FLEX Global Abroad 2027–2028

The FLEX Global Abroad 2027–2028 programme offers American high school students an opportunity to spend an academic year studying and living in another country. Participants experience different cultures, education systems and communities while developing leadership, independence and intercultural communication skills.

The programme is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by American Councils for International Education in partnership with international exchange organisations.

Selected students live with carefully screened host families and attend local secondary schools. Alongside their studies, they participate in cultural exchange activities, community engagement and leadership development opportunities.

The programme also introduces participants to themes including entrepreneurship, business, technology and innovation. Through daily interaction with host families, classmates and communities, students develop an understanding of their host country's culture while sharing their own American experiences and traditions.

FLEX Global Abroad is designed as an immersive cultural exchange rather than a conventional academic scholarship or university degree programme.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, participants may be placed in one of ten announced host countries. Final placements are determined by programme staff, and the available country list may change.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a United States citizen.

• Age: Must be between 15 and 18.5 years old at programme start.

• Date of birth: Must be born between 30 December 2008 and 30 June 2012 for the current application cycle.

• Academic status: Must be enrolled in Grades 9–12, including approved home-school education, when applying.

• Academic performance: Students with different GPAs and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply; no universal minimum GPA is advertised on the main programme page.

• Programme restrictions: Must meet the U.S. Department of State's eligibility conditions, including applicable employment-related and previous exchange participation restrictions.

• Programme commitment: Must be prepared to participate in an academic-year exchange, attend a host school and live with an assigned host family.

Successful FLEX Global Abroad participants receive:

• Round-trip airfare: Travel between the participant's home community and assigned host community, including the programme's U.S. pre-departure activities.

• Host-family accommodation: Room and board with a screened host family.

• School costs: Host-school tuition where applicable.

• Monthly stipend: A modest allowance based on typical basic-needs costs in the host country.

• Visa fees: Coverage of host-country visa fees.

• Medical coverage: Emergency accident and sickness coverage during the exchange.

• Pre-departure orientation: Online preparation and an American Innovation and Leadership Workshop.

• In-country support: Local programme assistance, cultural activities and mid-year orientation.

• Communication support: Access to a mobile phone or SIM card during the programme.

• Alumni opportunities: Re-entry orientation and membership in the International Exchange Alumni network.

Applicants should consult the official application portal for the complete initial submission checklist.

The following documentation may be relevant during application or pre-departure procedures:

• Online application form through the American Councils portal.

• Personal and educational information requested in the application.

• U.S. passport meeting the programme's validity requirements, required for later visa processing.

• School documentation, where requested.

• Birth certificates and other supporting records, where required for the assigned country's visa.

• Medical records, examination documentation and immunisation information, as requested after selection.

• Parent or guardian documentation and authorisation, where applicable.

Official programme guidance indicates that selection involves consideration of:

• Adaptability: Readiness to live and study in an unfamiliar culture.

• Cultural exchange readiness: Willingness to engage with host families and local communities.

• Leadership potential: Ability to grow through participation in leadership and community activities.

• Motivation: Genuine interest in international exchange and intercultural understanding.

• Application evaluation: Review of eligible, complete applications by trained evaluators and staff.

• Interview assessment: Participation in the semifinalist interview process, where invited.

• Placement suitability: Final country assignments consider application information and selection committee input.

• International education: Experience a different high-school education system.

• Cultural immersion: Live with a host family and participate in everyday community life.

• Leadership development: Build independence, responsibility and interpersonal skills.

• Language exposure: Develop communication skills through practical interaction.

• Global friendships: Connect with students and communities from different backgrounds.

• Future preparation: Gain experiences that may support academic, personal and career development.