Biduum Virginianum is SALVI’s original 2-day Latin immersion program held at the beautiful and historic Claymont Court Mansion. Claymont is the home of Rusticatio as well as several other SALVI sponsored events. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley, Claymont offers the quies and seclusion that are conducive to an English-free environment. while at the same time, providing several cozy meeting spaces which foster conversation and sodality. Claymont Court Mansion is surrounded by woods, wildlife, and farmland that allow for brisk nature walks and a calming atmosphere.

Biduum Virginianum began in 2013 as the flag-ship for what would evolve into many Bidua all over the country. With programs in Georgia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Los Angeles, and New York, Bidua have proven to be quite popular because they offer the Latinist so much. For tirones, or those who have little to no experience speaking Latin, Bidua are a way to whet your spoken Latin whistle, without the week-long commitment of a Rusticatio. For Rusticatio or Biduum alumni, Bidua are a great mid-year Latin boost. But most importantly, for all involved, Bidua provide access to a community of Latin learners and educators, as well as a sense of fellowship and a nurturing atmosphere.

Program Dates

February 23-25, 2024

  • Arrival: Friday, February 23, between 3 and 6 p.m.
  • Departure: Sunday, February 25, between noon and 3 p.m.

Features of Biduum

  • supportive, intimidation-free environment
  • communicating entirely in Latin
  • high-energy conversation exercises
  • learning and relaxing in Latin
  • experiencing, as a student, active teaching methods
  • games for a variety of learning styles
  • techniques that will streamline your teaching
  • readings from Latin literature presented in Latin
  • pedagogical discussions

(Curious to hear what people think of SALVI programs? Take a look at reviews for Rusticatio.)

Eligibility 

You are eligible to attend this workshop if you have already learned Latin on paper and are interested in developing active command of the spoken language. Please note that Biduum is not an introductory Latin course and thus it is not for people who have no knowledge of the language. Typically, participants have completed, at a minimum, the equivalent of two years of traditional college Latin or four years of a high school Latin program. It is not necessary to have previous experience speaking Latin.

Location 

We reside and conduct our workshop sessions in the historic mansion house at the Claymont Retreat Center. Built in the 1830s by a nephew of George Washington, the Claymont Mansion remained in the Washington family until the Civil War.

Cost

$420 per person, all-inclusive, covering two nights lodging, five meals, tuition, and instructional materials. Transportation to and from the Claymont Mansion is not included (though SALVI will help arrange carpooling).

Participant Behavior Contract

By registering for Biduum Virginianum, participants promise to abide by the SALVI Participant Behavior Contract.

How to Register:

Complete the Google form below to register. You will be notified as soon as possible after your registration has been received.  

How to Pay:

Once you have received a registration confirmation email, please proceed with payment using the Pay with Paypal, Pay with Venmo, or Debit or Credit Card buttons below.

Alternatively, you may send a check payable to “SALVI” to the following address:

Edie Barry
SALVI Treasurer
3445 Hicks Road
Sebastopol, CA  95472

For any questions regarding payment, please email our Treasurer, Edie Barry at treasurer@latin.org.