Application

Application (September - December)

Competition to get into the FLEX program is intense. Only about one in thirty applicants are ultimately selected.

Round 1, Pre-Test: The pre-test is a 16-question, multiple-choice test designed to screen students' English language abilities.

Round 2, Pre-TOEFL/SLEP and Essay Test: Applicants take a pre-TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) test. They also write three in-class English essays that shows their readiness for international exchange.

Round 3, Applications and Interviews: Applicants who successfully complete the first two rounds will submit a formal application and participate in a one-on-one interview. Then, they take part in a group activity conducted in the local language.

Selection & Notification (December - April)

Selection: Selection is based upon English ability, personality, social skills, academic achievement, and leadership potential. Notifications are sent out between March and April.

Program Schedule

Pre-Departure Orientation (July-August)

• Students receive school and host family information.
• Students requiring additional language training or who will participate in the Independence Skills Training Workshops arrive in advance of other students.
• Students arrive in the U.S. for orientation and move in with host families.

Academic Year (September-May)

• Mid-year orientation for students takes place in January.

Special Programs (Various Dates)

• Civic Education Workshop (March). Students compete to attend a week-long workshop in Washington, D.C.
• Leadership Reentry Workshop for Students with Disabilities (April).

Students Return Home (May - June)

Alumni Activities (Various Dates)

• American Councils helps students plan alumni activities.
• Alumni Small Grants Competition.
• Program alumni compete for limited number of positions to attend the Iacocca Institute's Global Village for Future Leaders of Business and Industry.