The FLEX Global Abroad 2027–2028 programme offers eligible American high school students an opportunity to study abroad with host families, airfare, meals, insurance and a monthly stipend. The announced application deadline is November 30, 2026.
Background & Programme Description
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Global Abroad Programme offers eligible American high school students an opportunity to experience life in another country while attending a local high school, living with a host family and participating in leadership activities.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by American Councils for International Education in partnership with AFS-USA, Amideast and iEARN, the programme aims to broaden students’ cultural understanding, develop language abilities and strengthen international relationships.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, students may have the opportunity to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania or Thailand.
Participants also take part in enrichment activities focused on business, entrepreneurship, technology and leadership. Through the exchange experience, students learn about their host communities while sharing American culture and traditions.
The announced application deadline is November 30, 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | FLEX Global Abroad |
| Organiser | American Councils for International Education and partner organisations |
| Funding | U.S. Department of State |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Target participants | Eligible U.S. high school students |
| Eligible citizenship | United States citizenship required |
| Age requirement | 15–18.5 at programme start |
| School requirement | Enrolled in grades 9–12 at the time of application |
| Study destinations | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Thailand |
| Funding benefits | Airfare, host-family accommodation, meals, insurance, visa fees and a modest monthly stipend |
| Application deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Application fee | No fee listed in the supplied programme information |
| Official website | FLEX Global Abroad |
What the Programme Provides
1. International Travel
Selected participants receive round-trip airfare between their home communities and their host communities, according to the programme’s arrangements.
2. Host-Family Accommodation and Meals
Participants live with host families and receive room and board during the exchange. This arrangement helps students experience everyday life and local traditions in their host countries.
3. Monthly Stipend
The programme provides a modest monthly stipend to help participants with eligible personal expenses during their stay. The supplied announcement does not state the exact amount.
4. Emergency Accident and Sickness Coverage
Participants receive emergency accident and sickness coverage under the programme’s arrangements. Applicants should review the complete coverage terms before departure.
5. Visa Fee Support
The programme covers host-country visa fees, subject to its applicable arrangements and conditions.
6. In-Country Support
Participants receive support while living and studying in their host communities. The programme is designed to help students adjust to their new environments and participate in educational and cultural activities.
7. Mobile Phone or SIM Card Access
Participants receive access to a mobile phone or SIM card while on the programme, helping them stay connected during their exchange.
Academic and Leadership Activities
FLEX Global Abroad is more than a school placement. Participants experience a different educational environment while developing personal, communication and leadership skills.
The programme includes activities connected to business, entrepreneurship, technology and leadership. Students can explore new interests, gain international perspectives and build relationships with host families, classmates and local communities.
Participants are also encouraged to share information about the United States, their hometowns and their traditions.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Basic Eligibility Requirements
According to the supplied programme announcement, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen.
- School enrolment: Be enrolled in grades 9–12, including homeschooling, at the time of application.
- Age: Be between 15 and 18.5 years old at the start of the programme.
- Academic performance: Students across different grade-point averages and academic performance levels are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must also satisfy the full eligibility requirements provided by the programme and its application materials.
Is a High GPA Required?
The supplied announcement specifically encourages applicants from all grade-point averages and academic performance levels to apply. It does not state a minimum GPA in the information provided.
Candidates should nevertheless review the complete eligibility rules and any country- or placement-specific conditions before applying.
Who Is This Opportunity For?
This programme is intended for eligible American high school students who want to study abroad.
It is not a general scholarship open to all international students. Applicants must meet the U.S. citizenship, age and school-enrolment requirements, as well as the programme’s other conditions.
Students should consult the official FLEX Global Abroad website for complete eligibility information and application instructions.
Additional Information
Application Deadline
The announced deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year is November 30, 2026.
Applicants should begin reviewing the requirements early and prepare any information requested in the application.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official programme website.
Go to the FLEX Global Abroad website and review the programme details.
Step 2: Read the eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you meet the U.S. citizenship, age and high school enrolment requirements. Review the full eligibility details before beginning.
Step 3: Review the participating destinations.
Explore the available host countries and check the relevant programme information to understand which options are available for your application.
Step 4: Check application availability.
Follow the official website’s updates and application instructions. Complete the relevant application when the application portal is available.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline.
Follow the official instructions and ensure that your application is submitted by November 30, 2026, if that deadline applies to your application route.
For questions, the programme page lists the following contacts:
Email: highschoolstudyabroad@americancouncils.org
Telephone: 1-800-380-6552, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Visit FLEX Global Abroad for Official Information
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the FLEX Global Abroad Programme?
It is an international exchange opportunity for eligible American high school students to study in another country, live with a host family and take part in educational and leadership activities.
2. What is the deadline for FLEX Global Abroad 2027–2028?
The announced application deadline is November 30, 2026. Applicants should verify the current application instructions on the official website.
3. Which countries can students visit?
The supplied programme announcement lists Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Thailand. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to change the participating-country list.
4. Can students from Africa apply?
The programme described here requires U.S. citizenship. Students who are not U.S. citizens do not meet this basic eligibility requirement, even if they live in Africa or another region.
5. What age must applicants be?
Applicants must be between 15 and 18.5 years old at the start of the programme.
6. Must applicants be enrolled in high school?
Yes. Applicants must be enrolled in grades 9–12, including homeschooling, when they apply.
7. Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
The supplied announcement encourages applicants across all GPA levels and academic performance categories to apply. Candidates should consult the full eligibility requirements for any additional conditions.
8. Does the programme cover travel and accommodation?
Yes. The listed support includes round-trip airfare, room and board with a host family, in-country support and host-country visa fees.
9. Do participants receive a monthly stipend?
Yes. The programme provides a modest monthly stipend, but the supplied announcement does not specify the amount.
10. Who funds the FLEX Global Abroad Programme?
The programme is funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by American Councils for International Education in partnership with AFS-USA, Amideast and iEARN.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
FLEX Global Abroad offers eligible American high school students an opportunity to experience international education, develop cultural awareness and build leadership skills.
The programme’s listed benefits include round-trip airfare, host-family accommodation, meals, emergency accident and sickness coverage, host-country visa fees, in-country support and a modest monthly stipend.
The most important consideration is eligibility: applicants must be U.S. citizens, aged 15–18.5 at the programme start and enrolled in grades 9–12 at the time of application. Interested students should review the official requirements and confirm application availability well before the announced November 30, 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external educational and exchange opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with FLEX Global Abroad or the U.S. Department of State and does not determine selection outcomes. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, participating countries, application arrangements and programme benefits through the official website.
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