I admit it. I applied to the FLEX program as a joke to see what could happen. I didn't give it a chance: "How can a 16-year-old girl from a small town in Vrancea win one of the scholarships?". I said it wasn't for me. But guess what: here I am, chasing my American dream. You know what? I feel so damn good! I can say that Albuquerque, a city full of diversity, cool people and traditions is my second home. I'm already two weeks into high school and I've made friends. It's so exciting when people come up to you and ask where you're from. You tell them Romania, and they start asking you about your country. You tell them the most beautiful things, you explain the traditions, you try to teach them some words in Romanian, and they pronounce them totally wrong and you start laughing together. That's FLEX: cultural exchange. It's not just about the year you spend in the US, it's about the people you meet here, how the people you meet have a huge impact on your life. It's about who you are, who you're going to be and how you're going to make this world a better place. FLEX is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Dear all, if you meet all the requirements, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. Live your American dream to the fullness

I never would have imagined that I would have the opportunities that I had in my first 2 weeks in the U.S. I met new people, saw new places and this is just the beginning.The FLEX program made all of this possible for me and 23 other students, with the goal of personal development and especially intercultural exchange.

Take a moment and think about the question "Why would I apply for FLEX?". If you don't already have dozens of reasons, let me give you a few: - all expenses are covered by the program. Who doesn't want to go to the U.S. for free? - You have the opportunity to live in another country, with another culture. New family, new friends, new way of life. Imagine what it would be like to live your first day of school all over again, only it's 100, no, 1,000 times more awesome - You'll grow up and see everything from a different perspective. You'll be a much better person when you get back. - You will truly be living "the American dream"!!! How many people can say that? So if you want to have the best year of your life so far, stop thinking and apply for FLEX. I did, thinking I wouldn't even make it past the first stage, but here I am in the U.S. for two weeks, making new friends, enjoying American food and culture and simply having the best days of my life. If I could do it, surely you can too!!!

Hello! I'm Vlad, one of this year's FLEXers. I want to tell you that thanks to the Flex Program, I am living the most extraordinary experience of my life! Don't hesitate to apply for next year's scholarships! It will be an unforgettable experience! This program is also open to people with disabilities and believe me when I tell you (and I am blind) that you have equal chances with other high school students.

Thank you,FLEX! Thank you, American Council Romania! GO FOR IT!

My adventure in America began three weeks ago when I arrived in Fort Wayne, Indiana and I can wholeheartedly say that I am living my American dream here. I have the most amazing and caring host family, two wonderful sisters and a bunch of friends from all over the world :))) I can't describe in words how exciting everything around me is. Every day I learn something new and experience everything America has to offer. To be honest, everything here is different from Romania, but I think DIFFERENT is the word that best describes America. I am grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait to discover as many new things about America as I can!

For me, Flex was and is an adventure, from the moment I sent the first form until now, I lived an amalgam of feelings, nothing is boring or difficult when you are 100% committed. Flex has given me the chance to meet new people, to develop personally, to experience a different way of life and most importantly to share everything I can about my country. With the help of this program I understood that whatever you wish for can become reality. As the Americans would say: "Just do it!".

After only a month and a bit in the United States, I never thought I would learn so much. Every day is a new adventure that is constantly changing my life. On August 7, I started high school, a completely different and welcoming place. It's a pleasure to go to school, the teachers are brilliant and it's easy to make friends!

It wasn't so easy to settle in, but now I love my life here. The host family is wonderful, we have already taken a few trips together, one of them being to Los Angeles itself.

Last weekend, my placement organization invited us to an orientation camp where we learned a lot about the program and how to make the most of the experience, met people from all over the world and had activities together such as high altitude trails and campfires. The people here are wonderful and the places look like a dream come true... I'm grateful for every second!

It's everything I could have wished for!

I highly recommend you apply to FLEX without a second thought! One small decision can change your life, anything is possible!!!

Hello from Alaska,

I'm very happy to be here! I had the opportunity to meet many people. Everyone is very friendly and ready to help!

I had a lot to say about Romania. The first days I made mămăligă and gave them Romanian ii! They enjoyed it!

Also, in Sitka, the view is gorgeous, the ocean and the mountains all together!

Thank you for this opportunity!