nordic Holiday Weekend. Dina earned her B.A. in Linguistics with a minor in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Elsa Hillis

Program Leader

Heisann! Elsa is a leader by summer, career lifeguard and vagabond by rest of year. She is currently at home in central Texas, curating her norsk playlists and reading Harry Hole, while thinking of ways to make swimming pools even safer and virtual Norwegian clubs even more fun.

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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.