Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad

FLEX Abroad is a cultural exchange program for Polish families and American youth. Young Americans come to Poland and attend Polish high schools for one academic year. They live with host families for the whole program. You can also become a part of FLEX Abroad!  

FLEX Abroad has been operated in Poland since 2022. It is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State. FLEX Abroad participants are provided with monthly stipends to cover their personal expenses. The host families play a significant role in the program. Thanks to them American participants can experience Polish culture firsthand and become a part of local community.

Who are the participants of FLEX Abroad program?  

American teenagers aged 15-19 may participate in the FLEX Abroad program. They study in American high schools, or they have just graduated and are going to take a ‘gap year’. It is a one-year break from formal education in order to gain experience in the international community.  

FLEX Abroad students are provided with:  

• Recruitment process and a place in a high school in Warsaw;

• Travel arrangements from the U.S. to a host family in Poland;  

• Monthly stipend to cover personal expenses;  

• Medical insurance;  

• Support of the FLEX Abroad Local Coordinator in Warsaw;  

• Pre-departure orientation;  

• Polish language course;  

• Cultural program, e.g., theatre visits, excursions.  

FLEX Abroad students are going to become American ambassadors of their country’s culture in Poland. They will be promoting mutual understanding between Poland and the U.S. They will also build long-standing relationships with the host families and local communities. American students will work on their leadership skills and learn about Polish culture, society and its values. They will also share the knowledge of American values, culture and society.  

Became a host family! 

American students are going to stay at the host families’ houses for about one academic year. Living with host families allows students to be a part of Polish family, its cultural life, customs and daily rituals. Everyone who is eligible may become a host family.  

If you are thinking of becoming a host family, here are required steps:

1. Fill out the Application Form.  

2. Wait for our response.  

3. Welcome FLEX Abroad students to your home! 

What are some benefits of being a host family?  

The FLEX Abroad program provides an opportunity to learn about American culture while sharing Polish customs and traditions. The cultural exchange is a valuable experience and an amazing adventure. The benefits of participating in the FLEX Abroad program are confirmed by all family members. 

By becoming a host family, you will be benefited with:   

• Host development of intercultural competence;   

• Direct contact with American youth and development of language skills;  

• The opportunity to be with native English speakers and showcase your country;   

• A chance to build long-lasting relationships and expand your circle of friends in an international environment;    

• Participation in training and events organized by American Councils;  

• Knowledge of U.S. culture and history;  

• The opportunity to share the history and culture of Poland;   

• An amazing adventure and a chance for long-lasting friendships!  

It is not required the host families to speak English. According to the cultural exchange, students will be learning Polish during their stay in Poland. They will attend Polish course before they come to Poland.   

American Councils provide host families with training that will help all the family members to be prepared to the new role. The host families will receive educational materials, significant resources, and helpful guidelines on how to build and maintain a close-knit relationship with American students.  

Each host family will be supported by the FLEX Abroad Local Coordinator. Since American Councils has been administering cultural exchange for over 30 years, we will be pleased to share our best practices and experiences with the host families.  

What are the responsibilities of the host families? 

Host families taking part in the FLEX Abroad program agree to:  

• provide housing (including 3 meals per day) for a student during the school year: a place to sleep, study and keep personal belongings (students may have their own room or share space with their host same-sex sibling); 

• welcome the student as part of the family for the time of their stay in Poland;  

• take part in training before hosting a student in their home; 

• complete the application documents. 

Who are the FLEX Abroad 2023/2024 participants?

Who are the host families?

FLEX Abroad is adminstrated by the American Councils Foundation for International Education, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, the City of Warsaw, the Mazovian Board of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science.