American Councils for International Education and the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research have signed a new co-financing agreement to support the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The FLEX program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is a merit-based high school exchange initiative that operates in 22 countries.
The new arrangement will see the Romanian government share costs with American partners for both Romanian and American participants. Romania first joined the FLEX program ten years ago, and since then, more than 18,000 Romanians have applied to participate. Each selected Romanian student spends a year living with an American family and attending a U.S. high school. In 2024, Romania also launched the reciprocal FLEX Abroad program, which allows American students to live and study in Romania.
A signing ceremony was held with officials from both countries present. Attendees included Daniel-Ovidiu David, Minister of Education and Research of Romania; Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States; Remus Pricopie, former Minister of Education; Stefanie Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State; and other representatives from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils for International Education, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Romanian Ministry of Education for its vision and investment in the next generation of leaders. This agreement not only strengthens our bilateral relationship but also provides transformational experiences for young Americans and Romanians, building critical skills that will advance economic growth and build long-term security.”
Minister David stated: “This agreement reflects Romania’s commitment to investing in our young people and to deepening our partnership with the United States. By participating in these exchanges, Romanian and American students gain the skills, perspectives, and relationships that strengthen our societies, support economic prosperity, and contribute to the success of a long-term bilateral relationship.”
Romanian students interested in applying can do so before December 18, 2025 at https://ais.americancouncils.org/FLEXRomania . American students interested in FLEX Abroad can apply before December 8, 2025 at https://www.discoverflex.org/flex-abroad .
American Councils operates programs in over 140 countries aimed at connecting partners worldwide.