A program of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program promotes mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation between citizens of the United States and countries across Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. The program was established in 1992 by former Senator Bill Bradley after the Soviet Union's dissolution. Initially focused on 12 countries in Europe and Eurasia, FLEX has since expanded to 22 countries and includes a robust alumni network of over 32,000 individuals.
In 2024, American Councils for International Education's regional offices hosted events celebrating FLEX’s 30th anniversary across the region, including in Armenia, Czechia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, that provided alumni with invaluable networking and reconnection opportunities. Through professional development workshops, celebratory gatherings, and heartfelt reunions, FLEX continues to empower its alumni to thrive as global citizens in their respective countries and beyond.
Gyumri, Armenia
In Gyumri, American Councils’ office in Armenia hosted a FLEX 30th Anniversary event that brought together 30 exceptional alumni. The highlight of the celebration was the professional development training "On Purpose: Building, Leading, and Aligning Effective Teams and Educational Programs" by global educator Simon Norton. This session equipped participants with essential leadership and teamwork skills, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Alumni in attendance also enjoyed exploring Gyumri's cultural heritage. The event culminated with an alumni gathering complete with cake and balloons, heralding three decades of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Armenia and the United States.
Prague, Czechia
The FLEX community commemorated the program's 30th anniversary at the historic Petschek Villa, the residence of U.S. Ambassadors in Prague since 1945. The event began with a session at Prague's American Center focused on refining public speaking and communication skills and drawing together alumni, colleagues from partner organizations, and English teachers.
Later at the villa, U.S. Ambassador to Czechia, his Excellency Bijan Sabet, encouraged alumni to leverage the skills and confidence gained during their exchange year to drive positive change in their communities. The celebration culminated with Alumni Coordinator Matej Bednar honoring active alumni with awards, emphasizing their ongoing impact as ambassadors of cross-cultural understanding and leadership.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Over 140 alumni took part in this gala event that connected recent participants with senior alumni dating back to the first FLEX cohort from 1994. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education joined American Councils staff in commemorating the program's 30 years of success and envisioning its future. The U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, his Excellency Daniel Rosenblum, delivered a speech reaffirming his support for the FLEX program and the power of cultural exchange initiatives, and congratulated American Councils on administering the FLEX program globally.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
American Councils in Turkmenistan celebrated the 30th Anniversary with a focus on the program’s remarkable success and impact on its alumni. The event commenced with a professional development workshop led by global educator Simon Norton on "Aligning Work and Life Choices with Your Purpose, Values, and Compass."
Following the workshop, alumni enjoyed a reception attended by distinguished guests from the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, including his Excellency Ambassador Matthew Klimow and Cultural Affairs Officer Nona Majidi. The evening included dinner, live music, dancing, photo opportunities, and a FLEX cake. Additionally, alumni had the opportunity to express their gratitude to their American host families by signing FLEX appreciation postcards. This reunion gathered nearly 90 alumni from across Turkmenistan, making it one of the largest events in the FLEX community's history in the country.
These celebrations underscore the impact of FLEX in fostering enduring connections and personal growth among its alumni. As these events commemorated three decades of cultural exchange and leadership development, they exemplified the program's ongoing commitment to promoting mutual understanding between the United States and communities across Europe and Eurasia.