What are the FLEX and YES Programs?
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs are competitive, merit-based scholarship programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
While living with a host family and attending a U.S. high school, FLEX and YES students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about their countries and cultures. These students return to their home countries motivated to make positive changes in their communities.
Who is eligible to apply for FLEX or YES?
FLEX and YES applications are open to students with and without disabilities who meet established age, grade and citizenship requirements. To learn more about the FLEX and YES programs, including the eligibility requirements for your country, please visit the program websites below:
How do FLEX and YES programs support students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to participate in FLEX and YES. Accommodations and support are available to make every step of the experience accessible, from the application process to your U.S. high school and U.S. host community.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a U.S. disability-led organization, assists FLEX and YES program placement organizations to ensure that students with disabilities have fully inclusive experiences in the U.S.
Students with disabilities begin their exchange year in the U.S. by participating in an exciting in-person arrival workshop organized and facilitated by MIUSA in Eugene, Oregon. At the conclusion of the workshop, students travel to their host communities having had new experiences and made new friends, and are well-prepared and empowered for a great exchange year!
As Yevhenii, a FLEX alumnus with a disability from Ukraine, advises, “Don’t let your disability hold you back! Take the leap and apply! You’ll be surprised by the incredible support you’ll find.”
MIUSA’s support for FLEX and YES students with disabilities is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by American Councils for International Education.
Read a day-by-day overview of the 2023 MIUSA Preparatory Workshop
Read more about how FLEX supports applicants with disabilities.
Alumni Stories – FLEX and YES Alumni with Disabilities
Read about the experience of Azzaya, a Deaf FLEX alumna from Mongolia.
Learn about Tanmay’s story as a blind YES student from India.
Ukrainian FLEX alumnus, Yevhenii, reflects on his exchange experience.
Read about Sayed’s journey from Bahrain to the U.S. for the YES Program.
