Two local students—Nate Carlson and Sarah Larsen—participated in the Concordia Language Villages program by attending Lac du Bois, the French language village in Bemidji.
Nate is the son of Rodney and Julie Carlson of Grand Marais. Sarah is the daughter of Ralph Larsen and Sandy Stover of Grand Marais.
By attending Lac du Bois, students experienced a simulated visit to another country. They are issued a passport, exchange currency and adopt a new name. By interacting with staff from all over the world, Carlson and Larsen also learned about the many opportunities available to those who speak more than one language.
The local students were immersed in the language and culture of another country through large and small learning groups, authentic foods, holiday celebrations, re-enactments of historic events, songs, dances, crafts, games and everyday conversations.
Dedicated to peace through understanding, Concordia Language Villages began in 1961 with a two-week language immersion program in German attended by 75 young people. Fifty years later, Concordia Language Villages, a program of Concordia College, Moorhead, offers programs year-round to all ages, from infants to seniors. Sites are located throughout the north woods of Minnesota. Programs in 15 languages annually attract nearly 11,000 participants from all 50 states and many countries.
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