Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad

American high school students earn scholarships to study and live overseas in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, or Thailand for an academic year.

Studying abroad is an exciting journey and a key to academic and professional success for young Americans in today’s world. FLEX Global Abroad provides a unique opportunity for high school students and recent graduates to explore a new country, broaden their perspectives, and develop language abilities by living with a host family, studying in a local school, and participating in leadership activities. FLEX Global Abroad students also share information about the United States and their own hometowns and traditions with their host families, new friends, and local communities, thereby building lasting relationships and, at the same time, helping to strengthen the linkages between the United States and FLEX Global Abroad countries. 

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 SI, and leadership.

Who are the FLEX Abroad participants?

American teenagers aged 15 to 18 ½ can participate in the program if they are high school students (grades 9–12, including homeschool)

FLEX Global 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 Global 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 ideas, 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, and traditions. 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 Global Abroad Coordinator:
📞 0758 100 503
📩 flexglobalabroad.ro@americancouncils.org

Benefits of being a host family

The FLEX Global 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 Global 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: flexglobalabroad.ro@americancouncils.org 

Phone number: 0758 100 503

Instagram: American Councils Romania

Facebook: FLEX Global Romania