Pre-Program

As an ACE participant, you’ll begin preparing for your experience from the moment you are accepted to one of our ACE programs. Your ACE pre-program preparation will help you build skills and broaden your perspectives in a variety of ways, including:

• On-campus training sessions and meetings with other ACE Participants, ACE Ambassadors, ACE staff, and other program offices and resources
• Weekly “staying on pACE” reminder emails to keep you on track and connect with the ACE community
• Virtual program-specific meetings with your on-site program leaders and community partners
• Completion of a Canvas course on international travel, health, and safety
• Mentorship and guidance from ACE Ambassadors (ACE alumni leaders), who play a pivotal role in your preparation
• Training and preparation for working with minors, which may also include a background check
• A pre-travel health visit at Duke Student Health
• Guidance and resources from the ACE Athletic Support team including Sports Performance, Sports Nutrition, Compliance, and Mental Health & Performance.

The ACE staff is mindful of your practice times and competition schedules when planning required spring pre-program meetings.

Summer 2025 Pre-Program Training

• Virtual ACE Welcome and Orientation Meeting with all ACE participants (March 6)
• Ambassador-led program-specific meeting (late March/early April)
• In-person, on-campus, pre-program meeting covering topics such as ethical service, health and safety, etc. (April, date TBD)
• Two virtual program-specific meetings with your ACE program/project team, Ambassadors, and program leaders (April – June, dependent on program departure date)