The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program was established in 1992 from the conviction of former Senator Bill Bradley that the best way to ensure peace and understanding between the United States and the countries of the former Soviet Union is to enable youth from these countries to learn about the US firsthand, as well as for Americans to learn about Eurasia through interaction with FLEX participants. Today, secondary school students from 17 countries of the former Soviet Union participate in the FLEX program.
In the program year 2023-24, YFU welcomes 19 FLEX scholars from:
Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan), Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Ukraine
Explore the FLEX program’s impact on students, host families, and communities!
Support Materials for Scholars, Host Families, and Volunteers
FLEX and YES Program PowerPoint Training for Staff, Volunteers, and Host Families (coming soon)
Common Cultural Traits in FLEX Countries
School Administrator Handbook (US Department of State publication)
FLEX Country-Specific Resources
Country Information Sheets – These publications by American Councils provide an overview of FLEX country history, religion, and culture.
Armenia Azerbaijan Czech Republic Estonia Georgia Greece Hungary Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Poland Romania Serbia Slovakia Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine Uzbekistan
Resources for Supporting FLEX Scholars of Different Faiths
An Introduction to the Practice of Islam
Facts about the Islamic Calendar
Halal Diet Considerations for Muslim Students
Christmas from an Islamic Perspective (CECF publication)
Required Activities for YFU FLEX Scholars
Community Service & Leadership Development
YFU FLEX Scholar Required Activity Booklet
International Education Week – November 13-17, 2023
Department of State Letter to Schools to Promote IEW (Coming soon!)
FLEX Program Forms
Leadership Opportunities for YFU FLEX Scholars
1. Civic Education Workshop (CEW): A one-week program, held by American Councils and American Civics Center in Washington, D.C. During CEW, students will learn firsthand about the U.S. federal system of government and other important concepts of US culture and civil society through seminar discussions, briefings, and meetings on Capitol Hill.
2. English Language Teaching: This one-week workshop, presented by American Councils in Washington, D.C., will host approximately 28 students. Participants learn classroom teaching and leadership skills. The workshops are focused on developing participants’ abilities to teach English to other youth and to help them qualify for ECA and Embassy supported English programs when they return home. Activities include extensive online pre-program engagement, as well as follow-on support and interaction after the students return home.
3. Better Understanding for a Better World Conference (BUBW): This conference brings together U.S. high school students of diverse backgrounds and international exchange students currently studying in the U.S. YFU FLEX students selected to attend will receive a scholarship which pays for the full conference fee and transportation to Baltimore.
Send FLEX project ideas and pictures to yfugrantscholars@yfu.org