The 9th, 10th and 11th graders born between 1 January 2001 and 15 July 2003 can apply to take part in the 2018 - 2019 FLEX Exchange Program, which is fully sponsored by the U.S. Government. This offers the opportunity to spend one academic year in the US studying in an American high school and living with an American host family, IPN reports.

Recipients of FLEX scholarships are selected by an independent panel of experienced educators in the United States on the basis of merit demonstrated in application materials. To participate in the first round of the competition, all eligible candidates have to come to a test center with the following items: original birth certificate, international passport or national ID; one 4x5 recent photograph; a pencil or a pen.

Testing will take place in 15 locations in the Republic of Moldova during 14 September - 13 October 2017. The list can be found at www.americancouncils.md.

This year the FLEX is at its 25th edition. Students with disabilities who are currently studying in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and were born between 15 March 2000 and 15 July 2003 are encouraged to participate in the competition.

Eligible applicants should pre-register at http://americancouncils.md/flex_reg.