The Embassy of the United States in Lithuania and American Councils for International Education are pleased to invite students to participate in the FLEX program. This exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and seeks to bring bright and talented Lithuanian high school students to live with an American host family and study in an American high school for the 2023-24 academic year.
What is the FLEX program?
The FLEX program was created by the United States Congress in 1992. It established a year-long, fully funded exchange program for secondary school students to travel to the United States for a year. The goal of the program is to promote mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and countries in the region, as students learn more about the U.S. and teach Americans about their countries. Each scholarship recipient will live for one year as a member of a U.S. host family and study in an American high school.
Secondary school students with disabilities are invited to participate in the competition. The participation requirements are expanded for students with disabilities. Please contact flex.lt@americancouncils.org to learn more.
Application deadline: 10/13/2022
Who is eligible to apply to the program?
The competition is open to all students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- have Lithuanian citizenship;
- are born between 15 July 2005 and 15 July 2008;
- are currently enrolled in grade 9 or 10 of a Lithuanian high school;
- study English in secondary school;
- meet the requirements for receiving a U.S. visa and have not spent more than 3 months of the last five years in the U.S.
What does the scholarship provide?
The FLEX scholarship provides the following:
- Round-trip domestic and international travel (from home to the United States and back)
- Small monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities and buy necessary personal items
- Placement with a selected and screened U.S. host family for one year
- Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school
- Program orientation activities including pre-program preparation and re-entry preparation
- Program activities arranged in local U.S. communities
- Medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care
What is NOT provided?
The FLEX scholarship does NOT cover the following costs:
- Any costs associated with receiving an international passport
- Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend
- Excess baggage costs
- International telephone calls or internet use, including access to e-ma
The first round of testing is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria above and will take place before October 13, 2022. It includes a preliminary online application and three essay questions which must be submitted within 10 days of starting the application. After submitting the preliminary application, selected students will be invited to take part in Round 2, which consists of an online English test.
Eligible applicants can apply here: https://discoverflex.org/apply.
What happens after the online application completion?
A selection committee will evaluate online applications and select semifinalists. Semifinalists will receive a longer application, take an English language proficiency test, write a composition, and be interviewed in person by American Councils staff. Applicants may apply only once online and may only take part in one interview.
Upon notification, finalists, alternates, and their parents will receive information to prepare them for departure. They must officially notify their FLEX representative in writing that they accept the scholarship and must provide any additional documentation requested as well. Students must begin the process of applying for or renewing their international passport immediately upon acceptance to the program. The FLEX program will instruct participants on the process of applying for a U.S. visa.
Who organizes the program?
American Councils for International Education organizes recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for the FLEX program. Founded in 1974, American Councils is an international non-profit organization working to improve mutual understanding between countries, exchange ideas among individuals, and enhance collaboration through education. It designs, implements, and supports innovative programs in the United States, Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Where can I get more information?
Online: http://discoverflex.org
E-Mail: flex.lt@americancouncils.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flexlithuania
Phone: +370 677 20 092
