Two Grand Marais students recently participated in the Concordia Language Villages program.
Sarah Larsen attended Lac du Bois, the French Language Village. Larsen is the daughter of Sandy Stover and Ralph Larsen, Grand Marais.
Mel Stoddard attended Lago del Bosco, the Italian Language Village in Hackensack, Minn. Stoddard is the daughter of Diane and Jeff Stoddard of Grand Marais.
By participating, the students experienced a simulated visit to another country. Each was issued a passport, exchanged currency and adopted a new name. By interacting with staff from all over the world, they also learned about the many opportunities available to those who speak more than one language. They were immersed in the language and culture of other countries through large and small learning groups, authentic foods, holiday celebrations, reenactments 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 in Moorhead, Minn., 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.
Leave a Reply