About the FLEX Program

The FLEX Program (Future Leaders Exchange) is funded by Congress under the FREEDOM Support Act and administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program’s goal is to provide an opportunity for high school students from Eurasia* to experience life in a democratic society in order to promote democratic values and institutions in Eurasia.

FLEX students live with host families, attend school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. The program places special emphasis on leadership skills and seeks ways for participants to develop these skills during the school year. Upon their return home, students will apply their leadership skills at home and become involved in a well-established FLEX alumni network. Find out more about the FLEX alumni network and program through our FLEX Online Resources.

Learn more about hosting a FLEX foreign exchange student online or by contacting Stella Jacaruso at (800) 322-HOST, ext. 5164, or by email at aya.info@aifs.org.

* The term Eurasia is used here to mean the 12 New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union.