# Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program

Fully funded year-long exchange program bringing students from Eurasia to live with American host families and attend U.S. high schools. Promotes mutual understanding between nations.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | U.S. Department of State |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2026-10-15 |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Various, USA |
| Time commitment | ~40 hours/week |
| Apply | https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/future-leaders-exchange |

## About this program

# Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program

The FLEX Program is a competitive, fully funded exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Students from Eurasia and Southeast Europe spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family and attending an American high school.

## What You'll Do
- Live with an American host family for a full academic year
- Attend a U.S. high school and participate in extracurricular activities
- Complete community service projects in your host community
- Participate in enrichment activities focused on civic education and leadership
- Present about your home country and culture to your host community

## Who Should Apply
Students ages 15-17 from eligible countries in Eurasia and Southeast Europe. U.S. students can participate by hosting a FLEX student and attending cultural exchange events.

## Outcomes
- Full year of immersive English language and American culture experience
- Lasting friendships and cross-cultural understanding
- Leadership and community engagement skills
- Alumni network of 30,000+ FLEX graduates across 20+ countries

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program cost?

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### What is the application deadline for Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program?

The application deadline is October 15, 2026. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program?

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program is open to high school students in grades 9–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program online or in person?

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program is an in-person program based in Various, USA. Expect a time commitment of roughly 40 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program?

Apply directly through U.S. Department of State's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-04.
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