How to become a FLEX member and spend a year at school in the USA

FLEX is one of the most famous programs for schoolchildren from all over the world who know English well. It allows high school students to study throughout the academic year in one of the 50 states of America.

About FLEX

The FLEX program is sponsored by the US Department of State. It provides high school students from different countries with the opportunity to study free of charge in an American school for one academic year. At this time, the student lives in an American family.

The program covers all expenses:

• school enrollment;
• air tickets in both directions;
• visa fees;
• monthly scholarship;
• a one-time $300 allowance that can cover the cost of school supplies;
• winter clothes;
• medical insurance;
• different activities.

How to Get a FLEX Scholarship

The admission process to an American school under the FLEX program takes eight to nine months.

The first round takes place in September-October. This is a 15 minute basic English proficiency test. Its results become known on the same day.

The second round is held the next morning. Here the student is asked to write 3 short essays on specific topics in 45 minutes.

The third round starts in a month and a half. It consists of two essays, an extended English test, a group game and an individual interview with program representatives.

You also need to fill out a questionnaire. It includes: a letter of recommendation from the teacher, an extract with grades, a medical form, additional essays for the future host family. Final results become known in April-May.

Personal experience

Here's what alumni of the program had to say about what it's like to be a flexer. All stories are told in the first person. They were collected by the publication WeProject.

Ayaulym Akhilova, 19 years old, Almaty city, student

I didn't have a clear goal of studying abroad. I encountered English in the third grade. Then it was difficult for me. Later she attended additional courses, and at the same time learned about the traditional life of American schoolchildren from films.

I first got acquainted with the FLEX program in the seventh grade, when I moved to a new school. They were proud of the flexer students and put information about them and their host states on the honor roll.

I was a curious teenager and for a year I asked about this program. I wanted to live the life of an American teenager. Therefore, I spent the next academic year preparing for admission. At the first attempt, I failed the third round and passed the second time.

Every year, about 45 students from all over the world apply to the program, of which only 000 pass.

FLEX offers a unique opportunity for high school students to see America for what it is, beyond the movies.

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The program does not select a state for the fellow. Rather, on the contrary, the family chooses a student according to his profile. There is a chance to get into a small village with a population of 300 people in northern New York or a large Texas city with a population of one million. In metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or Chicago, FLEX students are not settled.

A feature of the program is Double placement - the second exchange student in the family. Its presence is optional. But if the host family plans to take two students, they discuss this in advance. Typically, the second participant is from another country and does not speak the fellow's native language.

There were two exchange students in my host family: me and a student from Japan. I was afraid not to find a common language with her, but she became my best friend.

I am grateful for the program. She gave me a second family and invaluable experience. Helped to make friends from different parts of the world and broaden my horizons.

The difficulties I faced in the USA made me stronger and more self-confident. I learned to love myself and enjoy every little thing.

The main lesson I learned is not to give up and follow your dreams and goals. If it didn't work out the first time, it will work out the second, and maybe even the third. It is important to take every opportunity, because it is it that can change your life.

Salkynay Emilbekova, 21, Bishkek, FLEX Alumni Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan

During my time at school, the FLEX program was one of the most popular among students. I knew her alumni. They spoke well of the program, told how the exchange year had changed their outlook.

I applied in ninth grade. I passed on the third try when I was in 11th grade.

FLEX is an exchange program for high school and first year college students.

It provides the opportunity to spend one academic year in the US, study at a local school and live with a host family.

Its goal is a cultural exchange between students. Our students can tell Americans about Kyrgyzstan, its culture and learn about the local mentality. The program recruits students from over 22 different countries each year.

In recent years, selection has taken place online. I used to go in the traditional format. Here, the first round is the passing of a test on knowledge of the English language and understanding of the text for a certain period of time.

The second round includes writing three essays on given topics. They may be related to your past leadership experience, overcoming difficulties, relationships with people.

In the final round, you will have to write two more essays, pass an interview and a group game with program specialists, and fill out a questionnaire. The results come in the spring. Approximately 70-80 people are selected from Kyrgyzstan every year.

The program provides an opportunity to see another country, explore the culture of the United States, start a second family, make new friends and gain an unforgettable experience.

Through participation in FLEX, students can build friendships between representatives of different nationalities.

I have friends from Tunisia, Italy, Indonesia, Bangladesh and many other countries.

While studying at school, you can see how the American education system works. It differs from ours and gives more freedom to students in choosing subjects and schedules.

I also became more independent and more confident. When you live without relatives for a whole year, immerse yourself in a new environment, learn the language, mentality and culture, you need to be responsible for every decision.

Due to my experience in an American school, I chose the American University of Central Asia to continue my studies.

I encourage all students to apply for this program. You will be able to get out of your comfort zone, see the big world and the opportunities that it provides. Learn to set big and ambitious goals and work towards them.

Khilola Yakubzhanova, founder of I Talk Club startup

When I was in ninth grade, friends told me about a free program to study in the US. I decided to test my knowledge, although I did not believe that I would pass. But I got it right the first time. It was the best choice of my life.

The Future Leaders Exchange program allows students from around the world to live with American host families, study for a year at a local school, and explore the culture.

Future leaders are chosen for FLEX. Therefore, develop leadership qualities, participate in volunteer projects.

For me, FLEX is a Life Changing Program. The program provides an opportunity to get a cool experience in the USA. And also to get to know American culture better, to exchange knowledge.

American schools provide great opportunities for study and extra-academic life. For example, I participated in Future Business Leader of America and MECHA clubs. After participating in the program, excellent opportunities for building networking open up. Internships, trainings, workshops are often held among graduates.

The program taught me leadership and respect for other cultures. It has a lot of positives. Therefore, I recommend it to everyone.

Participation in FLEX makes it clear that you are the Face Of Change. Anything can be achieved if you try.