Excerpt:
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills argues that the U.S. must do a better job of teaching students key world languages to help them succeed in the 21st-century economy. The organization cites Harvard Business School professor Dorothy Leonard’s call for people with “T-shaped skills” — those who speak two or more languages and can “see the world from two or more different perspectives.” They have “the cognitive diversity needed to formulate innovative solutions to complex problems.”

That’s right: Learning languages boosts brain development. Studies have shown that child bilingualism helps kids to expand their parameters of language and their cognitive ability, says Wang. “They can see that a thing could be called table or mesa or zhuozi in different languages. They have an open mind and more empathy, and they are constantly trying to make a connection. The brain is about connectivism. They are always trying to analyze and compare so they can plug in new information.”

Children  who speak only one language may get frustrated with problems that are not easily solved, she notes. But children who speak two or more often seek a new route in attacking the problem.
For the full text of the article by Andrew Fost, click here.

Completed in 2006 with sponsorship from the Deutsche Bundesstifung Umwelt, Concordia Language Villages built the Waldsee BioHaus with a dual purpose – to reflect present-day architecture trends in Germany and to demonstrate the ability to build an energy-efficient structure using materials available today.

The BioHaus was built in accordance with the world’s most stringent energy consumption standard for buildings, Germany’s Passivhaus Standard, and uses no more than 15KWH/m2/a for all its heating needs and less than 120KWH/m2/a for all its primary energy requirements. In plain language this means the Waldsee BioHaus uses 85 percent less energy than houses built by Minnesota code in cold climate zone 7. It is the most air tight building in the United States, and functions as both a residence and an environmental living center for language and cultural immersion programs for young people from all 50 states.

The World Clean Energy Awards recognize the best projects worldwide that implement and encourage the broad-based use of renewable energies and energy efficiency concepts. Transatlantic21, the Swiss association and award sponsor, developed and financed a solar boat “sun21.” The boat’s arrival in New York City on May 8th marked the voyage of the first motorized vehicle to cross the Atlantic without using a drop of fuel and has served as the kick off event for the esteemed international jury for the World Clean Energy Awards. The Waldsee BioHaus is one of 70 candidates from 20 countries nominated for the inaugural year of the “World Clean Energy Awards.”

The Minnesota Environmental Initiative nomination recognizes the BioHaus’ impressive 24 hour air/heat exchange system featuring an 85 percent efficient heat recovery unit. The system provides the interior with superior air quality – 100% fresh air at all times. The building’s unheard of air tight construction and super insulation envelope reduces Waldsee BioHaus’ total energy consumption resulting in a dramatic reduction of carbon dioxides emissions.

The Language Villages are particularly proud of this nomination because the MN-EI Awards are the premiere environmental award within Minnesota. In considering applications they evaluate candidates’ ability to involve both environmental group priorities as well as business considerations. As a finalist, we have received confirmation that the BioHaus is a recognized example of excellence and a demonstration of what can be done to address global issues through global partnerships.

You may have heard about Minnesota’s Waldsee BioHaus – the structure has been featured on public TV and radio, and has appeared in Minnesota Builder, Energy Design Update, and Concrete Homes. We are honored to provide a home for an American structure committed to green/global priorities and cross-cultural understanding.

More about the Waldsee BioHaus. Find out how you can visit.

Chloe first became acquainted with Concordia Language Villages through Sabrina Cohen, now a Chinese Language Village dean, who was Chloe’s Chinese teacher at the Latin School of Chicago. Chloe attended Sēn Lín Hú and found that learning language changed for her forever. “I liked it in high school but never realized how far I could go.  You can’t really learn a language until you’re immersed in it.  The Language Villages really helped cultivate my independence.”

Chloe organized a major book drive her freshman year in college, which turned out to be so successful that she traveled to India in July to help start a library and build a schoolroom.  “Service is a big part of my life, but I would like to branch out in the kind of service I do,” Chloe elaborated.

Headed into her sophomore year at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, Chloe doesn’t see any reason to slow down.  “I want to show kids internationally that service can be a part of life; it really does only take one person to change the world.”

Since her time at the Language Villages, Chloe has accomplished things most people don’t do in a lifetime.  Her feature in Teen People magazine stemmed from the extensive work and time she put into the AIDS Walk Africa campaign.  Chloe’s newest endeavor is her work with Citta, a non-profit organization devoted to “making a difference against indifference,” in India.

Chloe’s advice to current villagers and staff: “Learning the language is the first step to breaking down barriers.  Keep pushing yourself to become an ambassador for change.  This is our time.”

Guests will be serenaded by Skogfjorden villagers and be entertained by performances of traditional Norwegian dances.  They will also enjoy the authentic and fresh flavors of a Norwegian luncheon.

Learn more about Skogfjorden.