Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program
We welcome scholars from Germany each year as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program. Founded in 1983, the CBYX program symbolizes the friendship between Germany and the US, marking the 300th anniversary of the first German immigration to America. Jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, this program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and offers a full scholarship to its participants. Boasting a network of more than 29,000 alumni, the CBYX program enables U.S. students to live with German host families and experience their culture first-hand. Discover more about the CBYX scholarship program.
“The CBYX program profoundly changed my perspective, instilling in me a deep respect for diversity, a confidence in myself, and a newfound independence. It granted me a global family, spread worldwide, making it seem at once smaller yet infinitely more diverse and vibrant. This experience transformed me into an advocate for diversity, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
— Nathalie, YFU CBYX scholar from Germany to Texas
Discover the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program
In a world continually striving for unity, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program shines as an initiative bridging the gap between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeastern Europe. Launched in response to the events of September 11th, 2001, the YES program immerses students in U.S. culture, allowing them to live with host families, attend local high schools, and learn about American society and values. This full scholarship opportunity, funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), also empowers these young scholars to educate Americans about their home countries and cultures.
Key Highlights of the YES Program
- It is a highly selective program, with only 4% of applicants accepted.
- A global community of over 15,000 students since its inception in 2003.
- Participation from 37 nations across the globe.
For School Administrators: Learn about the selection process and how hosting a YES scholar benefits your school community in our School Administrator Handbook.
“I believe better understanding leads to a better world. As a young person, I strive to learn about other cultures and build global friendships… Despite the misconception that young people are carefree, many of us are deeply concerned about our societies and seek to make our voices heard.”
— Dimas, YFU YES Scholar from Indonesia to Virginia
Explore YES Program Success Stories and Resources
Immerse yourself in the YES experience, learn about its impact, and explore the diverse countries participating in the program.
US Department of State Spotlight on the YES Experience
Country Profiles: Explore the diversity and richness of the nations participating in the YES program. Dive into profiles of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, and many more. Check out our complete list of YES Country Profiles.
Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program is a groundbreaking initiative that originated in 1992 as part of the Eurasian Secondary School Initiative under the FREEDOM Support Act. FLEX aims to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Eurasian countries. Senator Bill Bradley held the conviction that fostering firsthand learning about America and its people among the youth of Eurasia would be instrumental to ensuring enduring peace and mutual understanding. FLEX offers a fully-funded scholarship that allows students to live with host families in the US, attend local high schools, participate in activities that educate them about American society and values, and hone their leadership skills. It also allows them to acquaint Americans with their own countries and cultures. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) funds this enriching opportunity.
Key Insights About the FLEX Program
- A select 3% of applicants get accepted into the FLEX program.
- The program has seen more than 27,000 participants since it began in 1992.
- FLEX students hail from a diverse range of countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.
Explore More About FLEX and Its Global Impact
Discover Personal Stories from FLEX students and their American hosts.
Stay Updated with the Bradley Herald, the FLEX Alumni Newsletter.
Review the FLEX Country Profiles: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.
