The Embassy of the United States in Lithuania, in collaboration with American Councils for International Education, is inviting Lithuanian high school students to apply for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State, aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries by bringing students to live with an American host family and attend a U.S. high school during the 2025-26 academic year.
The FLEX program was established by the United States Congress in 1992. It offers a fully funded year-long exchange opportunity for secondary school students to experience life in the United States. The program's objective is to promote cultural exchange and learning between U.S. citizens and participants from various regions.
The program is inclusive, welcoming applications from secondary school students with disabilities who meet expanded participation requirements. Interested parties can contact flex.lt@americancouncils.org for more information.
To be eligible, applicants must hold Lithuanian citizenship, be born between July 15, 2007, and July 15, 2010, currently be enrolled in grade 9 or 10 at a Lithuanian high school, study English as part of their curriculum, meet U.S. visa requirements, and not have spent more than three months in the U.S. over the past five years.
Successful applicants will receive round-trip travel to the United States, a monthly allowance for social activities and personal supplies, placement with a vetted host family for one year, enrollment in a U.S. secondary school, orientation activities before departure and upon return home, local community program activities in the U.S., and medical insurance excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care.
However, the scholarship does not cover costs related to obtaining an international passport or personal expenses beyond those covered by the stipend. It also excludes excess baggage fees and communication costs such as phone bills or internet use.
Applicants must submit a preliminary online application including three essay questions by October 10, 2024. Those advancing past this stage will participate in further testing including an online English test.
Semi-finalists will attend an informational meeting with their parents about the program's details before undergoing individual interviews with American Councils staff. They will also take a standardized English test and complete proctored essays before submitting their official application within ten days.
Finalists and alternates will receive guidance on preparing for departure after notification of acceptance into the program. Participants are required to confirm their acceptance officially in writing and provide any necessary documentation requested by FLEX representatives. Additionally, they should begin applying for or renewing their international passports immediately upon acceptance into the program.
American Councils for International Education handles recruitment processes as well as selection procedures while organizing orientations and travel arrangements for participants of FLEX. Founded in 1974 as an international non-profit organization focused on enhancing mutual understanding through educational exchanges across multiple regions globally.
Further information can be accessed online at http://discoverflex.org or through email at flex.lt@americancouncils.org. For direct inquiries via phone call +370 677 20 092 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americancouncilslithuania.