Finnish Language & Culture Instructor - Academic Year 2026-2027 - Concordia Language Villages

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or 218-299-3339, or visit the Human Resources Home Page.

Position Details

Position Title:
Finnish Language & Culture Instructor - Academic Year 2026-2027 - Concordia Language Villages

Position Type:
Seasonal

Location:
Bemidji, Minnesota, USA

Employment Type:
Education Professional Exempt

General Employment Period:
September 2026 – May 2027 | Academic Year programs are offered periodically throughout the fall and spring and vary in length and schedule. Staff may be hired for individual programs based on program needs and availability. View our Upcoming Programs Calendar to see currently scheduled programs and dates.

General Work Schedule (days of week):
Periodic throughout fall – spring. We hire people for short amounts of time. Programs vary from 3-4 day weekends, to 5–6-day week-long programs. Generally, Thursday evening or Friday evening through Sunday mid-day, but sometimes during the week, from Sunday to Thursday, for example, depending on the program.

General Shift Hours:
12 hours per day

Minimum Salary:
Initial base pay is $100-$400 per program. Concordia College students will be paid in accordance with Concordia College policies.

Why Concordia Language Villages?

Deep in the North Woods of Minnesota, USA, Concordia Language Villages creates a place that is both culturally authentic and uniquely our own. In the Language Villages, everything from the music played to the dishes used in the dining hall reflect the cultures each was designed to represent. We are a community of educators from all corners of the globe, passionate about learning every minute of the day. Our mission is to inspire courageous global citizens through language and cultural immersion.

About the Role:

As an Academic Year Language and Culture Instructor, you'll help bring language and culture to life through immersive, experiential programming for learners of varying ages and backgrounds. Depending on the program, you may lead or support language-learning activities, cultural and recreational experiences, meals, games, songs, and other activities designed to encourage participants to use the target language in meaningful, real-world ways.

Academic Year programs are short-term and intermittent, with opportunities occurring periodically from fall through spring. Staff may work individual weekend or week-long programs based on program needs and their availability. View our Upcoming Camps and Programs to see currently scheduled programs and dates.

What You'll Do:

1. Program

• Work in a productive, collegial relationship with your language community group to enhance and further the development and implementation of a strong language and cultural program

2. Operations/Program Support

• Be a steward of your Language Village site, resources, and relationships.
• Oversee general operation of your Language Villages program.

3. Public Relations

• Be an ambassador for your program and Concordia Language Villages.
• Represent the Concordia Language Villages program and philosophy as requested by the directors and as a part of Concordia College.

General Expectations of All Staff:

• Be familiar with and abide by Concordia Language Villages’ Personnel Policies.
• Promote the health, safety, and well-being of all staff members and participants.
• Develop and maintain collegial relationships among all staff, including support staff, for a productive working atmosphere at the Village that promotes the mission of the Language Villages.
• Speak the target language with participants and staff members as much as possible.
• Assist with setting up the Village, preparing for the next session, and maintaining the Village throughout the session.
• Model standards for behavior and be sensitive to the health and welfare of the villagers.

Essential Functions of All Positions

• Emotional resiliency and cognitive abilities to carry out job responsibilities specifically in the busy, noisy, communal environment that is the Village.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and manage your own needs in order to maintain a youth-centered program.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals and groups in respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Provision of essential functions helps assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Proficiency in Finnish and in English, Intermediate or higher
2. Skill with learners in the relevant age demographic (we have programs for school groups families, including young children and adults across the age spectrum)
3. Skills in related cultural/recreational areas
4. Current US work authorization required
5. Ability to travel to Bemidji, Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Teaching licensure or experience preferred for some roles but not required
2. Previous experience with Concordia Language Villages or other experiential learning, preferred

Position Opening Date:
8/10/2026

Position Closing Date:
6/1/2027

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Employment Contingencies:
Background Check

Special Instructions to Applicants:
This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents
  • None
• Optional Documents
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • List of References
  • Licensure
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Other

Nondiscrimination Statement

Concordia College does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status. The College is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. 

Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN 56562, 218-299-3339.