FLEX is a fully funded program 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 motivated secondary school students with the opportunity to earn a scholarship through a competitive process and spend an academic year studying in the United States. Participants live with American host families, attend a local high school, and contribute to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

American Councils for International Education organizes recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for the FLEX program.‍ ‍

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

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

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.