FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

FLEX is a unique opportunity for secondary school students from Europe and Eurasia, including students with a disability, to spend one academic year in the U.S., living with a volunteer host family and attending a U.S. high school. Participants gain firsthand insight into U.S. daily life, culture and society, and also share about their own countries with their host communities. Indeed, FLEX students are often the first person from their country that many in the host community meet. This exchange of cultures often results in new "second" families as host families and their students develop friendships and connections that last a lifetime. Many students also remark that they became more mature, independent and focused thanks to their year abroad and that they gained important life skills.

Recruitment for the 2019-20 FLEX Program year will begin in fall 2018 in all FLEX Program countries. For information on eligibility requirements and where to apply for the 2019-20 academic year contact the American Councils office in your country. Every year over 30,000 students apply for FLEX, and approximately 800 are selected. Results are announced in the spring, and selected finalists will travel to the U.S. in summer for the academic year, returning home as FLEX alumni the following springJ.