Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Global Program

FLEX Global builds on the legacies of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs by expanding participation globally. The program advances U.S. interests by cultivating 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 highly competitive, merit-based exchange program funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by American Councils for International Education in partnership with AFS-USA, Amideast, and iEARN. 

The 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, entrepreneurship, government, U.S. history, sports, and other sectors, all of which showcase the United States as a global leader in innovation, governance, and economic prosperity. 

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. 

FLEX Global countries for the 2027–28 program include: Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. 

For country-specific information, please visit the Apply to FLEX Global or Contact Us pages on the FLEX Global website.