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
Program Dates
February 21-23, 2025
- Arrival: Friday, February 21, between 3 and 6 p.m.
- Departure: Sunday, February 23, 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 at the historic mansion house at the Claymont Retreat Center, 667 Huyett Road, Charles Town, WV, 25414.
Cost
$430 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).
Instructors and Staff:
- Arianne Belzer-Carroll (dux) is a high school Latin teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, where she recently learned from her students that Jack Black lives on the moon. Fifteen years ago, her student teaching mentor directed her to SALVI, and she’s never looked back. She has acted as coqua and repetitrix for a variety of events across the country, teaches with LAC (Latinitas Animi Causa) during the week, is half of Bene Narras with Rachel Cunning, is the author of several novellas, and, for extra nerdiness, is married to a Latin teacher. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her holed up knitting something.
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.