American Councils and the Ministry of Education of Romania have signed an agreement to continue the FLEX program in the academic year 2026-2027, supporting educational exchanges among youth.

American Councils for International Education has announced a significant agreement with the Ministry of Education and Research of Romania to support the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program in the academic year 2026-2027. This partnership, which marks an important stage in educational cooperation between the USA and Romania, will allow the continuation of the FLEX program, one of the most competitive exchange programs for high school students, funded by the U.S. Department of State. Romania joined the program ten years ago, and now, through a co-funding arrangement, the Government of Romania will cover the costs of the program for Romanian and American participants. Since the beginning of the program, over 18,000 Romanians have applied for FLEX, demonstrating national interest in study opportunities in the USA. Each Romanian participant will spend a year in the USA, living with an American family and studying at an American school. The FLEX Abroad program, which allows American students to study in Romania, was launched in 2024. The signing ceremony of the agreement was honored by officials from both governments, including Daniel-Ovidiu David, the Minister of Education of Romania, and Stefanie Williams, a delegate from the U.S. Department of State. The leaders emphasized the importance of this agreement in developing youth and strengthening bilateral relations. Romanian applicants can apply until December 18, 2025, and American applicants for FLEX Abroad until December 8, 2025.