Frequently Asked Questions

Q.: How can I find out more about the FLEX program?

A.: discoverflex.org

Q.: How to apply to the FLEX program?

A.: ais.americancouncils.org/FLEX/apply or discoverflex.org/apply

Q.: Can I participate in FLEX after I have graduated from school/college/lyceum?

A.: You must be enrolled as a student of 9.10 grade at school and a 1-year student lyceum/college while applying.

Q.: What is the age eligibility for applying?

A.: You can apply if you are born between July 15, 2006, and July 15, 2008.

Q.: I am a student of 10th-grade, but I was born in 2006, can I apply?

A.: Unfortunately, you cannot. Both age and school grade requirements must be met.

Q.: I am a 9th-grade student at school, but I was born after July 15, 2008. Can I apply?

A.: Unfortunately, you can not apply this year, but you can check eligibility requirements next year.

Q.: Why only students born between 2006-2008 can apply?

A.: U.S. Department of State regulations, U.S. high school requirement.

Q.: How many finalists do you select?

A.: Different year to year. In 2022-2023 academic year, there were 40 finalists from Uzbekistan

Q.: How much is the application fee?

A.: FLEX is fully funded by the Department of State and free of charge to apply and participate.

Q.: What kind of documents are required to apply for FLEX?

A.: For the Round one, you just need a scan/photo of your passport/birth certificate/ID and one passport size photo. This information can be found inside the application form.

Q.: What are the steps of participation in FLEX?

A.: Round 1 - Online application form which includes 3 essay questions and basic applicant information.

 Round 2 - Online English test was taken right after submitting Round 1 application in 72 hours.

Round 3 – Interview and full program application.

Q.: What is the format of the English test? Like IELTS or TOEFL?

A.: No, the format is different, and it is only a reading comprehension test with 12 questions.

Q.: What are the topics of Essays in the Round 1 application?

A.: You can find them in the application form when you start. Each participant gets different Essay topics. Please use English letters only and pay attention to all the instructions and tips.

Q.: If I live in a different country than Uzbekistan, can I apply?

A.: No, you must be enrolled in the high school/college/lyceum of Uzbekistan. Please check discoverflex.org to find out more about the program in other countries

Q.: I don't have a passport yet, can I apply?

A.: Yes, you can apply with your birth certificate or ID card.

Q.: Do I need to translate my birth certificate into English?

A.: No, you can upload it in the original language, Uzbek or Russian.

Q.: Will the IELTS certificate exempt me from taking an English test?

A.: No. You still need to take Round 2, Round 3 English tests.

Q.: How can I pass the R2 English test?

A.: After you submit Round 1 application, you will receive an email invitation from AIS portal to take Round 2 English test. Please note that you need to pass the test within 72 hours after receiving.

Q.: Can I choose a host state and host family?

A.: No, you cannot. Host family placement is done by a placement organization in the USA.

Q.: How host families are selected?

A.: American placement organizations select a host family after a thorough screening and try to match students and host families based on their preferences

Q.: Can I stay in the U.S. after my program finishes?

A.: No, you must return to Uzbekistan. Please check J1 visa requirements for more info: https://uz.usembassy.gov/visas/non-immigrant-visas/nonimmigrant-visas-study-exchange/exchange-visitor-visas/  

Q.: What if I face challenges in the United States, who can help me?

A.: American placement organization coordinator and American Councils on-program support team.

Q.: What if I apply to an American University?

A.: You can. But first, you have to complete your program and come back to Uzbekistan.

Q.: What if I don’t go to school or don’t follow FLEX rules and regulations?

A.: You will be disqualified from the program sent back to your home.

 Q.: Will I receive a diploma for schooling in the U.S?

A.: Not guaranteed. Each school has its own policies regarding exchange students and issuing diplomas.

Q.: What can I do after my classes?

A.: After classes, you can participate in extracurricular activities, play sports, visit various cinemas.

Q.: May I work in the U.S.?

A.: No. You are not allowed to have a job.

Q.: Do I lose an academic year in Uzbekistan?

A.: You will have to check with your school administration before you go on the program.

Q.: When will you announce Round 1, Round 2 results?

A.: November-December 2022

Q.: Will the interview be online or offline?

A.: We will inform semifinalists via email/phone in November-December 2022 about it.

Q.: I have created an account in AIS, opened Round 1 invitation link, and clicked GET STARTED, but there was not an available form. What should I do?

A.: Reload the page, try in few minutes. Make sure you are on the right page – ais.americancouncils.org/flex

Q.: I didn’t receive Round 2 invitation link from AIS

A.: Check your spam folder, make sure that you entered your email address correctly.

 Q.: Can you give me essay topics?

A.: They are provided inside the online application, once you start it.

Q.: May I come to your office and ask about the program?

A.: Our office follows COVID quarantine restrictions and we can answer any question you have about the program via telegram, email or on the phone only.

Q.: I have a disability - can I participate in FLEX?

A.: Yes. Students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to participate in FLEX. There are over 300 FLEX alumni who are people with special needs. The staff works to accommodate students with disabilities at testing and on the program. Special testing materials are available to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. FLEX believes all eligible candidates should have the chance to apply to the program.

Q.: How much English do I need to participate in?

A.: 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 for 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.

Q.: My family has friends/relatives in the U.S. Can I visit them while on the program?

A.: FLEX finalists are chosen because they have demonstrated that they are able to adapt and succeed in a completely new environment. Being in close contact with family and friends connected to home disrupts this process of adaptation. Travel to visit friends or relatives is rarely approved for this reason. Any travel within the U.S. must be approved by the student’s placement organization.

Q.: I am training seriously in a certain sport or music. Is it possible for me to pursue this professionally in the U.S.?

A.: No. While on FLEX, students are expected to get the most out of meeting new friends, being a member of their host family, and doing well in their host U.S. school. Many American schools offer sports and arts programs, and we encourage students to take part in available extracurricular activities at their school.

Q.: Is there a way I can prepare for FLEX testing? Are there courses to prepare for testing?

A.: A candidate may prepare for the initial round by improving their English skills.

email: flex.uz@americancouncils.org

Telegram: @FLEXUZBEKISTAN

Facebook: @flexuzbekistan

Instagram: @flex_program_uzbekistan

Phone: +99878 150 7 150

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