In January 2025, Ariventures Abroad hosted its first-ever in-person retreat for the ACM Fellowship cohort — a gathering designed to bring connection, clarity, and community to the heart of the fellowship experience.
The ACM Fellowship is built on the belief that immersive global education is transformative, but also complex — especially for Black Americans navigating identity, belonging, and career goals abroad. While our fellows engage online throughout the year via our private LinkedIn community, we knew that meeting face-to-face would unlock a deeper level of connection and support.
That’s exactly what happened.
Why the Retreat Mattered
By the midpoint of the fellowship, our three fellows had already spent months abroad — one in Northern Ireland, one in England, and one in Italy. They had experienced cultural highs and lows, moments of growth and uncertainty. The retreat, held in London, gave them space to pause, reflect, and reconnect — not just with the program, but with themselves and each other.
Over the course of the retreat, fellows engaged in:
- A reintegration workshop led by Ariventures Abroad on how to navigate reverse culture shock and mentally prepare for returning to the U.S.
- Job readiness training, tailored for fellows seeking global careers in international education, diplomacy, or life abroad.
- A cultural immersion experience at a Caribbean restaurant in South London, where we explored the intersections of Black American and Black British identity — a vital dialogue for understanding the broader African Diaspora.
This wasn’t a vacation. It was a space to think critically, be vulnerable, and build the tools needed to sustain a life and career shaped by global experiences.
What Fellows Said
The most consistent feedback? They wished it had happened sooner.
“Meeting in person changed everything. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I was in it. We were able to open up in ways we hadn’t before.”
— ACM Fellow, 2024–2025 Cohort
“The retreat gave me a better sense of clarity — not just about my future abroad, but about who I am becoming.”
— ACM Fellow, 2024–2025 Cohort
The retreat also helped fellows evaluate long-term decisions: whether to return to the U.S., extend their time abroad, or explore new global pathways. Those conversations — grounded in shared experience and guided mentorship — are exactly what the ACM Fellowship was designed to foster.
Why Donor Support Matters
Each retreat is more than a touchpoint. It’s an investment in the future of Black global leadership.
By sponsoring a fellowship retreat, donors help cover:
- Travel, lodging, and local transportation
- Workshop materials and facilitation
- Guest speaker honorariums
- Cultural site visits and meals
- A sense of community that lasts far beyond the program
As we grow, these retreats will remain a standard — with future sessions including past fellows, career mentors, and cross-sector leaders in global affairs.
Support the next retreat and invest in the future of global changemakers.
Donate here.