Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)

What is the FLEX Program?

In 1992, then-U.S. Senator Bill Bradley cosponsored, together with U.S. Congressman Jim Leach, the historic legislation providing for the FLEX program. Funding was approved by the United States Congress to extend a hand of friendship from the people of the United States of America to the people of the countries of the former Soviet Union, and has since expanded to other countries. FLEX is fully funded by the United States government and administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. The program provides competitively selected secondary school students with a scholarship to spend a year living in the U.S. with a volunteer host family, attending a U.S. high school to foster understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world. The FLEX scholarship competition is merit-based and open, at no cost, to applicants who meet the following requirements. Students with disabilities are invited to participate in the competition. FLEX finalists include approximately 20 students with disabilities each year.

What does the scholarship provide?

The FLEX scholarship provides the following:

  • Round-trip domestic and international travel (from home to the United States and back)

  • Monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities and buy necessary personal supplies

  • Placement with a selected and screened U.S. host family for one year

  • Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school

  • Program orientation activities including pre-program preparation and re-entry preparation

  • Program activities arranged in local U.S. communities

  • Medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care

What is NOT provided?

The FLEX scholarship does NOT cover the following costs:

  • Any costs associated with receiving an international passport

  • Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend

  • Excess baggage costs, phone bills, or internet use

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Meet the grade/age requirements

  • Have an academic standing of good or better

  • Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration

  • Meet U.S. visa eligibility requirements

  • Be a citizen of Slovakia and able to receive a Slovak passport

  • Be enrolled in 1st or 2nd grade of high-school (or equivalent). Students attending 3rd grade of 5-year gymnasiums are also eligible to apply.

How does the testing and selection process work?

Students compete in several rounds of competition. First step is to complete online application which will be available at ais.americancouncils.org/flex. Subsequently, the selected applicants will be invited to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the program. Students then take part in an individual interview with American Councils staff, take a standardised test of English, write three proctored essays, and receive the official program application, which is due to the local American Councils office within two weeks. Semifinals take place in Bratislava and Kosice.

Selection will be based on merit and demonstrated preparedness for a year-long exchange experience as evidenced in students’ comprehensive applications. English-language proficiency is important, but it is not the sole element in selection. Students also will be required to provide medical evaluations and be certified as medically fit to participate in the program.

The selection process will be completed in spring, and all applicants will receive notification of their status by mid-May. Selected finalists will attend a pre-departure orientation in their home country in June-July and travel to the U.S. in July-August. Students return home the following May-June. FLEX students must return to their home country at the end of the program, on the date assigned by American Councils. The U.S. visa issued for program participants will not be amended or extended beyond the program end date for any reason.

 

Program Information

Online application:

Online application is now OPEN

Deadline: September 26, 2024

Funded by

US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

If you require any further information, feel free to contact us at: flex.sk@americancouncils.org