History of Concordia Language Villages
and the IBM Partnership
Concordia Language Villages
Concordia Language Villages has been welcoming young people, ages seven to 18, to its internationally renowned culture and language programs since 1961. For over 40 years the Villages has received national publicity and recognition for providing innovative and effective language instruction. Our immersion methodologies incorporate culturally authentic food, music, games, traditions and currencies into daily instruction and programming. This summer 9500 young people from all 50 states and countries across the globe will join a trained staff of 1,200 native speakers and language professionals. We offer 13 world languages: Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
The Villages and IBM
A number of organizations have
contributed to the growth and success of the Villages, but
few have been as committed to our mission – to prepare
young people for responsible citizenship in our global community
– as the IBM Corporation. Since 1997, generous funding
and technology grants from IBM Global Works/Life Fund have
enabled our villagers to develop proficiency in multimedia
skills, interactive video, and electronic communications
with native language software. IBM funding has further enhanced
the cultural immersion experience through the purchase of
authentic games, art materials, sports equipment, musical
instruments, books and clothing. About 250 IBM children
worldwide participate in our programs each summer.
Affirming its commitment to its employees and their families
in Europe, the IBM Global Works/Life Fund has supported
the unique language and cultural immersion opportunity of
Hometown, Europe, the English Language Village
in Leysin, Switzerland.
