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.
FLEX 2026-27 applications are open!
The U.S. Embassy in Lithuania and American Councils for International Education invite students to participate in the FLEX program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This exchange program gives bright and talented students the opportunity to live with American host families and study at U.S. high schools during the 2026–2027 academic year. Applications may be submitted until September 23, 2025 at: https://discoverflex.org/apply.
Applications must be completed and submitted within 5 days of creating an account.
What is the FLEX program?
The FLEX program was established in 1992 by the U.S. Congress and is a fully funded exchange program for secondary school students who wish to spend one academic year in the United States. The goal of the program is to promote mutual understanding between the citizens of the U.S. and other countries by giving students the chance to learn about American culture while sharing their own country’s traditions with Americans. Participants live with U.S. host families and attend a local high school for one academic year.
Students with disabilities are also invited to participate, and expanded eligibility criteria apply. For more information, please contact: flex.lt@americancouncils.org.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students meeting the following requirements may apply:
Citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania;
Born between July 15, 2008 and July 15, 2011;
Currently enrolled in 9th or 10th grade in Lithuania;
Knowledge of English;
Meet U.S. visa requirements and have not spent more than three months in the United States during the past five years.
What does the scholarship provide?
The FLEX scholarship covers:
Round-trip travel (Lithuania–U.S.–Lithuania);
Monthly stipend for social activities and personal expenses;
One year of accommodation with a U.S. host family;
Enrollment in a U.S. high school;
Pre-departure and re-entry orientations;
Participation in program activities in U.S. communities;
Medical insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care).
What is NOT covered?
The FLEX scholarship does not cover:
Costs of obtaining an international passport;
Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend;
Extra baggage fees, phone bills, or internet expenses.
All eligible candidates may participate in the first round of selection by submitting an online application and answering three essay-type questions by September 23, 2025. Selected participants will be invited to the second round, which includes a short online English test.
What happens after submitting the application?
In the semifinal round, students and their parents participate in the online information session and must complete a more detailed program application within 10 days.
Students are then invited to testing centers in Vilnius, Klaipėda, or Panevėžys (depending on their place of residence) for an individual interview with American Councils staff, essay writing, and a standardized English test.
Finalists and their parents will receive detailed information about pre-departure preparation. Students must submit all required documents and apply for an international passport if they do not already have one. They will also be informed about the visa application process.
Who organizes the program?
American Councils for International Education organizes the competition, conducts FLEX selection, provides requirements, and arranges travel. Founded in 1974, American Councils is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mutual understanding and cooperation through education.
Where can I find more information?
Website: http://discoverflex.org
Email: flex.lt@americancouncils.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flexlithuania
Phone: +370 677 20 092