Alumni Program

“To have strong democratic system, there must be people who really understand how it works.”
- (Russian student living in California)

What Happens to FLEX Students When They Return Home?

* This is the question most frequently asked of FLEX program staff. After a year living in the U.S., FLEX students have changed tremendously. Most FLEX alumni say they have learned to appreciate their home country more; but it is clear they have learned about and integrated many aspects of American society and culture, as well. Alumni of many international exchange programs often say that the most difficult adjustment they have to face is the reverse shock they experience when they go home. To facilitate this adjustment and to help FLEX students perpetuate their American experience, the program offers a network of alumni associations throughout the countries of the former Soviet Union. Returning students are encouraged to join these alumni groups. The associations meet regularly for discussions, American movies and holiday celebration, debates, speaker nights, professional development sessions, and community service activities. The alumni associations provide both and outlet and a forum for these bright, young citizens and give them opportunities to participate in activities that support their movement towards positions of leadership in their countries.

A former FLEX student teaches dance with students with disabilities in Russia.


Former FLEX students carry out an Earth Day cleanup project in Turkmenistan.


FLEX alumni organized a fundraising event to collect money for charity in Kyrgyzstan.


A FLEX alumna in Kazakhstan teaches Internet use to young students


To assist Uchsay, FLEX alumni raised $7300, using a portion of the funds to purchase rice, flour and oil that were later distributed to residents in Uchsay, Uzbekistan. A town once bordering the Aral Sea, the villagers in Uchsay suffered from health and economic problems as the sea began to disintegrate.

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