Applications have opened for the FLEX program for school students from Turkmenistan for the 2026–2027 academic year
Applications have opened in Turkmenistan for participation in the FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program for the 2026–2027 academic year. The cultural exchange program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by American Councils for International Education.
The FLEX program offers high school students from Turkmenistan the opportunity to spend one academic year in the United States, study at an American high school, and live with a host family.
Participation in the program is fully funded.
Eligible applicants are students who were born between January 1, 2009, and May 31, 2010, and who are citizens of Turkmenistan. Applicants must demonstrate good or excellent academic performance, possess basic English language skills, and meet U.S. visa requirements. Graduating students who are required to complete mandatory military service are not eligible to participate.
As part of the selection process, testing will be conducted in January 2026 in several regions of the country.
FLEX 2026–2027 testing schedule:
• January 4, 2026 — Mary, School No. 19
• January 6, 2026 — Dashoguz, School No. 4
• January 8, 2026 — Turkmenabat, School No. 2
• January 10, 2026 — Balkanabat and Turkmenbashi, School No. 3 (Balkanabat)
• January 11, 2026 — Ashgabat and Ahal velayat, School No. 20.
Testing at all locations will begin at 9:00 a.m.
For additional information, interested applicants may contact the American Councils office in Ashgabat:
Phone: (+993 12) 36-90-16
Email: flex.tm@americancouncils.org
Official website: americancouncilstm.org/flex
