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
Upcoming Swedish Camps & Programs
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.