Ukraine to Illinois…
Superintendent shares inspiring story of exchange student in U.S. during Russian invasion
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) provides scholarships for high school students from central and eastern Europe in addition to Eurasia and Mongolia to spend an academic year in the United States.
PAX hosts many FLEX students, and we love to hear their stories of how international exchange impacts their lives. Each FLEX student is part of both the FLEX and PAX families during their time in the U.S. and receives support from both.
Support comes in many forms, including a stipend, orientations, and contact throughout the year with their PAX local community coordinators. Like all PAX students, they share stories about daily life in the U.S, their host families, and the many new experiences that are part of every exchange year. In addition to reading their stories below, be sure to learn more about both the FLEX program and becoming an exchange student host family.
Superintendent shares inspiring story of exchange student in U.S. during Russian invasion
Standout student and future surgeon
Doing “amazing things” in Wisconsin
Contest winner: Orchlon from Mongolia
February, March, & April 2023
Caverns, aliens, and white sand for Madina (Uzbekistan) and Shaista (Pakistan)
Four scholarship students recognized
Roman poses with school officials and the mayor of Appleton (WI)
Radmir introduces his little-known homeland (video included)
Lili prepares Hungarian cookies for her classmates
Roman meets the mayor!
Mongolian finds passion for animals in Indiana
A big Georgian-American family
Georgian's got all the right ingredients
Kazakh hits the ground running in Minnesota
Exploring cultures in Indiana
Exchange bros adapt to life in Indiana
A very special "thank you"
"I learned what it means to be a representative of my country and how important that is."
Kazakh digs deep to deliver performance
Business Professionals of America: Anesa represents Indiana at nationals
Vlad and friends do what they can
A formative week in the District
International Explorers' fitting send-off
FLEX Student of the Month (May 2022)
YES Student of the Month (May 2022)
Sofiia surrounded by support in Arizona
Ukrainian bonds with Vermont community
FLEX Student of the Month (March 2022)
FLEX Student of the Month (April 2022)
Georgian meets famous 7-foot countryman
Lucky #13 (Tatuli from Georgia) voted MVP!
A week after the invasion of her homeland, Masha reflects.
Four scholarship students recognized
3 FLEX students guide you through their city [video]
FLEX Student of the Month, December 2021
"Pardon me, what's your soup du jour?"
Viktoriia drops knowledge around town
Sound of the steppe | contest winner
An original exchange-themed song
Interesting insights from Georgian artist
Pole can always go higher
Kyrgyz student FLEXing Olympiad muscles out west
Serb gets a crash course in hiking
3 stories in 1—holy Toledo!
Young siblings = great helpers
FLEX Student of the Month, November 2021
Target, "kid drivers," and brain freeze
Just another jam session with my host dad
Reflections from a more "uniform" society
The nerves and joys of jumping in
Chicago, spirit week, volunteering...
"I had not even heard of such a sport."
Ukrainian learns to take the initiative
From 1 brother to 4 sisters for Ukrainian
Kyrgyz students roll up their sleeves
GYSD contest winner
Four standout teens' standout years
You're not ready for this.
Three friends’ fun food film
Vato's always up for another virtual experience
FLEX/YES students team up with American teens for mental health
Six students, six languages
PAX's nominee a "quaranteen" like no other
Star of recent Polish cooking video honored
How's Natalie been keeping busy?
On the menu today: pierogis
Former students pass on words of wisdom
#NoTechMoFun
Host sisters connect Indonesia, Pakistan, and America
So many sports in America!
If these sidewalks could talk
Ohio ladies leave impression
And the award for "Outstanding Quaranteen" goes to...
Tajik talks new skills
Kazakh's lifelong love affair with music
Gorgeous autumn backdrop to boot
Artistic eye
Bob Ross wig = commitment
Talent is important, but...
So much to learn in first month
Ukrainian finds school quite different from what she's used to
Life after being an exchange student
Regional Development Manager challenges students
Latvian's trip to Spruce Pine, NC
First-time family shares as year gets going
Turkmen talks about new life Upstate
Hawk watch in Utah
Virtual exchange
Combating lasting prejudices
A "-Stan" is not a "-Stan" is not a "-Stan"
FLEX student enlightens Ohioans
Tailored Kyrgyz insight for International Education Week
Romanian learns more than just footskills
An important trip for Ukrainian
Romanian enjoys small town charm
Lithuanian receives top honor
Alumna reflects, one year on
PAX alumna living FLEX program goals
Montenegrin taking exchange year by the horns
A simple message from Ukrainian/Virginian
PAX alumnus from Armenia doing big things
Serial host dad impressed by Moldovan's selflessness
PAX exchange year ending too soon for Texas family
Yuliya asks local boy to winter dance
Moldovan impressed by American capital
Russian learns about the unique atmosphere in American high schools
Armenian feels at home with the Knutsons
Going out for cross country in Mississippi