FLEX is a highly competitive, merit-based exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State that operates in Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Over 30,000 students compete annually in multiple rounds of testing to be selected to participate on FLEX, which provides for them to spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family and attending a U.S. high school.

Begun in 1992, the FLEX Program advances U.S. interests by cultivating a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Participants will live with volunteer host families, attend high school, engage in community activities, develop leadership skills, and take part in American Excellence enhancement activities focused on business, technology, and entrepreneurship, all of which showcase the United States as a global leader in innovation, governance, and economic prosperity.

During the program, participants attend school, experience American innovation and achievements, share their culture and perspective with Americans, and contribute to their host communities. These young leaders return to their countries with new skills and knowledge, where they apply what they learned to benefit their home communities and become lasting partners for the United States.