Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Global Program
Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Global Program supports high school students through a U.S. exchange year that develops leadership, community engagement, and skills to benefit their home communities.
This grant was recently updated
Applications for FLEX Global 2027–2028 in Kyrgyzstan are now closed, replacing the October 5–22, 2026 application window. Second-round results will be announced in late November or December; application instructions and the eligibility section have also been removed.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates: November 5, 2026 (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia) | November 12, 2026 (Greece, Montenegro) | November 20, 2026 (Jordan) | November 22, 2026 (Morocco) | November 28, 2026 (Bahrain) | November 30, 2026 (Brazil, Tunisia)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded exchange for one academic year
Summary: FLEX Global supports high school students from 31 countries through a U.S. exchange year focused on leadership, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Key Information: This is a high school exchange program, with country-specific application routes.
Description
FLEX Global is a competitive, merit-based exchange program funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. American Councils implements it with AFS-USA, Amideast, and iEARN. Building on the FLEX and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study programs, it expands international participation and develops young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities.
Participants spend an academic year attending a U.S. high school, living with a volunteer host family, and engaging in community activities and leadership development. American Excellence activities explore business, technology, entrepreneurship, government, U.S. history, sports, and other sectors, with emphasis on U.S. innovation, governance, and economic prosperity. Participants return home with skills and knowledge to benefit their communities and build lasting U.S. partnerships.
