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Bosnia & HerzegovinaGeorgiaIndiaIndonesiaKazakhstan Short Course Fully Funded

FLEX Global Abroad 2027-28: U.S. High School Study Abroad Program

FLEX Global Abroad offers American high school students fully funded semester or academic year exchanges in 10 countries including Poland, Thailand, and Morocco. Participants live with host families, attend local schools, and gain competitive skills in business, entrepreneurship, and technology.

October 13, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryMultiple: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Thailand
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyBusiness, Cultural Exchange, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Technology
DeadlineNovember 30, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Program Overview

FLEX Global Abroad is a U.S. Department of State-funded international exchange program that sends American high school students to live and study abroad. The program operates in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, and Thailand. Participants spend a semester or academic year immersed in a new culture while developing language abilities and leadership skills.

The program emphasizes practical skill-building through enhancement programming focused on business, entrepreneurship, technology, and Super Intelligence. Students serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing information about American life with host families and local communities while building lasting international relationships.

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What the Scholarship Covers

FLEX Global Abroad is fully funded. The program provides:

  • Round-trip airfare between the participant’s home and host community
  • Room and board with a carefully selected 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 costs or program fees. Families are responsible only for domestic costs such as obtaining a passport and any required vaccinations.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Enrolled in grades 9-12 (including home school) at time of application
  • Age 15 to 18.5 at program start date
  • Applicants of all grade-point averages and academic performance are encouraged to apply

The program explicitly welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds. There is no minimum GPA requirement.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through American Councils for International Education. Follow these steps:

  1. Review complete eligibility details on the official program website
  2. Access the online application portal
  3. Submit all required materials before the deadline
  4. Participate in selection interviews if advanced to later rounds

Complete eligibility and application details are available in the official application materials.

Program History and Safety

The U.S. Department of State has operated high school exchange programs safely since 1983, beginning with the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX). Subsequent programs include NSLI-Y (2006), YES Abroad (2009), and FLEX Abroad (2021). FLEX Global Abroad represents the evolution of these established programs, combining the strengths of FLEX and YES programming.

The Department of State reserves the right to amend the country list at any time based on security and operational considerations.

Comparison with Related Programs

Prospective applicants should consider whether FLEX Global Abroad or NSLI-Y better fits their goals. NSLI-Y is an academically rigorous program focused primarily on intensive language acquisition. FLEX Global Abroad offers broader cultural immersion with supplementary skill development in business and technology. Students seeking maximum language intensity may prefer NSLI-Y; those wanting diverse leadership experiences may prefer FLEX Global Abroad.

Contact Information

Email: highschoolstudyabroad@americancouncils.org

Phone: 1-800-380-6552 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET)

Download the FLEX Global Abroad program flyer to share with friends and school counselors.

Participant Experience

Former participants emphasize transformative personal growth. One student hosted in Kazakhstan shared: “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.”

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Official scholarship page: https://www.discoverflexglobal.org/flex-global-abroad

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Fully funded: round-trip airfare, host family accommodation, emergency health coverage, visa fees, monthly stipend, mobile phone/SIM access

Eligibility Criteria

U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9-12 (including home school), ages 15-18.5 at program start. All academic levels welcome; no minimum GPA.

Required Documents

Not specified in available materials; complete requirements available in official application

Application Process

1) Review eligibility on official website 2) Access online application 3) Submit materials by deadline 4) Participate in interviews if selected
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. FLEX Global Abroad is exclusively for U.S. citizens. International students interested in U.S.-based exchange programs should explore other Department of State initiatives such as the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program for students from Eurasia, or YES Abroad for students from countries with significant Muslim populations.
The application deadline for the 2027-28 academic year is November 30, 2026. This is a firm deadline; late applications are not accepted.
No prior language experience is required. The program is designed for students to develop language abilities through immersion. However, students with some foundation in the host country language may find initial adjustment easier.
Selection rates are not published. The program encourages applicants of all academic backgrounds, suggesting holistic review rather than GPA-only evaluation. Strong candidates demonstrate curiosity about other cultures, adaptability, leadership potential, and clear motivation for cross-cultural exchange. Application quality, interview performance, and program fit are likely key factors.
The research does not specify country preference options. Applicants should consult the official application materials or contact American Councils directly at highschoolstudyabroad@americancouncils.org to confirm whether preferences are considered or assignments are made by program staff.
Specific document requirements are not detailed in available materials. Complete documentation requirements are provided within the official application portal. Applicants should begin by reviewing eligibility details on the American Councils website and accessing the full application for comprehensive requirements.

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