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FLEX Global Program

Future Leaders Exchange

FLEX Global is a program that allows high school aged students from select countries to spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family and attending U.S. high school. FLEX Global builds on the legacies of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, which has operated for over 30 years, and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, which has operated for almost 25 years. FLEX Global aims to develop a network of young leaders who understand and support U.S. culture and priorities, with a focus on entrepreneurship, technology and SI, and leadership.

FLEX Global is a highly competitive, merit-based exchange program administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program will provide participants the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States living with a host family, attending a U.S. high school, engaging in community activities, developing leadership skills, and taking part in American Excellence enhancement activities focused on business, technology, and entrepreneurship. These young leaders will return to their countries with new skills and knowledge, where they will apply what they learned to benefit their home communities and become lasting partners for the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be born between 15 January 2010-15 August 2011
  • Be enrolled in the first grade and second grade of high school (Grade 10 & 11/ Kelas 10 & 11 SMA/SMK/MA) at the time of application.
  • Not be enrolled in an acceleration class.
  • Have an academic average equivalent to B or higher, with no failing grades.
  • Have a minimum average grade of 80 in all subjects, as demonstrated by a copy of the academic report issued by the school.
  • Be active and accomplished in both academic and non-academic fields within the past five years, with achievements at least at the city/township level; or serve as a member of the OSIS and/or MPK main board in one of the following positions: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, or Treasurer.
  • Obtain the written agreement and consent of their natural parents and school using the designated form.
  • Be a resident and citizen of Indonesia, as proven by a copy of their birth certificate.
  • Reside in Indonesia and remain enrolled in an Indonesian school at the time of application and after completing the program.
  • Meet all U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements. For example, U.S. citizens are not eligible for a J-1 visa.
  • Not hold a U.S. passport, not have been born in the United States, and not have one or both parents who are U.S. citizens.
  • Not have any family members who work as staff members of the U.S. Embassy or Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya.
  • Not have parents or siblings who have previously participated in the YES/FLEX Program.
  • Participate in all selection stages conducted by Bina Antarbudaya.
  • Not have completed or graduated from any secondary school before the start of the program.