Future Leaders Exchange
(FLEX)

Program Information

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program offers the opportunity for students from countries of Eurasia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) to spend a year in the United States. FLEX was created in 1992 out of the belief that the best way to ensure long-lasting peace and understanding between the U.S. and countries from the former Soviet Union is to enable young people to learn about democracy through the experience of being an exchange student. Funded by the U.S. Congress, FLEX is administered by the U.S. Department of State. American Councils for International Education recruit and select candidates, and CIEE (among several other organizations) places and supports the scholarship recipients in the U.S.

Through required activities that explore ideals such as free enterprise, volunteerism and diversity, FLEX students learn first-hand about United States government and culture. In return, American host families discover the traditions and worldview their FLEX students represent as youth ambassadors of their country.

Since it began in 1993, more than 18,000 high school students have studied in the U.S. on the FLEX program. Upon their return home, many FLEX students are active in their communities and strive to make a difference as alumni.