What are people saying about Rusticatio Tironum? Vide tu ipse!
Rusticatio Tironum 2017. Rankings: out of 19 evaluations, 14 were 10/10, 3 were 9/10, 1 was 8/10 and 1 was 6/10. The average score was 9.5. In the testimonials below, different evaluators are separated by a dash.
“There is so much to learn, but it is so well supported, that what seems impossible becomes not only doable, but nearly easy.”
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What did you like BEST? “The arc of the program’s curriculum. I also enjoyed participating in techniques that I already use in the classroom. It gave me additional perspective.”
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Did this experience exceed, meet, or not meet your expectations? “Exceeded beyond belief.”
“I was very nervous – but the environment was so comforable and supportive. The structure of the day was great with enough breaks and ‘otium.’ The structure of big group, small group, medium group activities also, and the addition of experienced speakers. I made more progress than I expected. I have far to go and plan to return often.”
What did you like BEST? “Everything.”
“Meals were fantastic.”
“The philosophical discussions we had in Faber’s group affected me profoundly.”
“Nancy is so amazing and John dux and all the staff – sodales, repetitores, curatores, coqui.”
“Rusticatio has changed my life – it was such an awesome experience. It not only enriched me as a person and increased my love of Latin (I didn’t know that was possible), but it gave me ideas to improve my teaching and I have taught Latin for 33 years now. Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
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“Best group of repetitores.”
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“I did not expect to read as much as we did this week, which was a pleasant surprise.”
“Rusticatio tries to accommodate everybody, in skills and in interests.”
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“Absolutely exceeded my expectations. The warmth and camaraderie of the staff was amazing.”
What did you like BEST? “Omnia.” What did you like LEAST? “Nihil.”
“best.week.ever.”
“The best thing overall about this course was the camaraderie.”
“I love the readings.”
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“This experience definitely exceeded my expectations by the breadth of the conversations, the attentiveness of the teachers, sodales, and all the staff. The meals were well thought-out, prepared, and tasty.”
What did you like BEST? “The high level of the teachers.”
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“I didn’t know what to expect. I supposed I didn’t expect such a breadth of Latinity; Latin could be spoken in diverse and compelling circumstances.”
“You guys are weird. This place is weird. It’s not clear what we’re doing, but, perhaps stupidly, I love it.”
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“This experience most definitely exceeded my expectations. I really did not think I would be able to make it through the week. But everyone was so amicable and patient. It was a glorious week.”
“I loved our reading sessions. I never thought I would be able to follow a conversation in Latin about Latin. But I did and Thomas patiently explained matters when I did not.”
“The best thing was the kindness, the delightful kindness of everyone. And – next – how everything was put together.”
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“Exceeded expectations. The kindness and efforts that were poured into our learning and living experiences made this week unique and unforgettable.”
The best thing overall was… “The passion of the people. Passion to teach, to learn, to enjoy life. It was all here.”
“I wish I had the resources to fund SALVI, so it could multiply greatly. Since I lack that, I will certainly be singing its praises to some who might.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to share this special week with so many awesome people. Latinitas is in good hands. Because I am the only Latin teacher at my school – this experience has been like rain in the desert. I am sure the blossoms will appear repeatedly from this week.”
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“The kindness, patience, helpfulness, enthusiasm, and generosity of the volunteer staff was beyond expectation.”
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“The location is awesome, the food was wonderful and nearly available, I love all the goofy drawings used to illustrate things. The schedule was really great with structured time and free time. I knew it would be great but I forgot how wonderful it would be to be here again inter amicos.”
“I really liked that the class exercises would lead into the readings we do in small groups. I liked how we were separated in lots of different groups so we had lots of time to talk with each other and meet each other.”
What did you like LEAST? “Leaving.”
The best thing overall was… “The constant presence of Latin speakers willing to repeat themselves and rephrase things so I could better understand the stories, the friendship, the food, the wine, the maenianum.”
“Rusticatio is absolutely the best way to improve your understanding of and ability to speak in Latin, and you will make great friendships with wonderful colleagues at the same time.”
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“The support of the staff was boundless.”
“Exceeded expectations in all ways.”
“Methods modeled could be used in the classroom easily.”
Best thing about this course was… “The friendships and collegiality.”
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“I came in anxious and was pleasantly surprised at how little there was to fear.”
“The event staff has endless patience and kindness. Their willingness to teach whenever and wherever throughout the day, especially outside the classroom, is remarkable and something I hope to imitate.”
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“The house reminded me of ‘Gone with the Wind.’”
The best thing overall was … “The structure and flexibility and welcoming/convivial atmosphere.”
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“I never thought I could speak in Latin only for a week. Now I don’t want to leave.”
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“It is very useful to learn names for everyday things. They occur in the authors, but so rarely that I never remember them. It is also helpful to see them grouped together and actually taught.”
“Tam iucundum erat iterum discipulum esse.”
The best thing overall was… “Telling stories and hearing other people’s stories.”
“The program has shown me that I can learn to speak Latin.”
Rusticatio Tironum 2016. Rankings: out of 22 evaluations, 18 were 10/10, 1 was 9/10, 1 was 8.5/10 and 1 was 7/10. The average score was 9.75. In the testimonials below, different evaluators are separated by a dash.
“Everyone who knows Latin should come to Rusticatio at least once. It will change the way you see the language.”
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“It was so great, waking up every morning wanting to learn. I wanted to seize the day. You all made the experience absolutely astounding. It could not have been better. I never want to leave.”
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“I almost cried today. This week has been one of the best – I’m sorry – the best, in my entire life. I can’t even explain in words how much this means to me and will forever mean to me. You all will forever be in my heart.”
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“I honestly do not have negative comments about this week.”
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“Annula and Jason were amazing teachers.”
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“Everyone was so open even though my Latin was horrible! The patience and kindness is something I will take with me everywhere.”
“The best thing overall about this course was how much my Latin improved.”
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“I feel like you already know how wonderful what you’ve created it – the camaraderie the Latinitas the magic – but I’m so happy to have come.”
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“I just want to thank you ex corde meo for the opportunity granted to me to be part of this wonderful experience.”
“This course is without a doubt the most valuable course I have attended in my academic career.”
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“The best thing overall about this course was learning about Africa (and other uncommon Latin stuff).”
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“I was afraid at first. I didn’t really know what to expect, but it ended up being a wonderful experience with wonderful and friendly people.”
“I believe that everyone who has a passion for Latin should attend at least one.”
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What did you like BEST? “Rehearsing Auricula. I had tears in my eyes the last day when we were sitting in a group and reciting lines together. This was one of the best experiences of my LIFE. No exaggeration.”
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“I knew that this was going to be an amazing experience, but just how amazing it was still astounds me! I have learned so much and I know that there is still so much to learn.”
What did you like best? “How awesome everyone was in listening and helping me (and others) in understanding and speaking Latin. Also, how the SALVI staff work together.”
“I loved everything. Except leaving.”
“This was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences I have ever had. I cannot wait to use what I’ve learned in classes.”
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“I wish I had words adequate to describe how phenomenal the experience was at Rusticatio! Everyone is so supportive here, and I learned so many new Latin speaking techniques and my Latin abilities jumped greatly!”
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“This course changed the way I think about learning and teaching a language.”
“Latin is not a dead language. It lives in SALVI.”
Rusticatio Tironum 2015. Rankings: out of 22 evaluations, 21 were 10/10, and 1 was 8/10. In the testimonials below, different evaluators are separated by a dash.
“The practice that you’ll get speaking in and listening to Latin will be invaluable. And just as importantly you will meet many amazing people who love Latin as much as you, and you’ll have great fun and eat great food all week.”
“Beyond anything I imagined—so much easier to speak in Latin than I thought.”
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“I can’t describe, in any language, how it exceeded my expectations.” “I’m not trying to be difficult—I really don’t know how this course could improve.” “It is possible to come to Rusticatio Tironum to learn to understand spoken Latin and even to speak it after having never before studied the language.”
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“I’d recommend this experience to anyone, classicist, teacher, or student who loves Latin and Rome. Venite!”
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“I learned so much more than I ever thought I could in a week.”
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“Everyone was patient and helpful and was willing to answer my question and help me out.” “Can I put that I liked everything and then leave it there?” “I can’t imagine a better way to spend a week, or a more amazing group to speak Latin with!”
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“I liked the sessions of reading only in Latin best, and feeling that I understand the literature as well as if it were English.” “All people that want the classical languages to survive should really be doing these kinds of courses.”
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“I realized how important “community building” is to the learning process, something I wasn’t anticipating to take away.”
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“I was amazed how high my comprehension was and how confident I felt, which was certainly on account of Justin [Bailey]’s amazing teaching style.” “I can’t say how much it meant to me to be able to have a place where I knew I could express my creativity and ideas in Latin.”
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“I learned so much that I will use in the classroom.” “Rusticatio is the best way to learn spoken Latin. Everyone is so helpful and supportive, and we all had a great time. The activities will be used often in my classroom.”
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“I had no idea how much I could learn in one week.”
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“Terrific experience. Being immersed was hugely helpful in making Latin part of me, not just something I study.” “There is no professional development more useful to teachers of Latin. The experience is profound and superlatively useful and applicable.”
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“Can’t think of anything I didn’t like.”
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“Anyone who knows Latin should come to at least one Rusticatio.”
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“The people, grounds, sessions, and meals made the experience almost magical.” “The grounds and the villa are the perfect setting.”
Evaluations from Previous Years
Rusticatio 2014. Rankings: out of 19 evaluations, 15 were 10/10, 2 were 9/10, and 2 were 8/10.
“I knew I’d be speaking Latin and doing lots of exercises, but I didn’t realize the variety of conversations I would have.”
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“My speaking abilities increased more than I could have imagined.”
“The idea of speaking only Latin for an entire week may be terrifying, but the experience is life-changing.”
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“Finding myself thinking in Latin for an entire week was an incredible experience.”
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“[The best thing about this course was] The extreme lack of a$$holes correcting everyone.”
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“Prior to Rusticatio, I had never spoken Latin, nor did I believe it was necessary. Now, I indubitably believe that, as many said this week, Latin is a language – to be written, read, and spoken like any other.”
“I learned so much through so many different exercises and this truly has been a magnificent experience.”
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“This program has totally rekindled my love of the Latin language.”
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“There really wasn’t anything I disliked about the program. Even the kitchen duty was a wonderful experience.”
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“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. The teachers and participants are extremely encouraging and patient.”
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“It felt like a giant Latin-speaking family. I loved it.”
“I will most definitely be coming back. I’m actually sad about leaving. Everyone is amazing, patient, and overall loving. I have never laughed so much with the same people for seven days straight before.”
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“I spent many years studying Latin and now almost the same number teaching. Within the last few years, I really became discontented teaching Latin. For this reason, I spent time learning Italian to the point where I could teach it, because I grew weary of teaching the same worn things in the class. I wanted to be able to enjoy being in another language and this was not possible for me in Latin. This year, I attended a Biduum and now Rusticatio. I feel so much more connected to Latin than I have in 15 years. For me, Latin was a medium through which I enjoyed spending time with dear friends. This was lost for me, but I am confident that I am on the road to finding this joy again. These experiences have been seminal in the process.”
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“My expectations were very high, and it met all of them perfectly – to have community, to speak Latin, and to learn so much in a place of beauty.”
“Rusticatio is the best place on earth.”
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“The highlight of my Latin study thus far.”
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“Every year the experience exceeds all my expectations.”
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“The amount of care, thought, hilarity, erudition, and effort with which everyone in SALVI and Claymont work is incomparable.”
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“Living in a Latine tantum environment helps one exponentially in his/her command of the language.”
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The one area most in need of improvement in this course was: “leaving shouldn’t be mandatory.” “The people make this worth doing. You will never get the practice with a more wonderful group.”
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“The teachers were great and the food was amazing.”
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“Mirabile – vos valde magnopere multo sine fine amo.”
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“I didn’t realize how totally mindbending the immersive experience would be.”
“You don’t realize what a total mindbody experience being immersed in a language will be – it sounds melodramatic but is nonetheless true.”
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“I think I finally understand how I can use spoken Latin in my classroom.”
“I look forward to this event every year. I’m going to keep coming back as many times as I can.”
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“The balance of classroom lessons, readings, and informal discussions seemed perfect.”
“[The best thing about this course was] The gentleness with which participants were encouraged simply to do their best. It was much less intimidating than others I’ve been to.”
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“An unforgettable experience which put me in the shoes of my students and really made Latin a part of me. It truly made Latin click and brought it to life. Rusticatio is an event filled with inspiration, love, friendship, and learning.”
Rusticatio 2013. Rankings: out of 24 evaluations, 23 were 10/10, and 1 was 9/10.
“Rusticatio is the most supportive and effective learning experience I’ve ever had. Plus it is one of my favorite vacations.”
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“I’m not sure what my expectations were but I was blown away by the experience.”
“[The best thing about the course was] the growth of my Latin.”
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“Exceeded my expectations in basically every way possible. The sessions with Annula [Nancy Llewellyn] were so informative and amazing, the food was deliciious, the participants were funny and interesting and caring, etc., etc.”
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“Coming to Rusticatio, it felt like I finally found my village.”
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“Exceeded my expectations. I was incredibly reluctant to come and afraid you’d be a bunch of weirdos. It was phenomenal. I loved every minute.”
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“This has changed my life.”
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“It was so much more helpful than I ever thought it would be. I can’t wait to use all these new skills and methods in my classes. I also can’t wait to come back.”
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“I am inspired.”
“Exceeded my expectations. More relaxed, friendly, and inspiring than I thought it would be.”
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“There were so many awesome people.”
“It’s like nothing else.”
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“I felt that the environment was really supportive, but still challenging academically.”
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“It was amazing.”
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“Although not a Latin teacher and far removed from formal Latin studies, Rusticatio was a wonderful experience for me. I will remember my week at Claymont with great pleasure and fondness. The instructors and participants could not have been kinder or more helpful… and my Latin improved markedly from the week.”
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“[The best thing about the course was] Nancy’s warmth and ingenuity. I can’t think of a better model to keep in front of me.”