Washington, D.C. & Bucharest — American Councils for International Education is proud to announce a landmark agreement with the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research to support the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This partnership marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Romania educational cooperation.
The FLEX program is funded by the U.S. Department of State through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. FLEX is one of the world’s most competitive, merit-based high school exchange programs and operates in 22 countries. Alumni of the program globally have gone on to serve as senior government officials, business leaders, and prominent figures in the arts and media.
FLEX’s continuation in Romania is made possible through a new co-funding arrangement in which the Government of Romania will share program costs for Romanian and American participants. This renewed commitment comes ten years after Romania first joined the FLEX Program, underscoring the enduring value of educational diplomacy. Since 2015, more than 18,000 Romanians have applied for the FLEX program, reflecting a long-standing national interest in U.S. study opportunities. Each Romanian participant spends a year in the U.S. living with an American family and studying at an American high school. The reciprocal FLEX Abroad program was launched in Romania in 2024 and offers American high school students the opportunity to live and study in Romania.
The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from both governments, including Daniel-Ovidiu David, Minister of Education and Research of Romania, Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States, and Remus Pricopie, former Minister of Education who helped initiate Romania’s participation in FLEX; as well as a U.S. Department of State delegation led by Stefanie Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges, and other representatives from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“We are deeply grateful to the Romanian Ministry of Education for its vision and investment in the next generation of leaders,” said Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils for International Education. “This agreement not only strengthens our bilateral relationship but also provides transformational experiences for young Americans and Romanians, building critical skills that will advance economic growth and build long-term security.”
“This agreement reflects Romania’s commitment to investing in our young people and to deepening our partnership with the United States,” said Minister David. “By participating in these exchanges, Romanian and American students gain the skills, perspectives, and relationships that strengthen our societies, support economic prosperity, and contribute to the success of a long-term bilateral relationship.”
Romanian applicants may apply before December 18, 2025 through the following link:
https://ais.americancouncils.org/FLEXRomania
American applicants for FLEX Abroad may apply before December 8, 2025:
https://www.discoverflex.org/flex-abroad
The Ministry of Education and Research of Romania works to ensure every beneficiary has access to high quality learning opportunities that allow each individual to realize their full potential. American Councils is a nonprofit organization engaged in programs across 146 countries, connecting the United States with partners around the world, expanding opportunities, and supporting shared prosperity.