Volunteer

American Councils seeks U.S.-based volunteers to evaluate scholarship applications from high school students interested in participating in youth exchange programs.

Volunteer evaluators support youth exchange programs, which empower the next generation of global citizens and establish long-lasting ties between the U.S. and other countries. To volunteer, you must participate in a training workshop. Subsequently, hours are flexible. To submit an application of interest, click here. 

Our next group of volunteers will serve between October 2025 and March 2026. Volunteers evaluate applications from prospective students in the following youth exchange programs, which are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: 

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX): Established in 1992, FLEX program aims to improve mutual understanding and strengthen long-term relationships between citizens of the United States and peoples of Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.

FLEX Abroad: A reciprocal program offering an opportunity for American high school students to take part in cultural exchange in one of FLEX countries, building global awareness and intercultural competency.

These programs offer merit-based scholarships that foster mutual understanding, develop leadership skills, and promote community service and civic responsibility. They provide high school students with the opportunity to travel to the U.S. or abroad for a summer or an academic year to study and live with a local host family. To date, more than 32,000 students have participated in these transformative exchanges.

Please email volunteer@americancouncils.org for more information.