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Areté Academy

Areté (\ærətiː\; Greek: ἀρετή): excellence and moral virtue.

Areté Academy combines biblical worldview training with specialized professional development for young professionals and university students across the globe. This one-week training programme is holistic, focusing equally on the spiritual, intellectual, and relational development of each attendee. Its name derives from Philippians 4:8, which refers to the moral excellence and virtue that accompany a life lived to its full potential and God-given calling. Accordingly, attendees are known as “Delegates” because they’re called to represent Christ as outstanding professionals.

Delegates examine many of the most pressing concerns of society today, and engage with distinguished faculty both from across their region and the world, to gain unique perspectives on addressing these issues on a national, regional, and global scale. With a commitment to excellence, the Areté Academy staff has equipped thousands of young Christians around the globe to become leaders in their career fields and prepare for long-term impact.

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About

Spiritual

Each day at Areté Academy is founded upon worship, reflection, and devotionals. The curriculum is rooted in Psalm 78, which highlights the necessity of teaching tomorrow’s leaders about God, His law, and His works. Delegates explore the concept of ‘calling’ and what it means to be faithful, effective leaders within their professional industries.

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Intellectual

Faith and intellect go hand in hand. Areté Academy gives Delegates the opportunity to study under some of the most distinguished Christian academics and experts in their fields, and wrestle with some of the most challenging questions facing society today. Delegates are trained and encouraged to maximize their academic and professional credentials to position themselves to pursue God’s calling on their lives.

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Relational

More than simply a week-long experience, Areté Academy is an ongoing, thoughtful community that grows throughout the professional lives of its members. At the Academy, relationships begin and are nurtured as Delegates live, learn, worship, pray, and participate in small group discussions together. As a result, Delegates depart knowing they have the support to face and overcome future challenges.

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Attend

Because every individual is uniquely designed for various callings,
each Areté Academy track is tailored both geographically and professionally.

Areté Academy Asia

16-21 August 2022, Bangkok, Thailand

Application is closed.

Areté Academy Asia is offered exclusively to Christian young professionals and university students living or working in Asia, pursuing leadership and influence through careers in law, policy, government, or other related fields.

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Areté Academy Europe

26 April – 1 May 2022, Vienna, Austria

Application is closed.

Areté Academy Europe is offered exclusively to Christian young professionals and university students living or working in Europe, pursuing leadership and influence through careers in law, policy, government, or other related fields.

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Areté Academy Latin America

16-21 January 2022, Santiago, Chile

Application is closed.

Areté Academy Latin America is offered exclusively to Christian young professionals and university students living or working in Latin America, pursuing leadership and influence through careers in law, policy, government, or other related fields.

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Testimonials

"Areté has envisioned and equipped me … to advocate for those who have no voice … and to defend the right of every person to live freely according to their faith."
Rudy
Guatemala
"At Areté Academy my eyes were opened to the scholarly depths of legal and Biblical philosophy that underpin our causes."
Lois
Scotland
"Areté Academy showed me that to stand for what is true and good should be done in the most professional and diligent manner possible. Not only bringing to light the strongest, most solid arguments, but doing so strategically."
Arthur
Brazil
"Areté Academy has emboldened and vitalized in me a spirit to courageously present the faith in the public square and engage with the issues that matter in our time. Areté Academy was truly the launching pad for many of the activities I now do and I thank God for the way it has enabled me to speak hope and love to a broken world."
Christopher
India
"It has been a challenge for me to find the right community of Christians who are equally passionate about stepping out of their comfort zones to stand up for the Gospel in the public square. Areté Academy has made this seemingly impossible task possible and reminded us of the power of unity."
Petrina
Singapore
"I participated in Areté Academy – Europe in 2016, which was an amazing experience. The ecumenism of professionals from across different Christian communities, working together on the defence of basic universal social values, left an especially strong impact on me."
Marija
Croatia
"Areté Academy is truly about building community around shared values, a strong commitment to defend our Christian heritage and to live our faith without hesitation and ambiguities. This is something I’m deeply thankful for, as I made life-long friends around the world that inspire me and help me carry on fighting the good fight."
Juan
Spain

FAQ

The name Areté Academy is derived from St. Paul’s exhortation to those who follow Christ to set their minds on areté or ’excellence’ (Philippians 4:8). Areté is ancient Greek, denoting moral excellence and virtue, specifically living up to your full potential and God-given calling.

A delegate is one designated to act for or represent someone else. Areté Academy attendees are known as ‘Delegates’ because as Christians, we are commissioned to serve as Christ’s delegates to mankind. Areté Academy Delegates are reminded by this designation that they are representatives of Christ within their callings as outstanding professionals.

Criteria for selection are based upon academic achievement, professional leadership potential, and demonstrated Christian commitment.

Areté Academy is open to university students and young professionals. You are eligible to apply if you will complete your first year at university before attending Areté Academy. If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact us.

Yes. All application items must be uploaded to your online application file by midnight on the deadline date. It is your responsibility to remind recommenders of the deadline date for their letters of recommendation.

Yes. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please make sure any unofficial transcripts include the full list of your completed university courses and grades obtained in each course.

You will be asked to simply provide the name and email addresses of your recommenders in the Letters of Recommendation section of the online application. An email will automatically be sent to the recommenders with an online recommendation form. After the recommender submits the form online, it will be sent directly to the Areté Academy staff.

If you choose to review the letters of recommendation, you may request a copy of the recommendation form be provided to you by email, and it is your responsibility to transmit that document to your recommenders. After they complete your recommendation, the recommenders–or you—can email or mail the completed form to the Areté Academy staff or Arete@ADFinternational.org.

Applicants will be notified by email approximately six (6) weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are accepted will then have approximately one week to accept the offer by providing additional information online.

ADF International and its partner Alliance Defending Freedom cover lodging, educational materials, and most meals for each Areté Delegate. Additionally, a travel bursary will also be provided to each Delegate for qualifying airfare or bus fares. Delegates are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the airport, if necessary, as well as any personal expenses incurred while attending Areté Academy.

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