Программа школьного обмена FLEX предоставляет старшеклассникам (15-17 лет) возможность познакомиться с жизнью и культурой США посредством участия в международной обменной программе - посещая американскую общеобразовательную школу и проживая в американской принимающей семье.


Программа FLEX финансируется Правительством США. Главной целью программы является воспитание уважения к культурным различиям, предоставление возможностей личностного роста и участия в общественной деятельности, а также достижение взаимопонимания между двумя странами, что достигается путем погружения молодежи разных стран Евразии в американскую жизнь на целый учебный год. Программа  также позволяет участникам познакомить американцев с их родными странами и культурами.


Программа FLEX администрируется Бюро по вопросам образования и культуры при Гос. Департаменте США. На местном уровне программа поддерживается гражданами США и общеобразовательными школами, которые на добровольных началах размещают у себя ребят, занимаются их обучением и оказывают всевозможную поддержку и помощь, не получая за это никакой финансовой компенсации.


За 21 год существования программы более 23000 школьников получили возможность отправиться по ней в США. В 2013 – 2014 году по программе FLEX в США обучаются 800 подростков. (плюс/или только конкретное число участников из вашей страны).

Программа FLEX также приглашает к участию и студентов с ограниченными физическими возможностями. Каждый год около 10-15 студентов с ограниченными физическими возможностями едут в США по нашей программе.

1. How can I register my child to participate in FLEX?

Registering for FLEX is easy, just access the link the program will provide and follow the stepts. Once registered on the American Councils website, your child can simply come to the local testing center at the appointed time with his national passport or birth certificate, a passport sized photo and a pen. Nothing else is needed. In case, you can't register, you can just come the same day and hour when the test is organized with all the necessary documentation and you will be registered and tested.

2. My child holds citizenship in Moldova and another country. Can he/she participate?

Generally anyone meeting eligibility criteria who holds a passport of the country where testing takes place may participate in Round 1. In order to become a finalist for the program you must be eligible to receive a U.S. visa. Therefore, anyone holding dual citizenship in the United States and another county would not be eligible.

3. When will FLEX testing take place in my region?

FLEX Round 1 testing takes place between September and October of every year. FLEX tests in approximately fourteen different cities in Moldova. This number is subject to change and it is a good idea to check the FLEX website (frequently, starting in very early August) to see when Round 1 will come to your region.

4. If I do not pass in one city can my child participate in another region?

No. Each child may only participate in FLEX testing one time per year.

5. How much English does my child need to participate?

FLEX is not a language program.  Finalists are selected more because they have demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment rather than on their language skills. Participants are tested in their knowledge of the English language because knowledge of spoken and written English will be necessary if students are to successfully participate in school and home life in the U.S.  If the student has demonstrated characteristics that make him/her suitable to become a finalist, but that student’s level of English is not sufficient, that person may receive supplemental language instruction.

6. How many rounds of testing are there?

FLEX selection consists of three rounds. Round 1, held in September, consists of a fifteen minute multiple choice English language test. Round 2, usually held the same day after Round 1 (exception being Chisinau, which is organized couple days later), consists of three short essays to be written in English and a short application. The essays are graded strictly on content, not grammar or usage of English. Round 3, generally held four to six weeks later, consists of a standardized English language test, two short essays to be written in English, a longer application and an interview.

7. When are the results of each round announced?

The results of Round 1 are generally announced the same day. In very few test centers this will not be the case, but the American Councils representative will always inform you when and where the results will be posted. The results of Round 2 are generally announced about three weeks after Round 2 testing. All students invited to Round 3 will receive a phone call. It is not necessary to call the American Councils office.  The results of Round 3 are generally announced in the spring. All FLEX finalists and alternative candidates will receive a phone call from American Councils. Please do not call and ask.

8. Is there a way to prepare for FLEX testing? Are there courses to prepare for the testing?

Successful FLEX candidates demonstrate an ability of a student to adapt to life in a new environment.  A candidate may prepare for the first round of the test by improving his/her English. We recommend the following link: http://americanenglish.state.gov/

9. If I took part in any part of FLEX testing but did not pass, may I see my results to check my mistakes?

No. All FLEX testing material is confidential. You may not check your work or see your results at any stage of FLEX testing.

10. If my child is chosen as a finalist, can I choose the city, state or school where he/she is sent?

FLEX finalists may be sent to any of the fifty states of the U.S. and are usually sent to suburban areas and rural communities. It is never possible for finalists or their parents to choose where they are sent.

11. Our family has friends/relatives in the U.S.; would it be possible to be visit them?

FLEX finalists are chosen because we feel they are suited to adapt in a completely new environment. Being close to someone they are acquainted with would disturb this process of adaptation. All travel within the U.S. must be approved by the student’s placement organization. Only in very rare situations is travel to visit friends or relatives approved.

12. Can my child stay in the U.S. after finishing FLEX and enroll in an American university?

Participants must return to their home country upon completion of the program in May or June, as per requirements of the J-1 visa, under which FLEX participants travel on the exchange program. Any subsequent travel to the U.S. is decided by the U.S. consulate.

13. Is there a FLEX program that my child can pay to participate in?

FLEX is a non-profit program. There are not secondary school programs offered by American Councils that students pay to participate in.

14. My child is seriously training in a certain sport. Is it possible for him/her to be sent to a specialized sport school in the U.S.?

Specialized sport schools, such as they exist in Moldova, are almost unheard of in the U.S. Many American schools, however, have some sport programs and we encourage participants to take part in available extra-curricular activities at school.

15. My child has a disability; can he/she participate in FLEX?

We encourage students with disabilities to participate in FLEX. We do all that we can to accommodate disabled students at testing and on the program. No one should feel that their impaired movement, hearing, or sight should keep them from trying to participate in the program. Special materials are available to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.