The FLEX program offers students an opportunity to learn about the people and culture of the United States. FLEX scholars are also young ambassadors who teach Americans about the people and culture of Eurasian countries. Students gain an appreciation for and develop sensitivity to other cultures, experience personal growth and independence, and become better prepared for an increasingly interdependent world. Students form strong ties with their American host families and U.S. communities, building relationships that often last a lifetime. Many alumni have attended prestigious universities upon their return home, and later found exciting jobs that use skills learned during their stay in the United States.

What are some of the possible disadvantages

Students who are interested in this program should consider the possible negative effects of this program:

• You may not return home in 2013 in time to sit for university/institute entrance examinations.
• Your university or institute may not defer your admission of you have already been accepted.
• You may not return home in 2013 in time to take your final school examinations.
• You may be required by your country to serve in the military upon return.
• You may have to repeat a year of school.
• You may not be eligible to receive a gold medal at your home school. Although students participate in an academic program in the U.S., the school curriculum is substantially different than that in your home country and you will not learn the same subject material.