Moldovan students have the opportunity to spend one academic year in the US studying in an American high school and living with an American host family. Young persons aged 15 and older may apply for a scholarship offered by the U.S. Government-funded FLEX Programme and announced by the American Councils for International Education. Recipients of FLEX scholarships are selected by an independent panel on the basis of merit demonstrated in application materials. The competition is open to all interested students who meet the following criteria: are 9-th, 10-th and 11-th graders, are citizens of Moldova, and are in good academic standing (at least 8.00 point average), etc. According to project manager Tamara Turcan, the students will benefit from a monthly stipend of 125 dollars. Besides attending school, the young persons will go on trips, will be involved in extra curricular activities and will perform volunteer services. The programme covers travel and health insurance costs. Last year, 40 students from Moldova studied in American high schools as part of the FLEX programme.