Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad)
Forecasted
Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) supports American high school students in overseas study and host-family life to develop leadership, intercultural skills, and mutual understanding.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline for the next academic year)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded scholarship for one academic year abroad
Summary: FLEX Abroad supports American high school students in overseas study and host-family life to develop leadership, intercultural skills, and mutual understanding.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled in grades 9–12 when applying, and ages 15–18.5 at program start.
Description
Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) provides fully funded scholarships for American high school students to spend an academic year in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by American Councils for International Education, the program combines attendance at a local high school with daily life in a host family.
Launched in 2021 as an extension of the original FLEX program, FLEX Abroad promotes citizen diplomacy and enduring relationships between the United States and host countries. Participants develop leadership, language, communication, and problem-solving skills while sharing American culture and learning about their host communities. The program seeks to build global awareness, intercultural competency, and understanding of interests and values shared across cultures.
