  English Language Village
Concordia Language Villages, A Program of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
The English Language Village is a fantastic opportunity to improve English language skills. Come to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, for an immersion experience in the language and culture that you will remember for a lifetime!
What is Hometown, USA ?
At Hometown USA, learning English is fun! Students from all over the world unite on the campus of Concordia College to engage in a mix of immersion language learning lessons and hands-on activities. Hometown, USA introduces young people to the heartland of America in a safe, secure and encouraging environment.
Who attends the English Language Village ?
The English Language Village welcomes young people ages 11 to 18 of any language proficiency, from beginner to advanced, to
become a villager. The
English Language Village
is truly an international community.
Since 1999, young people from 25 countries have come to improve their
English language skills
and be immersed in the best of American
culture. The diversity
of languages and cultures at the English
Language Village encompasses the mission
of Concordia Language Villages: “to prepare young people for responsible citizenship in our global
community.”
Come alone or with a group!
Participants are welcome to come to the English Language Village as individuals or as part of a school group. For every 10 villagers who attend the English Language Village as a part of a school group, one chaperone may attend at no cost.
What happens on a typical day at Hometown, USA ?
Every day is an adventure for English Language villagers as they discover new aspects of American culture and improve language ability. Mornings are filled with language-learning activities on campus – singing, small-group language sessions, and visits to the library and computer labs. Afternoons include time for sports activities, arts and crafts, and field trips in and around the Moorhead-Fargo area. Examples of evening activities include watching a baseball game, attending an outdoor theatre performance and visiting the homes of local host families.
How will I learn English ?
Speaking only English to villagers is a feature of immersion language learning. We use many learning techniques to help comprehension: gestures, pictures, pointing, facial expressions, actual objects, mime, repetition, examples and demonstrations, just to name a few. “Context” is important -- meaning everything is part of daily life at the Villages to help language learners understand. We make deliberate use of routine and normal activity. Every activity at the English Language Village is a language learning opportunity!
The general curriculum focuses on listening comprehension and speaking ability. The Intensive English Language Course emphasizes reading and writing skills in addition to speaking and listening skills. In both programs, villagers learn English by exploring such topics as the U.S. government, the environment, geography, and the arts.
What is the Intensive English Language Course ?
The four-week Intensive English Language Course is designed for students aged 15-18 who are planning to attend high school or college in the United States. The curriculum is organized around themes and sub-themes addressing aspects of living in a community. Classes will spend three to four days on a theme, using group sessions, fieldtrips, and other learning activities. Portfolio projects encourage creativity and language use, and demonstrate each villager’s progress.
The underlying goals of this curriculum are to build speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English, and to create and establish personal relationships at the English Language Village and surrounding community.
Will I have a host family ?
As part of the experience of immersion learning, you will have the opportunity to share an evening with a local American family. Families volunteer to share an evening meal and typical family activity with students at the English Village. This is another important and effective way to learn more about different cultures, practice your English skills and take part in a local activities while sharing your own culture with others.
What are the benefits of the program ?
We expect each student to become a better and more responsible global citizen by:
• progressing in language learning
• increasing cultural knowledge and understanding
• developing social and community living skills and personal growth (such as independence, compassion, decision-making and risk assessment.)
What is the food like ?
Three meals a day are provided by the Concordia College dining service and include a wide variety of both American and international foods. Meals are served family style in a dining room specially designated for the English Language Village.
Who are the staff members of the English Language Village ?
The staff members are talented professionals with experience in teaching non-native language speakers. Most staff members speak another language in addition to English and are well acquainted with the language-learning process. The one-to-five staff-to-villager ratio ensures personalized instruction for all villagers. Staff members participate in all aspects of the English Language Village: living in the dormitories, eating meals together, leading field trips, planning evening programs and organizing recreational activities.
Where will I live at the English Language Village ?
At Hometown, USA, you will live in a college dormitory room with one or two roommates. When possible, your roommate will be from another country so that the primary language of communication is English! Hometown staff members also live in the dormitories. Bedding and laundry facilities are provided.
Can I arrive before my session begins?
Please note that the English Language Village is not able to offer accommodations to groups or individuals who arrive in Moorhead before the first day of the session or leave after the last day of the session. Concordia Language Villages will be happy to assist English Language villagers, teachers, chaperones and parents to find local accommodations. Participants are responsible for all additional costs.
How do I apply ?
You may use the application form included in this brochure or print the application from the Concordia Language Villages Web site (www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org). Please fill out the application as completely as possible. Clearly print your name as it appears in your passport.
Applications must be filled out in English, and include telephone, fax, or e-mail information that Concordia Language Villages can use to contact you and an English speaking friend or relative if necessary. A deposit of $500 must accompany the application. Payment can be made by US check, bank transfer or credit card (Visa/MasterCard only).
Pre-Program Schedule
March
• Mail, e-mail or fax your application to Concordia Language Villages with your deposit.
• Apply for a tourist visa from the US embassy or consulate in your country. A student visa is not required.
• Concordia Language Villages will send you an official letter of invitation and supporting documents in a Welcome Packet.
April
• Continue visa application process.
• Make travel arrangements to Moorhead, Minnesota, USA. (Fargo, North Dakota airport)
• Fax or e-mail transportation form and health form to Concordia Language Villages (supplied in Welcome Packet).
May
• Make final payment to Concordia Language Villages (credit card or bank transfer).
July
• Arrive at the English Language Village.
August
• Depart from the English Language Village.
How do I travel to Moorhead, Minnesota ?
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Information and prices about airport pick-up and chartered bus options are provided online and will be mailed in a welcome packet after the application and deposit have been received.
All flight and travel information must be received at Concordia Language Villages at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the session.
What is included in the program cost ?
The program cost includes meals, housing, instructional materials, health insurance and excursion fees. Transportation costs and spending money are not included. The program cost must be paid in US dollars. See Web site for more information.
Concordia Language Villages
901 8th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56562 USA
Telephone: 1-218-299-4563
1-800-222-4750 ext.312
Fax: 1-218-299-3807
E-mail: elv@cord.edu
Web site: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org
Countries represented at the English Language Village
• Bosnia
• Burma
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• China
7
• El Salvador
• Ethiopia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Ivory Coast
• Japan
• Jordan
• Korea
• Liberia
• Mexico
• Norway
• Peru
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• USA
• Vietnam
About Concordia College
Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, a private four-year liberal arts college, is highly recognized for its commitment to international education. Concordia College offers nearly 100
undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Concordia College provides excellent academic support for international students throughout their college experience. A special orientation for international students at the beginning of fall semester helps students make the transition to American college life. For more information, visit the Concordia College Web site at www.cord.edu.
8. Concordia Language Villages
A program of Concordia College
901 8th St S
Moorhead MN 56562 USA
www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org
Phone: 218-299-4544
1-800-222-4750
Fax: 218-299-3807
E-mail: elv@cord.ed
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