Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad
After three decades of successfully welcoming international students to the United States through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, in 2021 the U.S. Department of State, together with American Councils for International Education, launched the first edition of the Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) program. This cultural exchange program offers U.S. citizens the opportunity to study abroad. FLEX Abroad provides a unique, fully funded exchange experience for American high school students, with the goal of fostering global awareness. This opportunity supports participants’ personal development and promotes mutual understanding at the international level through direct interaction with another culture.
The FLEX Abroad program was launched in Romania in 2024, when, for the first time, American high school students studied in Romanian high schools. They had the chance to discover Romanian culture while sharing elements of American culture within the communities that hosted them. This experience created an authentic exchange of values and perspectives, strengthening lasting connections between American youth and Romanian families.
FLEX Abroad returns to Romania for the 2026–2027 academic year as a result of a co-funding agreement between the U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research.
To strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between Romania and the United States and to support the development of educational relationships between schools and communities in both countries, the Ministry of Education and Research and American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), based on previously signed protocols regarding the implementation of FLEX and FLEX Abroad programs in Romania. The Memorandum provides for the continued support of scholarships associated with these educational exchange programs, through which Romanian high school students can study in the United States, and American students can study in Romania during the 2026–2027 school year.
Who are the FLEX Abroad participants?
American teenagers aged 15 to 19 can participate in the program if they are high school students (grades 9–12, including homeschool) or graduates who choose to take a “gap year”—a break from formal education dedicated to gaining experience within the international community. Candidates of all GPAs and academic performance levels are encouraged to apply.
FLEX Abroad participants receive:
Travel arrangements from the U.S. to Romania and back;
Placement with a host family and enrollment in a high school in Bucharest;
A monthly stipend for personal expenses;
Comprehensive health insurance;
Dedicated support from the local FLEX Abroad Coordinator;
Orientation sessions before the program begins and upon arrival in Romania;
Romanian language courses;
Cultural activities (visits to museums, theaters, festivals, and trips across Romania).
American students participating in the program become ambassadors of U.S. culture in Romania. Through their presence in Romanian schools and communities, they share values, perspectives, and aspects of American life, contributing to better understanding between the two countries. At the same time, these young people discover Romanian traditions, customs, and everyday life, which provides them with an intercultural learning experience. The relationships they build with host families, classmates, and the local community often turn into lasting connections that continue to strengthen friendship and collaboration long after the program ends.
Become a Host Family!
Being a host family means offering an American student a safe and welcoming environment where they can discover Romania, with its customs, traditions, and local values. Families help integrate students into the local community and facilitate cultural exchange through everyday life.
How to become a host family?
Contact the local FLEX Abroad Coordinator:
📞 0758 100 503
📩 flexabroad.ro@americancouncils.org
Benefits of being a host family
The FLEX Abroad program offers the chance to discover American culture while sharing Romanian culture, customs, and traditions. This cultural exchange experience is a valuable learning and life opportunity, whose benefits and positive impact are confirmed by participating host families.
As a host family, you benefit from:
Development of intercultural skills;
Contact with American youth and their culture;
Knowledge of U.S. culture and history;
Improved English communication skills;
The opportunity to share Romania’s history and culture;
A unique experience and the chance for lasting friendships;
Access to training and events organized by American Councils.
American Councils provides host families with training to help all family members prepare for their new role. Host families will receive educational materials, important resources, and useful recommendations on how to build and maintain a close relationship with American students.
Each host family will be supported by the local FLEX Abroad coordinator. With over 30 years of experience in managing cultural exchanges, American Councils is pleased to share best practices and experiences with host families.
Host Family Responsibilities
Host families commit to:
Providing the student with accommodation, three meals a day, and an appropriate space for sleeping and studying (students may have their own room or share with a host sibling of the same gender);
Welcoming the student as a member of the family;
Participating in the host family orientation session;
Completing the necessary documents for the enrollment process.
Program Information
Co-Funded by
The United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Research of Romania
For further information, contact us at: flex.ro@americancouncils.org
Phone number: 0758 100 503
Instagram: American Councils Romania
Facebook: FLEX Romania