The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) is funded by the US State Department. The program allows high school and college/high school students to live and study for free in the US for 1 year. Successful candidates will live with a volunteer host family in the US for the duration of the program and have the opportunity to study at a local school.
The American Councils for International Education is responsible for all program operations, including the selection process, testing, award selection, pre-program activities, and travel arrangements. The main goal of the program is to build friendly relations between the United States and other countries and to allow young people to learn about the cultures of different nations and societies and to lead as representatives of their countries.
FLEX winners develop leadership skills throughout the program. They get acquainted with American society and values, teach Americans about their country and culture. They also participate in various public works in the USA and act as ambassadors of their countries. The program provides participants with an opportunity for true personal development and teaches them to live independently. When the participants of the program return to their countries as young, curious and active leaders, they will implement various innovative social projects and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned during the program in practice.
Candidates from Uzbekistan must meet the following requirements: be born between July 15, 2007 and July 15, 2009
Born between July 15, 2007 and July 15, 2009
Must be a 9th-10th grade student or 1st year high school/college student at the time of application
Must be proficient in English and able to demonstrate this at the time of application
Must have good or excellent grades in school/high school/college
To be a citizen of Uzbekistan and to be able to get a passport to go abroad
Must meet US visa requirements
Winners of the FLEX program will have the following opportunities:
International and domestic travel expenses are covered: to and from the United States, all travel expenses within the United States;
A monthly stipend for the winner's participation in social events/trainings and personal needs;
1 year free living with a pre-selected and vetted US host family;
Enroll in a US school and study there for 1 academic year;
Participation in activities for preparation and familiarization before the start of the program;
Participation in local events organized in the USA;
Medical insurance (excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care).
More at this link.
