2004 Press Releases

Recruitment Begins for 2005-2006 Future Leaders Exchange Program

Oct. 5, 2004

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is pleased to announce the beginning of recruitment for the 2005/2006 Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) for high school-aged students. Finalists will be chosen by an independent U.S.-based commission on the basis of merit to live in the United States with an American host family, to attend a U.S. high school, experience community life, and to share their culture.

All students enrolled in 8th and 9th forms and who were born between January 1, 1989 and July 15, 1990 are eligible to apply. Pre-screening by schools is not necessary. Applicants must have a good command of the English language, a good academic record, and must possess the personal skills, qualities, attitude and motivation that will enable them to succeed as exchange students. The American Councils for International Education (ACTR/ACCELS), through a grant from the U.S. Department of State, is responsible for testing, screening, and interviewing applicants. American Councils will establish several regional testing centers in which they will register applicants and administer a qualifying English exam. Candidates who are successful in passing this exam will advance to the second stage, in which they will sit for a more extensive English exam and prepare a written essay. American Councils will create bi?national teams to grade the exams at a central location. Students who are successful at the second stage will be interviewed by an American Councils staff member and will be asked to prepare a detailed written application. The written application, test results, and notes made by interviewers will be collected and sent to Washington, D.C., where they will be reviewed by independent selection committees consisting of educators and international exchange specialists. All selection decisions are made in the United States. Finalists and alternates (reserve candidates) will be notified after April 15, 2005.

The Future Leaders Exchange Program was established in 1992 and is implemented in twelve former Soviet Union republics. Over the past eleven years around 400 students from Turkmenistan went to the U.S. on this program. Returned FLEX students have worked with the Turkmen Government, international organizations, private businesses, and have contributed to positive developments in their home communities.

For additional information on the recruitment and selection process contact Tatiana Minayeva at American Councils, tel.: (993-12) 39-29-06, 35-42-27, or visit the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat web site.