Question 1

How do I apply to FLEX?

Accepted Answer

The online application for the FLEX Program is made available each fall. When the application launches each fall, check out this page for your country's application deadline. For more information on how to apply to the FLEX Program, contact the American Councils office in your country by clicking here.

Question 2

Who can participate?

Accepted Answer

FLEX is open to all students, with or without a disability, who meet established age, grade and citizenship requirements. To find out eligibility requirements for your country, contact the American Councils office nearest you by clicking here.

Question 3

I have a disability - can I participate in FLEX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to participate in FLEX. There are almost 400 FLEX alumni who are blind, deaf, or have a physical disability (for example, cerebral palsy). Staff work to accommodate students with disabilities at testing and on the program. All eligible candidates are welcome to apply to the program.

Question 4

How much English do I need to participate?

Accepted Answer

FLEX is not a language program. Finalists are selected more because they have demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment, rather than for their language skills. Participants are tested in their knowledge of the English language because knowledge of spoken and written English will be necessary if students are to successfully participate in school and home life in the U.S.

Question 5

Is there a way I can prepare for FLEX testing? Are there courses to prepare for testing?

Accepted Answer

Successful FLEX candidates demonstrate the ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment. A candidate may prepare for the initial round by improving their English skills.

Question 6

If I am is chosen as a finalist, can I choose the U.S. city, state or school where I will live?

Accepted Answer

No. Neither FLEX finalists nor their parents may choose where students are placed in the U.S. Students are placed in all 50 states, most typically in suburban areas and rural communities.

Question 7

My family has friends/relatives in the U.S. Can I visit them while on program?

Accepted Answer

FLEX finalists are chosen because they have demonstrated that they are able to adapt and succeed in a completely new environment. Being in close contact with family and friends connected to home disrupts this process of adaptation. Travel to visit friends or relatives is rarely approved for this reason. Any travel within the U.S. must be approved by the student’s placement organization.

Question 8

Can I stay in the U.S. after finishing FLEX and enroll in an American university?

Accepted Answer

No. Participants must return to their home country upon completion of the program in May or June, on their assigned date, as per requirements of the J-1 visa, under which FLEX participants travel on the exchange program. Any subsequent applications the student may make to travel to the U.S. will be decided by the U.S. consulate.

Question 9

Is there a FLEX program that I can pay to participate in?

Accepted Answer

No. FLEX is an exchange opportunity funded by the U.S. Department of State. There is no fee component with FLEX. Other organizations offer study abroad opportunities for a fee.

Question 10

I am training seriously in a certain sport or music. Is it possible for me to pursue this professionally in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

No. While on FLEX, students are expected to get the most out of meeting new friends, being a member of their host family and doing well in their host U.S. school. The program is not constructed to further a talented student’s career. Many American schools offer sports and arts programs, and we encourage students to take part in available extracurricular activities at their school.

Future Leaders Exchange Program

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to FLEX?

Who can participate?

I have a disability - can I participate in FLEX?

How much English do I need to participate?

Is there a way I can prepare for FLEX testing? Are there courses to prepare for testing?

If I am is chosen as a finalist, can I choose the U.S. city, state or school where I will live?

My family has friends/relatives in the U.S. Can I visit them while on program?

Can I stay in the U.S. after finishing FLEX and enroll in an American university?

Is there a FLEX program that I can pay to participate in?

I am training seriously in a certain sport or music. Is it possible for me to pursue this professionally in the U.S.?

Still have questions?

Home

Students and Parents
Information for Parents
Apply to FLEX
Frequent Questions

Host Families and Schools
Apply to Host
Placement Organizations

Alumni

FLEX Abroad
Eligibility Requirements
Student FAQs
Parent FAQs
For Educators

Contact Us

Email us at: discoverflex@americancouncils.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to FLEX?

Who can participate?

I have a disability - can I participate in FLEX?

How much English do I need to participate?

Is there a way I can prepare for FLEX testing? Are there courses to prepare for testing?

If I am is chosen as a finalist, can I choose the U.S. city, state or school where I will live?

My family has friends/relatives in the U.S. Can I visit them while on program?

Can I stay in the U.S. after finishing FLEX and enroll in an American university?

Is there a FLEX program that I can pay to participate in?

I am training seriously in a certain sport or music. Is it possible for me to pursue this professionally in the U.S.?

Still have questions?

Home

Students and Parents Information for Parents Apply to FLEX Frequent Questions

Host Families and Schools Apply to Host Placement Organizations

Alumni

FLEX Abroad Eligibility Requirements Student FAQs Parent FAQs For Educators

Contact Us

Email us at: discoverflex@americancouncils.org

Students and Parents
Information for Parents
Apply to FLEX
Frequent Questions

Host Families and Schools
Apply to Host
Placement Organizations

FLEX Abroad
Eligibility Requirements
Student FAQs
Parent FAQs
For Educators