Rusticatio Tironum is a full-immersion Latin workshop offering high-energy conversation exercises and readings from Latin literature in a supportive, intimidation-free environment.

Rusticatio Tironum is designed specifically for those who are new to speaking and listening to Latin, and we pride ourselves on making it the safest entry into spoken Latin on the planet.  Participants live together for seven days (six nights) while they speak, read, cook and relax—all while communicating entirely in Latin. Through a variety of exchanges, including reading, instructional sessions, communal cooking, downtime, and excellent food, you will enjoy a feeling of camaraderie and build your fluency, while experiencing firsthand various teaching methods that are directly applicable to teaching Latin in the classroom.

Participant Reviews:

  • “Rusticatio is the best way to learn spoken Latin.”
  • “Everyone who has even the smallest interest in learning to speak the Latin language should experience a week of Rusticatio. The amount one learns in a single week here is immeasurable.”
  • “There is no professional development more useful to teachers of Latin. The experience is profound and superlatively useful and applicable.”

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.

Eligibility:

You are eligible to attend this workshop if you have already learned Latin on paper and are interested in developing or furthering active command of the spoken language. Please note that Rusticatio 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.

Age Eligibility:

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school by the start date of the program.

Participant Behavior Contract:

By registering for Rusticatio Tironum, participants promise to abide by the SALVI Participant Behavior Contract.

Click here for SALVI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement.