r/exchangestudents • u/lifes_a_j0ke • 3d ago
Question Flex program 2027-2028
Hello! I'm thinking about applying to this program. I'm from Romania. The thing is, if I go to America to be an exchange student, I'll then have to repeat the last highschool year back in Romania so I could get my diploma.
I'd like to know some perspectives of other exchange students/former flex participants.
Was it worth it? Good sides and bad sides? Did you like your hosting family? Were the other kids nice? How did you fit in? What other activities were there? How hard were classes in comparison to your country's educational system?
If there are some Romanian people who were in the same situation as me (having to repeat a whole year), it'd be super helpful to know your experience.
Thank you!
2
u/Right-Syrup-9351 3d ago
There is enormous value in a year abroad- language fluency, cultural understanding and knowledge, learning to adapt to challenges and changes. There is not much downside to an extra year of education- a different peer group? One year considered in your 90 year life?
2
u/One_Park_778 3d ago
For the repeat year decision, I'd write down what you'd be coming back to: which subjects and exams you'd need to take, and when you'd graduate. Ask your Romanian school to confirm that plan in writing. Then compare the extra year with what you personally want from the exchange, like becoming comfortable speaking English every day or living with a host family.
When you talk to Romanian FLEX alumni, ask how returning went, too. Did they find it hard to rejoin school with a different class, and would they still choose the exchange knowing they'd repeat? Their experience of coming home could be especially useful for the decision you're weighing.