FLEX Program

WHAT IS THE FLEX PROGRAM? FLEX is fully funded by the U.S. government and administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State.The program provides competitively selected secondary school students with a scholarship to spend a year living in the U.S. with a volunteer host family, attending a U.S. high school to foster understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world.

WHO ORGANIZES THE PROGRAM? American Councils for International Education organizes recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for the FLEX program.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?

THE FLEX SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING:    

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

• Monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities and 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.

  WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?

  The FLEX scholarship competition is merit-based and open, at no cost, to applicants who Students with disabilities are invited to participate in the competition. FLEX finalists include approximately 20 students with disabilities each year.

  ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:

• Meet the grade/age requirements and study at 11th grade;

• Be enrolled in 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.

  WHAT IS NOT PROVIDED?

• any costs associated with receiving an international passport

• personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend

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

  
  
  

  HOW DOES THE TESTING AND SELECTION PROCESS WORK?

  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 students must return on the assigned date; no visa extensions are granted.

  
  
  

  HOW WILL I BENEFIT FROM THE EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE?

  Participating in the FLEX program provides students with a chance to explore U.S. culture, become cultural ambassadors for their own countries, foster cultural appreciation, personal growth, and independence, and prepare for a globalized world. They also forge lasting connections with American host families and communities, often leading to lifelong relationships. Many program alumni go on to attend prestigious universities and secure exciting jobs, utilizing skills acquired during their U.S. stay.

  
  
  

  WHEN DOES THE 1ST ROUND START?

  The FLEX application form will open on August 1, 2024. For more information, please contact us:

  Address: Rudaki Plaza, 6th floor, 127 Rudaki Avenue, 734003 Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

  Phone: 44 600 44 90; 44 600 45 90

  E-mail: flex.tj@americancouncils.org

  Instagram: flexprogram_tj
  

Program Contact

flex.tj@americancouncils.org

+992 44 600 45 90