Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)

What is the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)?

The Future Leaders Exchange Program was born from former Senator Bill Bradley’s conviction that true democracy in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union can only be achieved through its young people. Senator Bradley said, “…what better way to teach [democratic] habits than to bring tens of thousands of young people from the NIS to America… where they will learn about the privileges and opportunities that come with living in a democracy…”In 1993, the Congress entrusted the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational Affairs with administering this program. With strong bipartisan support, Congress has renewed that legislation every year since. There are now over 13, 000 FLEX alumni who have successfully completed an academic year in the U.S. and are active in FLEX alumni associations in their home countries.

Congress remains convinced that FLEX is vital to building strong, prosperous and democratic partners in Eurasia. All of us deeply appreciate the role that host families, schools, civic and political leaders and other American citizens play in making this important initiative a success.

What are FLEX student’s responsibilities?

FLEX students are expected to be ambassadors from their home countries, to teach Americans about their cultures and political and social systems. When they return home, they are expected to tell America’s story there. We do our best to enable them to meet these challenges and rely on you, the host family, as our most valuable asset to provide the environment, guidance and encouragement these students need to make the most of their exchange experience.

How are FLEX students different from other exchange students?

The purpose of the Future Leaders Exchange program is to foster democracy building. As a grantee organization for the Department of State, CCI is responsible for ensuring our FLEX students participate in “enhancement activities” scheduled throughout the academic year, such as visits to state and local governments, participation in community service activities, and leadership seminars. These activities are designed to teach students civic responsibility and provide the knowledge and skills they will need -- as future leaders -- to bring about positive changes in their home countries.

What are the J-1 (Student) Visa Regulations?

Over the years, we have found that some FLEX students strongly wish to remain in the U.S. At the conclusion of their program some try to obtain a scholarship from an American university. The U.S. Department of State, which issues student visas, requires that all FLEX participants return to their home country at the end of their academic year. Students and their parents understand this and have agreed to observe this rule as s a condition of their scholarship. Students may apply for subsequent visas to enter the U.S. two years after returning to their home countries.

Religion

During the Soviet era, the practice of religion was discouraged or banned throughout the Newly Independent States. Your FLEX student may come from a religious background very different from your own. For over two generations, people were not allowed to practice religion, so it is natural that they may now be curious and want to develop their spiritual life. State Department guidelines suggest it is not appropriate for students to formally join a church or to become baptized while here. They may explore the tenets of a religion, or receive instruction, but they may not convert while here in the USA. This is something they need to discuss with their family upon return. While it is entirely appropriate to invite your student to attend religious services with your family, it would not be appropriate to pressure the student to do so. Should religion become an issue, we ask that you contact your CCI area representative for advice.

FLEX Program Goals

• Students will acquire an understanding of important elements of a civil society. This will include concepts such as volunteerism, the idea that American citizens can and do act on their own to deal with societal problems, and an awareness of and respect for the rule of law.
• Students will show a willingness and a commitment to serve as agents for change in their countries after they return home.
• Students will develop an appreciation for American culture.
• Students will interact with Americans and generate enduring ties.
• Students will teach Americans about the cultures of their home countries.