Romania and US Expanded Student Exchange Programs
A new agreement increases scholarship opportunities for high school students to study abroad during the 2027-2028 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Scholarships
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Romania and the American Councils for International Education have signed a memorandum to continue the FLEX and FLEX Abroad Global programs. This partnership aims to strengthen educational ties by increasing the number of available scholarships for high school students.
Why it matters
The collaboration fosters international partnerships by enabling students to live with host families and attend local schools. The program seeks to deepen cultural understanding through shared financial support from the Romanian and United States governments.
The memorandum provides up to 70 scholarships for Romanian students and 20 for American students for the 2027-2028 school year. These awards build on over 18,000 applications received by the program since 2015.
The players
American Councils for International Education
This is a non-profit organization that specializes in international education, professional training, and academic exchange programs.
Government of Romania
The executive branch of the Romanian state oversees the administration of public policy and international agreements.
Government of the United States
The federal government of the United States manages domestic and foreign policy, including cultural and educational diplomacy initiatives.
The details
Selected students will participate in an immersive experience by attending local high schools while residing with host families. The agreement was finalized following a formal mandate approval from the Romanian government.
Timeline
The FLEX program began its implementation in Romania in 2015.
The FLEX Abroad Global program was launched in 2024.
The Romanian government approved the memorandum mandate on October 1, 2026.
The official Memorandum of Understanding was signed on October 6, 2026.
The student selection process for the 2027-2028 school year will begin in November 2026.
Culture Shift
This agreement reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing international educational immersion for secondary students over traditional classroom learning. By expanding the FLEX program, both nations signal an intent to solidify diplomatic bonds through long-term youth engagement.
Students interested in the 2027-2028 academic year should prepare for the application window opening in November 2026. Families should review the program requirements to understand the expectations for hosting international students or sending their children abroad.
The takeaway
The expansion of these exchange programs provides a clear path for students to gain international experience through merit-based selection. Families and students should monitor official announcements starting in November to ensure they meet the upcoming application deadlines.
Further reading
Learn more about global education opportunities in our Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stiri pe surse.
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