AK Travels Limited

The FLEX Global Abroad Programme 2027–2028 offers eligible American high school students an opportunity to spend an academic year studying and living with a host family in another country. Funded and administered by the U.S. Department of State, the programme promotes cultural exchange, leadership development and international understanding.

Selected participants can be placed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania or Thailand. The programme covers major participation costs, including round-trip airfare, host-family accommodation, applicable school tuition, host-country visa fees and a modest monthly stipend.

The official programme website lists 30 November 2026 as the application deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year. However, the application page currently says that applications are coming soon, so applicants should monitor the official website for updates.

Summary

• Programme: FLEX Global Abroad
• Academic year: 2027–2028
• Organiser and funder: U.S. Department of State
• Implementing organisation: American Councils for International Education, working with programme partners
• Opportunity type: Fully funded international high school exchange
• Host countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Thailand
• Eligible applicants: U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9–12 at the time of application
• Age requirement: 15–18.5 years at the start of the programme
• Application deadline: 30 November 2026

About the FLEX Global Abroad Programme

FLEX Global Abroad is an international exchange programme for young Americans who want to experience another culture while continuing their secondary education.

Participants spend approximately 10 months abroad, living with a carefully screened host family and attending a local secondary school. Through everyday interactions with their host families, classmates and communities, students gain first-hand experience of another country’s culture and way of life.

The programme also encourages participants to share American culture, traditions and perspectives with their host communities. Its broader objectives include developing leadership skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and building international relationships.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the official programme website lists ten possible host countries. Applicants should be willing to accept placement in an available destination, as final country assignments are made by programme staff.

Scholarship Benefits

FLEX Global Abroad provides financial and practical support to selected participants throughout the exchange.

According to the official programme information, benefits include:

• Round-trip airfare: Travel between the participant’s home and host communities, including the programme’s pre-departure arrangements.
• Host-family accommodation and meals: Room and board with a screened host family in the destination country.
• School enrolment: Attendance at a local secondary school, including tuition where applicable.
• Monthly stipend: A modest allowance to help cover basic personal expenses.
• Visa fees: Coverage of host-country visa fees.
• Medical coverage: Emergency accident and sickness coverage in the host country.
• Orientation and support: Pre-departure preparation, in-country assistance, cultural and leadership activities, mid-year orientation and re-entry orientation.
• Mobile access: Access to a mobile phone or SIM card during the programme.
• Leadership development: Opportunities to develop intercultural understanding, independence and leadership skills.

Applicants should note that the programme does not cover fees for obtaining a U.S. passport in time for the visa application process. Students and their parents or guardians should review the official terms and conditions for any additional responsibilities or exclusions.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is specifically designed for eligible American high school students. According to the official eligibility information, applicants must meet these basic requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be enrolled in grades 9–12, including an eligible homeschool arrangement, at the time of application.
• Be between 15 and 18.5 years old at the start of the programme.
• Meet the programme’s additional eligibility requirements and conditions.

Applicants from outside the United States who are not U.S. citizens are not eligible for FLEX Global Abroad. The official FAQ explicitly states that U.S. citizenship is required, including for applicants who are permanent residents but not citizens.

Students should read the full eligibility policy and application terms before starting their applications.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the official programme website.
Visit the FLEX Global Abroad website to understand the programme, its destinations, benefits and eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility.
Check your U.S. citizenship, school enrolment and age against the official requirements. Review the full eligibility policy for any additional restrictions.

Step 3: Access the online application.
The official FAQ directs applicants to the American Councils application portal, where the combined FLEX Global Abroad and NSLI-Y application is available. Applicants may apply for one or both programmes using the same application. The FLEX Global Abroad website currently states that the 2027–2028 application is coming soon.

Step 4: Complete the required application sections.
Follow the instructions on the application portal and provide accurate information. Review all programme terms and conditions with a parent or legal guardian before submitting.

Step 5: Participate in selection.
Complete any required assessment stages. According to the official FAQ, selected semifinalists will be contacted for an interview over the winter. Applicants will be notified of their selection status on a rolling basis beginning in spring.

Step 6: Follow the programme team’s instructions.
If selected, follow the official guidance regarding destination assignment, preparation, travel and participation requirements.

Important Deadline

The official FLEX Global Abroad website lists 30 November 2026 as the application deadline for the 2027–2028 academic year. The same page currently states that the application is coming soon.

Applicants should check the official website regularly for the opening announcement and submission instructions.

Related Opportunities

Explore these previously featured opportunities on AK Travels LTD:

1. HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2027 — For young people interested in international engagement and leadership.
2. Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 — A previously featured leadership development opportunity.

Official Application Link

For official programme details, eligibility requirements, application updates and instructions, visit:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

FLEX Global Abroad 2027–2028 offers eligible American high school students a valuable opportunity to experience another country’s education system, culture and community while developing independence and leadership skills.

The most important first step is to confirm eligibility and monitor the official website for the application opening. Remember that this programme is for eligible U.S. citizens, not an open scholarship for students of every nationality.

For more international education opportunities and scholarship updates, visit www.aktravelsltd.com.