DUSHANBE, September 17, 2015, Asia-Plus - The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has announced recruitment for the 2016-2017 Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX).

The FLEX program provides scholarships to secondary school students from the countries of Eurasia to travel to the United States for an academic year.  FLEX is fully funded by the U.S. Government and administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. Recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for the program are organized by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS.

Secondary school students from Tajikistan are invited to participate in an open competition for FLEX scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year.

FLEX scholarships are awarded by an independent panel of American professionals in education and international relations. Selection will be based on merit as evidenced in a comprehensive application; teacher reference; and demonstrated preparedness for a year-long exchange experience. FLEX scholarship recipients must return to Tajikistan after their academic year.

To be eligible for the FLEX program, applicants must: be citizens of Tajikistan; be currently enrolled in 11th grade; be born after February 15, 1998 and before July 15, 2000; meet U.S. visa eligibility requirements; and have an academic standing of “good” or better.

Representatives from American Councils will visit regional centers in Tajikistan to conduct testing this fall. All eligible students are invited to take part in Round One.  Students who pass Round One (a short English test) will be invited to Round Two, for a written essay.  Only applicants who pass Round Two will receive application materials, will be interviewed and will have a comprehensive English test.

Secondary school students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate in the competition.  Adapted test materials are available for students with disabilities.