About FLEX Abroad Program
Discover FLEX Abroad
The U.S. Department of State and the American Councils for International Education (Georgia) are pleased to announce the Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad) program. After nearly three decades of success welcoming international students to the United States through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, we offer a new opportunity for U.S. citizens to go abroad. FLEX Abroad provides a unique, fully funded exchange experience for American high school students to build global awareness and intercultural competency. Within the program, American high school students arrive in Tbilisi, live with Georgian host families, learn the Georgian language, and immerse themselves in Georgian culture and traditions. This experience positively impacts students’ personal growth and ensures global mutual understanding through direct interaction with another culture.
Why FLEX Abroad?
The U.S. Government feels that it is essential to provide meaningful opportunities to young people — opportunities that will provide them with global perspectives and, it is hoped, a bright future at home, at work, and in international relations.
As the whole world becomes more interdependent, both young Americans and young people from Eurasia need to know as much as possible about each other and other people and nations. This opportunity is best provided by a cultural host family situation. Students gain an appreciation for and develop sensitivity to other cultures and become better prepared for an increasingly interdependent world. Students form strong ties with their Georgian host families and 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. Studies of educational and cultural exchange programs show that participants (students, families, and communities) benefit from learning about other cultures and becoming aware of other traditions, values, and viewpoints.
Program Contact
Dodo Gotsiridze, FLEX Abroad Hub Director dgotsiridze@americancouncils.org
Mariam Bliadze, FLEX Abroad Local Coordinator mbliadze@americancouncils.org