A Message for Georgian Youth: Turn Your Dreams into Goals with FLEX

From mid-September to October 28, the Future Leaders Exchange Program  (FLEX) testings will take place in all regions of Georgia. Established in 1992, each year FLEX high school foreign exchange allows around 80 Georgian scholars to spend one academic year in the US, attending local high schools and living in host families. Originally created in order to strengthen intercultural relations, it has promoted leadership and communication skills among Georgian youth.

The deal was not easy, but nobody said turning your sacred desires into reality would be simple. Two years ago, I the thought of crossing the border of Georgia wasn’t even in my head. Of course, I wondered about the outside world, but I satisfied my curiosity by reading articles about foreign countries and watching American movies. Back then, I couldn’t imagine that a Georgian teenager could become part of those American movies himself. To my surprise, a year later, I found myself in the middle of Central Valley in the heart of California.

I can’t remember many fully-funded exchange programs for high school students, since finding them is often hard. I accidentally bumped into the FLEX program while surfing the web, and did not believe the description. Offering a chance to study in the US for free, it also guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Though I was a little skeptical, I applied.

Essays, English testing, applications and an interview: just some of the processes I had to go through to become a finalist. The 6-8 months waiting for the phone call to say I was going to spend my next year in the US. Then comes excitement about the future trip, visa papers and the uncertain voice inside, saying that you are going to spend a year away from your family and friends, in a completely different country across the ocean.

Nevertheless, I felt adventurous and eager to start my new life; a life in a year. After the long flight, the US shocked me right from the airport: it felt like the whole country was smiling at me. My uncertainty was blown away as I saw that people were open to forming new friendships and learning about exotic cultures and experiences. The welcoming host family, delicious cuisine from all over the world, and people interested in Georgian culture definitely made my year-long trip.

The year also brought challenges and advanced my leaderships skills. While overcoming each of the challenges, like the language barrier or the culture shock, I found myself ready to return to Georgia with new ideas, skills and possibilities. My journey was not only about spending time in the US, seeing the amazing streets of LA and the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, it was also about coming back and sharing my experience. With a fresh mindset and better understanding of the world around, I returned as a better person.

If one teenager can improve something in his or her country, many can do more. So, if you see yourself as a young, active and adventurous person wanting to learn about the US culture and share yours – apply for the FLEX selection process. Dreams can always come true if you turn them into goals!

For more info about FLEX in Georgia, click here.

By Davit Jintcharadze

Photo source: americancouncils.ge