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The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)

FLEX is a cultural exchange program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and administered in the Kyrgyz Republic by American Councils for International Education ACTR/ACCELS and supported by the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic. The program provides high school students from across the Kyrgyz Republic with the opportunity to study in a U.S. high school and live in an American host family for one academic year.

The primary goal of the FLEX program is to improve mutual understanding and develop and strengthen long-term relationships between citizens of the United States and other peoples and countries. The U.S. Department of State supports exchanges for secondary school students from over 50 countries through FLEX and other academic year programs. Since the program’s inception in 1993, over 24,000 students have participated in the FLEX program.

APPLICATION FORM

Application for FLEX 2026-2027

* The 2026–2027 application is closed!

ROUND 1:

In Round 1, you must complete an online application form in English. The application includes three essay questions.

STEP 1: Create an account at https://ais.americancouncils.org/flex. Instructions for account registration are available in the "Video Instructions" section below.

STEP 2: Log into your account and find the Available Forms section. The Round 1 application form will be available in that section. To begin filling it out, click the Start button.

STEP 3: Answer all sections of the online application form, including the three essay questions. You will have 5 days from the time you begin the application form to complete and submit it.

ROUND 2:

In Round 2, you must take an online English language test. A link to the test will be sent to your email within 24 hours after you submit the Round 1 online application form. Please note that this link will be active for only 24 hours after it is sent to you.

The online English test takes 15 minutes. You will need to read two texts and answer 12 questions.

ROUND 3:

This round will be conducted offline. Applicants who pass to Round 3 will receive a phone call from FLEX program staff between October and November 2025.

In Round 3, participants must:

  • Fill out an application form

  • Answer three essay questions

  • Take an English test

  • Participate in an interview with a group activity

* If you have any questions, please email: flex.kg@americancouncils.org

FLEX 2026–2027 program eligibility requirements

To participate in the program, you must meet all of the following requirements without exception:

Date of birth: Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010

Current grade: 9th or 10th grade

Applicants must also:

  • Be a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic;

  • Be enrolled in and attending a school in the Kyrgyz Republic;

  • Have excellent or good academic performance;

  • Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration;

  • Meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. visa.

Eligibility requirements for students with disabilities:

Date of birth: Between February 15, 2008 and July 15, 2011

Current grade: 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, or 1st year of college after completing 9th grade

Applicants must also:

    • Be a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic;

    • Be enrolled in and attending a school in the Kyrgyz Republic;

    • Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration;

    • Have experience learning and demonstrate a strong knowledge of English;

    • Meet the eligibility requirements for a U.S. visa.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for creating an account at https://ais.americancouncils.org/flex

To access the Round 1 application form, you must create an account at https:/ais.americancouncils.org/flex.

Instructions for completing the Round 1 application form

In Round 1, you must complete an online application form in English. The application includes three essay questions.

Instructions for completing the Round 2

In Round 2, you must take an online English language test. A link to the test will be sent to your email within 24 hours after you submit the Round 1 online application form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Transportation from home to the place of residence in the USA and back;

    • A monthly stipend for personal expenses, allowing the student to participate in community life and purchase personal items;

    • Accommodation with a carefully selected and vetted American host family for one year;

    • Enrollment in an American high school;

    • Participation in an orientation program, including pre-program and post-program training;

    • Participation in various activities organized locally in the USA;

    • Medical insurance that does not cover the treatment of pre-existing conditions or dental care.

  • Participation in the program is free.

  • In that case, you are not eligible to apply.

    • The participant must not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the USA over the past 5 years;

    • The participant's family members must not have emigrated or be planning to emigrate to the USA, nor should they apply for immigration to the USA.

  • Yes, you can.

  • Check the SPAM folder and make sure that your email accepts messages.