FLEX Abroad Program

FLEX Abroad is a cultural exchange program for Romanian families and American youth. Young Americans come to Romania and attend Romanian high schools for one academic year. They live with host families for the whole program. You can also become a part of FLEX Abroad!  

Studying abroad is an exciting journey. International experience is a key to success in our increasingly interdependent and changing world. In 2021, the U.S. Department of State and American Councils for International Education announced the inaugural year of the Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) program. After nearly three decades of success welcoming international students to the United States through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, we are now offering a new opportunity for U.S. citizens to go abroad. FLEX Abroad provides a unique fully funded exchange experience for American high school students to build global awareness and intercultural competency. This experience positively impacts students’ personal growth and ensures global mutual understanding through direct interaction with another culture.

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad students live with a host family and attend high school in one of three FLEX countries. As citizen diplomats, they form lasting relationships and promote mutual understanding between the United States. FLEX Abroad is a full scholarship program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affair

If you would like to read what alumni and current participants say about the impact this kind of exchange has had on them, please explore our sister programs: Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Abroad and National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). The Department of State has conducted study abroad exchange programs for American high school students safely and successfully since the launch of CBYX in 1983, NSLI-Y in 2006, and YES Abroad in 2009. 

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FLEX Abroad has been operated in Romania since 2024. It is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State. FLEX Abroad participants are provided with monthly stipends to cover their personal expenses. The host families play a significant role in the program. Thanks to them American participants can experience Romanian culture firsthand and become a part of local community.

Who are the participants of FLEX Abroad program?  

American teenagers aged 15-19 may participate in the FLEX Abroad program. They study in American high schools, or they have just graduated and are going to take a ‘gap year’. It is a one-year break from formal education in order to gain experience in the international community.  

FLEX Abroad students are provided with:  

• Recruitment process and a place in a high school in Bucharest;

• Travel arrangements from the U.S. to a host family in Romania;  

• Monthly stipend to cover personal expenses;  

• Medical insurance;  

• Support of the FLEX Abroad Local Coordinator in Bucharest;  

• Pre-departure orientation;  

• Romanian language course;  

• Cultural program, e.g., theatre visits, excursions.  

FLEX Abroad students are going to become American ambassadors of their country’s culture in Romania. They will be promoting mutual understanding between Romania and the U.S. They will also build long-standing relationships with the host families and local communities. American students will work on their leadership skills and learn about Romanian culture, society and its values. They will also share the knowledge of American values, culture and society.  

Became a host family! 

American students are going to stay at the host families’ houses for about one academic year. Living with host families allows students to be a part of Romanian family, its cultural life, customs and daily rituals. Everyone who is eligible may become a host family.  

If you are thinking of becoming a host family, here are required steps:

1. Fill out the Application Form.  

2. Wait for our response.  

3. Welcome FLEX Abroad students to your home! 

What are some benefits of being a host family?  

The FLEX Abroad program provides an opportunity to learn about American culture while sharing Romanian customs and traditions. The cultural exchange is a valuable experience and an amazing adventure. The benefits of participating in the FLEX Abroad program are confirmed by all family members. 

By becoming a host family, you will be benefited with:   

• Host development of intercultural competence;   

• Direct contact with American youth and development of language skills;  

• The opportunity to be with native English speakers and showcase your country;   

• A chance to build long-lasting relationships and expand your circle of friends in an international environment;    

• Participation in training and events organized by American Councils;  

• Knowledge of U.S. culture and history;  

• The opportunity to share the history and culture of Romania;   

• An amazing adventure and a chance for long-lasting friendships!  

It is not required the host families to speak English. According to the cultural exchange, students will be learning Romanian during their stay in Romania. They will attend Romanian course before they come to Romania.   

American Councils provide host families with training that will help all the family members to be prepared to the new role. The host families will receive educational materials, significant resources, and helpful guidelines on how to build and maintain a close-knit relationship with American students.  

Each host family will be supported by the FLEX Abroad Local Coordinator. Since American Councils has been administering cultural exchange for over 30 years, we will be pleased to share our best practices and experiences with the host families.  

Program Information

FLEX Abroad Program Brochure 2024-2025

Funded by

The United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

For further information, contact us at: flex.ro@americancouncils.org 

Phone number: +40 748 612 570

Instagram: American Councils Romania

Facebook: FLEX Romania