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.
Sjölunden
Swedish Language Village
About the Village
Välkommen till Sjölunden, our Swedish language and cultural immersion program. Here, in a Village of traditional svenska stugor (Swedish cottages) resembling a small fishing village, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds, flavors and customs of Scandinavia’s most populous nation. Learn the language and the culture of the country that has not fought a war in 200 years, serves up scrumptious foods and is the home of popular music (ABBA), cars (Saab) and furniture (Ikea). Experienced and native speakers will help you live the language of one of the world’s most prosperous and progressive countries, one that just happens to have also been the ancestral home of thousands of Minnesotans.
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Life at Sjölunden
Traditional Weaving
Performing and Learning
Culturally Appropriate Cuisine
Community Building
Village Bank
Group Dance Time
Traditional Desserts
Village Store
Lifelong Friendships
Swimming in Turtle River Lake
Science Fun!
Cabin Time
Experience Sjölunden
Summer 2027 Schedule
Session descriptions coming soon. Registration opens Oct. 15.
| Language | Session Type | Session Category | Ages | Start Date | End Date |
| Swedish | Apprentice | Four Week | Ages 16-18 | 7/19/2027 | 8/14/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth Credit | Two Week | Grades 9-12 | 7/19/2027 | 7/31/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth Credit | Four Week | Grades 9-12 | 7/19/2027 | 8/14/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth | One Week | Ages 7-12 | 7/19/2027 | 7/24/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth | Two Week | Ages 8-14 | 7/19/2027 | 7/31/2027 |
| Swedish | Day Camp | One Week | Ages 6-11 | 7/26/2027 | 7/30/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth | One Week | Ages 11-17 | 8/2/2027 | 8/7/2027 |
| Swedish | Youth | Two Week | Ages 11-18 | 8/2/2027 | 8/14/2027 |
Upcoming Swedish Camps & Programs
Minimum registration fee $600 Want to gain an entire year’s worth of high school language credit in just four weeks? Our High School Credit programs are for you! In addition to classes with formal language instruction, credit villagers can choose from a variety of elective activities, as well as classic summer camp favorites like campfires, singing songs, and more - all in the language of the Village. Each four-week session is divided by an interim weekend, during which villagers have the opportunity to call home, do their laundry, and take a break from the intensive activity of Village life. These programs welcome language learners of all levels. Fully accredited by Cognia, credit programs include standardized curriculums, assessments, and transcripts to meet your local school system’s requirements. Please check with your school district in advance to ensure that credit from Cognia will be accepted if you wish to have the credit reflected on your villager’s high school transcript. High school credit sessions are designed for villagers entering grades 9 and up in Fall 2027.
Registration closes June 21, 2027
The Language Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for experienced language learners to take on a leadership role while continuing to develop their language skills through meaningful, hands-on work. Apprentices become an important part of the village community, working alongside staff and experts in a specific area while participating in daily language learning. Apprentices spend part of their day developing a community skill and part of their day continuing formal language study. They live alongside village participants in the classic programs, take part in village activities, and use their target language throughout the day. Through their work, apprentices build confidence, responsibility, leadership skills, and practical experience; all while deepening their language proficiency. The Language Apprenticeship Program is designed for returning villagers who have a strong foundation in the target language. Applicants should demonstrate the maturity, responsibility, and independence needed to serve as a role model within the village community. Participation is subject to program leadership approval. Program requirements: Ages 16–18 with approximately two years or more of study in the target language, or equivalent language experience. Specific requirements may vary by language program. Apprentices receive: Reduced tuition, continued language instruction, hands-on work experience, leadership opportunities, and a certificate documenting their apprenticeship and hours worked. Minimum registration fee $400
Registration closes June 21, 2027
Minimum registration fee $200 Our one-week programs are perfect for villagers who are ready to experience an overnight camp but can't fit a longer program into busy summer schedules, or aren't quite ready for a longer time away from home. These programs provide an opportunity to explore the language through small and large group learning activities and immersive daily experiences. Plus, you'll get to do all the fun arts, crafts, games and cultural exploration of the Language Village camp experience, along with traditional summer camp activities like campfires, singing songs, and making new friends. These programs welcome language learners of all levels.
Registration closes June 21, 2027
Minimum registration fee $200 Our one-week programs are perfect for villagers who are ready to experience an overnight camp but can't fit a longer program into busy summer schedules, or aren't quite ready for a longer time away from home. These programs provide an opportunity to explore the language through small and large group learning activities and immersive daily experiences. Plus, you'll get to do all the fun arts, crafts, games and cultural exploration of the Language Village camp experience, along with traditional summer camp activities like campfires, singing songs, and making new friends. These programs welcome language learners of all levels.
Registration closes July 05, 2027
Minimum registration fee $300 Our two-week programs are our most popular, providing an opportunity to become truly immersed in Village life! Villagers build and enhance their language skills through small and large group learning activities, and by hearing and using the language - with the encouragement of our supportive staff - throughout their daily activities. By engaging in a variety of music, arts, sports and classic summer camp activities like campfires, singing songs, and more, villagers can increase their confidence, improve their language ability, and grow to become courageous global citizens. These programs welcome language learners of all levels.
Registration closes July 05, 2027
Learn About Scholarship Opportunities
Need-based scholarships are available for Swedish 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.
Our Location: Sjölunden
Turtle River Lake
Our Swedish Language Village opened in 1975. Since 2006, we have been adding new, dedicated, culturally authentic Swedish facilities. The weaving studio (vävstugan) and boathouse (båthuset) are highlights of the site. The weaving studio’s red interwoven wood exterior and airy open indoor spaces reflect a Swedish architecture style found in a traditional fishing village.
Modern cabins house up to 14 villagers and staff in bunks, with bathrooms, shower facilities and classrooms. An outdoor dance pavilion, beautiful swimming beach and sport field offer plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun.
10915 Ojutkangastie NE, Bemidji, MN 56601
Meet Our Team
Read more about our professional staff at Sjölunden, our Swedish Language Village.
Emily Kajsa Hunter
Dean
Emily Kajsa Hunter is the dean of Sjölunden ,the Swedish Language Village. Kajsa was a Swedish villager and has been a staff member since 2000 and the dean of Sjölunden since 2014. During the academic year, Kajsa is a school psychologist in a public school district in Maryland. She also holds a master's degree in Cultural Identity Studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a California pre-K-12 teaching credential.
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.
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.