Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)
FLEX program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and seeks to bring bright and talented Lithuanian high school students to live with an American host family and study in an American high school.
What is the FLEX program?
The FLEX program was created by the United States Congress in 1992. It established a year-long, fully funded exchange program for secondary school students to travel to the United States for a year. The goal of the program is to promote mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and countries in the region, as students learn more about the U.S. and teach Americans about their countries. Each scholarship recipient will live for one year as a member of a U.S. host family and study in an American high school.
Secondary school students with disabilities are invited to participate in the competition. The participation requirements are expanded for students with disabilities. Please contact flex.lt@americancouncils.org to learn more.
How does the testing and selection process work?
Students compete in several rounds of online competition. At the semi-finalist stage, students and their parents are invited to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the program. Students then take part in an individual interview with American Councils sta , take a standardized test of English, write proctored essays, and receive the o icial program application, which is due to American Councils within two weeks.
Selection will be based on merit and demonstrated preparedness for a year-long exchange experience as evidenced in students’ applications. English-language proficiency is important, but 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.
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
Enrolment 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
For more information, contact the American Councils office in Lithuania: flex.lt@americancouncils.org