BRATISLAVA – Once again, Slovak high school students may apply for a full scholarship to study for free for one-year in high school in the United States. Scholarship recipients will go to U.S. high schools and experience the life of an American teenager, learn about the similarities and differences of U.S.-Slovak culture and share Slovak culture in the United States.
This opportunity is made possible thanks to the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, which from the U.S. Department of State and is implemented by American Councils for International Education.
Slovak student may apply for this 2023-2024 educational exchange starting September 1, 2022. The online application is available at https://ais.americancouncils.org/flex until mid October.
The United States supports diversity and inclusion, and this exchange program is open to all students interested in a study abroad experience in the United States. Students all backgrounds and students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply for this scholarship.
All high school students who meet the following criteria may apply:
– They have Slovak citizenship
– Born between July 15, 2005 – July 15, 2008
– They in their 1st or 2nd year of secondary school at the time of application (or the equivalent for 8th year in gymnasium). In the case of 5-year high schools, 3rd-year students may also apply.
– They have a good average and English at a communicative level
– Qualify for a J1 visa (spent less than 90 days in the U.S. in the last 5 years)
The scholarship will cover the students’ airfare, host family accommodation and study at an American high school, health insurance, preparatory training, as well as a monthly allowance for participation in social activities. Students cover the costs associated with obtaining a passport, personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend or costs associated with oversized luggage.
After a year abroad, students will return home more independent and ready to face new challenges. Students also create strong relationships with their host family and classmates that could last a lifetime.
The FLEX program has been operating since 1992. The Slovak Republic was included in August 2019 when The first 10 Slovak students traveled to the on educational exchanges to the United States. The program now includes more than 20 countries with more than 900 high school students travelling to high schools in the United States every year.
More information about the program is available at: https://www.slovakia.americancouncils.org/
