All FLEX Round 2 participants who made it to Round 3 are informed about their progress and continue participation in the program. Everyone who made it to semi-finalists, know about their status and  are participating in further selection process.

The FLEX program is sponsored by the U.S. government, which determines the eligibility requirement for participation. One of the requirements stipulates that in order to participate, students must currently study in the 9^th, 10^th or 11^th grades and be born in between January 1, 1997 and July 15, 1999. The FLEX program is open to all high school students who meet requirements of the program including students with disabilities.  Over 210 disabled students have already studied in the U.S. on this program. The age/grade requirements for disabled students differ from the requirements for other applicants. Disabled candidates must be born between March 15, 1996 and July 15, 1999 and must be studying in 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

We wish all semi-finalists good luck!

Cultural Bridges Exchange Program

The Cultural Bridges Exchange Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and provides scholarships for high school students with Iranian citizenship who live in Georgia to spend one academic year in the United States.  Students live with U.S. host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society, acquire leadership skills and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.

What does the scholarship provide?

*        Round-trip domestic and international travel (from home to the United States and back)
*        Monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities and buy necessary personal supplies
*        Placement with a selected and screened U.S. host family for one year
*        Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school
*        Program orientation activities including pre-program preparation and re-entry preparation
*        Program activities arranged in local U.S. communities
*        Medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions and dental care

What is NOT provided?

The scholarship does NOT cover the following costs:
*        Acquisition of an international passport
*        Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend
*        Excess baggage costs
*        Telephone calls made from the U.S. to home or internet use, including an e-mail account

Who is eligible to apply to the program?

This merit-based competition is open at no cost to applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants must:

1. Meet the following grade/age requirements

Eligible Birthdate Range:  January 1, 1997 through July 15, 1999
Eligible Grades:  9, 10, 11
Citizenship: Iran

2. Be enrolled in an secondary school at the time of application
3. Have an academic standing of <good> or better
4. Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration
5. Meet U.S. visa eligibility requirements
6.Possess an Iranian passport by May 2014

Who is not eligible?

Students are ineligible to apply if:

*        S/he does not meet the above criteria
*        S/he has stayed in the U.S. for three (3) months or more during the past five (5) years
*        His/her family (or member of family):
o   has applied or is applying to emigrate to the United States
o   has made plans to emigrate or has already emigrated to the United States.

Who organizes the program?

The recruitment, selection, orientation, and travel arrangements for the program are organized by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS. American Councils is an international non-profit organization working to advance education, research, and mutual understanding across the United States and the nations of Southeastern Europe, Eurasia, and South Asia. American Councils designs, implements, and supports innovative programs in education, professional development, and scholarly research. Over the past 37 years, American Councils has developed into one of the premier education and training organizations working in this region. It administers more than 30 exchange and training programs, including several U.S. government programs for secondary school students, university students and graduate students, teachers, and professors

Where can I get more information? 

Georgia, Tbilisi (995-32) 229-21-06

 

If you are interested to participate, please send the following information to flex@amcouncils.ge by December 3, 2013:

1. Name and Last name

2. Date of Birth

3. Grade

4. Citizenship

5. Contact information: telephone and email

 

In the subject line please include: Cultural Bridges Exchange Program