FLEX Global is a highly competitive, merit-based exchange program funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  FLEX Global is a program that allows high school aged students from select countries to spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family and attending U.S. high school.

 FLEX Global aims to develop a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, technology and Super Intelligence (SI), and leadership. 

FLEX Global is a program of the U.S. Department of State, implemented by American Councils for International Education in partnership with AFS, Amideast, and iEARN, who conduct recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for FLEX Global. In addition, several private, non-profit organizations in the United States receive grants from the U.S. Department of State to place FLEX Global participants in carefully selected and supportive U.S. host families, and to organize local activities for students during the year-long program. In Tajikistan, the FLEX Global program is implemented by American Councils (Tajikistan), based in Dushanbe.

THE FLEX Global SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING:‍

• Round-trip travel (from Tajikistan to the United States and back)  

• Monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities

• Buy necessary personal supplies  

• Placement with a selected and screened U.S. host family for one year

• Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school

• Program orientation activities including pre-program preparation and re-entry preparation

• Medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care

The FLEX Global scholarship competition is merit-based and open, at no cost, to applicants who meet the following requirements. Students with disabilities are invited to participate in the competition.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:

• Meet the grade/age requirements: study in the 11th grade and be born in the range 15 March 2009 and 31 December 2010

• Be enrolled and attending a secondary school in Tajikistan when applying for the program

• Have an academic standing of good or better;

•  Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language proficiency;

•  Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements;

•  Be a citizen of Tajikistan.

‍ ‍A STUDENTIS INELIGIBLE TO APPLY IF:‍ ‍

•  He or she has stayed in the U.S for 3 months or more during the past 5 years

• His/her family: has applied or applying to emigrate to the United States

• Has made plans to emigrate or has already emigrated to the United States

• Any costs associated with receiving an international passport

• Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend

• Excess baggage costs, phone bills, or internet use.

The testing and selection process involves students competing in 2 online rounds, in-person round 3 requires attending an informational meeting as semi-finalists, undergoing interviews, English test, and essay writing. Selection considers merit and readiness for a year-long exchange, not solely English proficiency. Medical evaluations are mandatory. The process concludes in spring, with applicants notified by mid-May. Finalists participate in a pre-departure orientation in June-July, with U.S. travel in August-September. Program duration is August-June, and FLEX Global students must return on the assigned date; no visa extensions are granted.

FLEX Global program will provide participants the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family, attending a U.S. high school, engaging in community activities, developing leadership skills, and taking part in American Excellence enhancement activities focused on business, technology, and entrepreneurship. These young leaders will return to their countries with new skills and knowledge, where they will apply what they learned to benefit their home communities and become lasting partners for the United States.

The FLEX Global 2027–2028 online application is officially open!

Application deadline: October 22, 2026

💻 Apply online now: https://ais.americancouncils.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/AIR.woa/wa/login?brand=flexglobal&utm_source=chatgpt.com