Exchange Success Since 1989
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OUR VISION
FLAG is devoted to the development of interpersonal, intercultural and lifelong relationships around the globe.
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OUR MISSION
To combine the experience, reliability and reputation of a nationally recognized and fully accredited educational organization with the "personal touch" and individual care of a small agency.
Celebrating 35 Years!
We are excited to be celebrating 35 years of life-changing experiences! 35 years of bridging cultures, building friendships, and creating unforgettable memories through international student exchange.
About Foreign Links Around the Globe
Foreign Links Around the Globe (FLAG) is a U.S. based nonprofit international exchange organization with over three decades of history in successfully managing the responsibilities of being a U.S. State Department designated sponsor. Since 1989, FLAG has been dedicated to providing high-quality international exchange experiences that transform the lives of high school students, host families and communities throughout the world. More than 6,500 students and families have been touched by FLAG experience throughout the years.
FLAG is fully compliant with all rules and regulations governing student exchange. This commitment to excellence brings pressure on FLAG to significantly increase the number of international exchange students we sponsor each year. FLAG, however, is committed to limiting that number and maintaining the capacity to provide excellence in international exchange for the students, host families, schools, and communities we serve. FLAG supports international exchange through 3 exciting programs: the FLAG J-1 Visa Program (FLAGship), Short Term Exchange Program (STEP), and Smooth Landing.
Each year, FLAG hosts over 500 students from more than 25 countries from around the world who want to live and learn in the U.S. There are no numbers at FLAG, only names and faces. FLAG is a “small-by-design” organization that promises a personalized approach offering a variety of short-term and full semester/year opportunities for both American and international students. Even as the organization continues to grow, our approach to being small-by-design will never change!
Founded and Operated by a Former Exchange Student!
FLAG was founded by Mazi Cunha, a former Brazilian exchange student, along with his American host mother (since retired). As FLAG’s Executive Director, Mazi manages the overall operations and resources of the organization. FLAG is the only student exchange organization run by a former exchange student. The team's dedication and passion for student exchange is evident in FLAG's ongoing evolution of programs, services, and charitable missions.
Accreditation
FLAG has full accreditation status with the two main regulatory agencies in the U.S. exchange student industry. We are designated as an official sponsor of Exchange Visitor Programs by the United States Department of State and have acceptance for a full listing in the Advisory List published by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (C.S.I.E.T.).
FLAG continues to earn and maintain an impeccable reputation and track record with both agencies. In 2002, after serving on a number of CSIET's Evaluation and Accreditation Committees and chairing CSIET's Accreditation Committee for 2 consecutive years, Founder Mazi Cunha was nominated and elected as a member of the CSIET Board of Directors for 2 consecutive 3-year terms.
U.S. Representation
In the U.S., FLAG is represented in a number of states by a network of authorized Local Coordinators (LCs), comprised mostly of former FLAG host families. These Local Coordinators are reliable and experienced individuals who are trained to screen, recruit and personally interview U.S. host families. They are also responsible for providing ongoing local assistance to FLAG's inbound students, host families, and high schools during the exchange experience.
Want to Join the Team?Overseas Representation
FLAG is represented internationally by authorized agents who are responsible for promoting the FLAG program overseas, for the recruitment and pre-departure orientation of all program participants, and for providing assistance to the natural parents of the program participants during their exchange experience.
Want to Become An International Partner?