2024-2025 FLAG Short Term Exchange Program

About FLAG

Foreign Links Around the Globe 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.

Each year, FLAG host over 500 students each year from more than 25 countries around the world who want to live and learn in the U.S.

Learn about being a host home.

Hosting a short-term exchange student is a wonderful introduction to the rewarding experience of welcoming an international teen into your life. By hosting a STEP student, you open your heart and home, helping to fulfill a young person’s dream of experiencing life in a new country. It’s an incredible way for both students and host families to share their cultures, create lasting memories, and gain unique perspectives on the world through each other’s eyes. This shared experience fosters deep connections, builds cross-cultural understanding, and enriches lives on both sides in ways that last well beyond the exchange. 

What to expect as a host home:

• Students may share a bedroom with one sibling of the same sex and appropriate age 

• Students must have their own bed

• Student can share a bathroom

• Students will be provided 3 square meals a day. These meals do not have to be prepared every day, but food should be available in the house for 3 meals.  Metro will be providing the students lunch if they do not bring it from home. 

• Students bring their own funds for their personal expenses. Students are responsible for all of their personal expenses such as a cell phone, toiletries, clothing, postage, trips, activities, etc. 

• Students are fully insured for medical expenses

• Host families will be responsible for their transportation to and from school along with all school related events that have been planned. 

• Your student should be treated just like any other member of your family and fit into your family's plans and structure. 

• You will be supported throughout this entire process

To be consider as a host home you will need to fill out the application.  You will also need to have 4 pictures to upload on the application. A family picture, the room where the student will be staying, the main living space and exterior of the home. 

All applicants are fully vetted by FLAG.

  Once this has been done we will be able to pair students with host families. 

These students have an exciting journey ahead of them! 

Starting on the West Coast for some sightseeing, then spending over a month in Tulsa, and wrapping up in Washington DC will give them a mix of experiences across the country. 

These students are in for an unforgettable adventure here in Tulsa! We’re planning a dynamic mix of activities that showcase the unique culture and history of Oklahoma. Highlights include a welcome dinner, trips to local attractions, visits to local universities, college basketball games, and possibly a hockey game. We’ll explore the state’s rich oil heritage and dive into the fascinating history and traditions of Oklahoma’s Native American communities through specially planned outings, some during the school day and others in the evenings or weekends.

While attending school, these students will fully immerse themselves in our day-to-day life. They’ll attend classes, participate in meaningful discussions, and tackle some classroom assignments. They’ll have a unique opportunity to join our Spanish Immersion classes, allowing for a deeper cultural exchange.  We’re also excited to create opportunities for our students and our guests to share their unique cultures, fostering a sense of community and mutual learning. And, of course, they’ll get to know our athletic teams through interactive activities. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience crafted to make their time in Tulsa both inspiring and unforgettable! 

Students arrive on January 5th, 2025 and leave on February 12th, 2025

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers….” Hebrews 13:1-2

I look forward to partnering with you as these wonderful students arrive in Tulsa.

If you have any questions or need more information please contact Christy Argo at cargo@metroca.com. My personal work number is 539.242.5159