Scholarship Overview
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
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Program Overview
FLEX Global Abroad is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange program that sends American high school students to live and study in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, or Thailand. The program builds on the legacy of FLEX Abroad (launched 2021) and its predecessors FLEX and YES Abroad, which have operated since 2009.
Participants spend an academic year immersed in a new culture, living with vetted host families and attending local high schools. The program emphasizes leadership development through enhancement programming focused on business, entrepreneurship, technology, and what organizers term “Super Intelligence.”
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What the Program Covers
FLEX Global Abroad is fully funded. The scholarship package includes:
- Round-trip airfare between your home and host community
- Room and board with a host family
- In-country support throughout the program
- Emergency accident and sickness coverage
- Host country visa fees
- Modest monthly stipend for personal expenses
- Access to a mobile phone or SIM card while on program
There are no tuition fees or program costs for selected participants.
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Eligibility Requirements
To apply for FLEX Global Abroad, you must meet these criteria:
- U.S. citizen
- Enrolled in grades 9-12 (including home school) at time of application
- Age 15 to 18.5 at the program start date
- Applicants of all grade-point averages and academic performance are encouraged to apply
The program explicitly welcomes students regardless of academic track record. No minimum GPA is required.
Host Countries
The 2027-28 program offers placements in:
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Georgia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Romania
- Thailand
Note: The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to amend this country list at any time.
Application Process
Applications for the 2027-28 academic year open ahead of the November 30, 2026 deadline. To apply:
- Review complete eligibility details on the official program website
- Submit your application through the American Councils portal
- Prepare for potential interviews and selection activities
Contact information for questions:
- Email: highschoolstudyabroad@americancouncils.org
- Phone: 1-800-380-6552 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET)
Program Comparison
Applicants considering FLEX Global Abroad may also want to explore the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). Key differences:
- FLEX Global Abroad: Broader cultural immersion with leadership and professional development components
- NSLI-Y: Academically rigorous program focused primarily on intensive language acquisition
Both programs are fully funded Department of State initiatives with strong safety records dating back to 1983.
For Zimbabwe and SADC Region Readers
While FLEX Global Abroad is exclusively for U.S. citizens, this program model demonstrates the value of reciprocal exchange. Zimbabwean and SADC region students seeking similar opportunities should explore:
- YES Abroad (for citizens of YES program countries)
- Bilateral agreements between your government and U.S. exchange programs
- American Councils programs open to international applicants
The program structure—host family immersion, local school enrollment, and modest stipends—provides a template for what to seek in quality exchange opportunities.
Participant Experience
Former participants emphasize transformative outcomes. One student hosted in Kazakhstan reported: “If you want to experience a new culture, learn a new language, meet new people, and have a life-changing experience, apply!!! I am thankful everyday for this opportunity, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Students serve as informal ambassadors, sharing information about U.S. culture and their hometowns with host communities while building lasting international relationships.
Official scholarship page: https://www.discoverflexglobal.org/flex-global-abroad
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
