STATEMENT FROM CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGES

Concordia Language Villages commends the U.S. State Department for another successful International Education Week.

Since 1961, Concordia Language Villages has offered programs in language and cultural immersion for young people from across the United States and around the world in thirteen different languages. The summer of 2006 will be highlighted by the addition of the Arabic language in our fourteenth Language Village, Al-Waha.

In addition to these summer programs in the United States, Concordia Language Villages offers opportunities for in-depth language and cultural learning experiences in China, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. Spending an extended period of time living in another country is a unique experience. Being able to communicate with the people of that country in their language provides an even richer learning opportunity for both the visitor and the residents of that country.

All Concordia Language Village programs are designed to increase understanding among people from around the world through language learning combined with increased cultural knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity. In today’s interconnected world, the mission of Concordia Language Villages is especially appropriate: “To prepare young people for responsible citizenship in our global community.”

To that end, we believe that the spirit of International Education Week should continue throughout the year, highlighting efforts to provide opportunities for all citizens of the United States to make meaningful connections with people from around the world. It is through these personal connections that peace throughout the world will ultimately be achieved.

Donna L. Clementi
Director of Education and Research
Concordia Language Villages