Secretary of State Kerry holds bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov (U.S. Department of State)
Members of the U.S. Foreign Service are the face of America in countries around the globe. From ambassadors to embassy staffers, their posts are demanding, important, and often difficult ones. How does someone enter the world of diplomacy—and what do they find there? Take a rare opportunity to get answers from men and women whose careers are spent in diplomatic Washington as you go inside the American Foreign Service Association and the U.S. Department of State.
10 a.m.–12 noon Training for Diplomacy
Spend the morning at the American Foreign Service Association in Foggy Bottom to learn from a veteran diplomat how our embassy system works. First, get an overview of the foreign service program, the State Department, and the Foreign Service Institute, where officers and staff receive their preparation for their posts. Learn what our diplomats and development experts do; what a typical day at a U.S. embassy is like; and how diplomatic families cope on overseas assignments.
A second session takes a closer look at the life of a U.S. ambassador abroad. How does an aspiring diplomat become an ambassador? What are their duties? How do they and their families handle potential threats and dangers overseas? A retired ambassador brings a chief-of-mission’s work to life.
12–1 p.m. Lunch
Enjoy a boxed lunch at the historic American Foreign Service Association headquarters.
1:30–4:30 p.m. Democracy in Action
Take a short walk to the State Department, the hub of international affairs and American diplomacy, to observe a typical briefing on a hot topic and learn how the department’s 24-hour operations center monitors crises around the world. The afternoon ends with members of the Foreign Service Institute discussing how they provide diplomats and staff members the practical tools to navigate the worlds of domestic politics and foreign affairs.
General Details
- Morning session held at the American Foreign Service Association, 2101 E St. NW (Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom)
- Afternoon session held at the U.S. Department of State, 21st St. between C and D Sts. NW
- No tickets sold at the door.
- Dress is business casual.
- A valid ID is required to enter the State Department.
- Security information required in advance. Please supply a working email and phone number so we may contact you for the information.
