How often do Foreign Service Officers move?

One of the main attractions of the Foreign Service is the opportunity to travel. Officers generally spend two years at a post for their first two tours; afterwards, they move on to three or four years at each post. Each time a tour comes to a close, officers must bid for new positions.

Do Foreign Service Officers live abroad?

We are nearly always living and working overseas in US embassies and consulates, and are occasionally on domestic assignment in Washington, D.C.

How long are Foreign Service postings?

two to three years
Foreign Service careers are global and require candidates to be worldwide available, ready to meet the needs of the Service. Typically, each assignment is for two to three years in a designated country.

Does Foreign Service provide housing?

Housing for Foreign Service Officers varies around the world. In many overseas posts, Foreign Service Officers live in accommodations that are either owned or leased by United States government. Often, these accommodations are furnished.

Do Foreign Service Officers make good money?

The average bonus for a Foreign Service Officer is $39,198 which represents 27% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year. Foreign Service Officers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $201,007, averaging total compensation 40% greater than the US average.

How much time off do diplomats get?

Diplomat Benefits They receive paid time off for 10 U.S. holidays per year, plus some of the holidays in their posting country. Annual leave ranges from 13 to 26 days per year, depending on service length, with up to 13 days additional for sick leave, and up to 12 work weeks of unpaid family medical leave.

Do diplomats work on weekend?

Diplomats are set to be offered special commuter packages enabling them to fly home every weekend so that they can spend time with their families in Britain. A small number of diplomatic officers are taking part in a 12-month pilot of the new perk, which began this month.

What do you call the wife of an Ambassador?

In direct conversation, address an ambassador as Mr. /Madam Ambassador or Ambassador Jones. His/her spouse should be referred to as Mr. /Mrs. Jones or Ms. Smith, if the spouse is a woman who kept her maiden name after marriage.

Can two diplomats marry?

These marriages can be either between generalist FSOs and/or Foreign Service Specialists (FSS) such as diplomatic security agents. In either case, it matters a lot when each spouse joins the Foreign Service; joining at different times generally makes things easier.

What do Ambassadors wife do?

The wife of the Ambassador is the grey cardinal, in the best sense of the word. This is an influential person who works together with the Ambassador at a high diplomatic level. She has her own, feminine look, complementing the Ambassador’s vision by providing with the 360-degree overview.

Do Foreign Service officers have an expectation of privacy in China?

There’s a little Foreign Service tip for you. Beijing, China. We had an “American-style” two-story house. They’d forgotten to build a hallway upstairs, so to get to one bedroom you had to pass through another. Still, it’s not as if we had an expectation of privacy as U.S. diplomats in China.

How long does it take to become a Foreign Service officer?

Most Foreign Service officers with the Department of State begin their careers with a 2-year stint, like me, as a consular officer conducting interviews for tourist and immigrant visas. Many move on to other departments such as the economic or political sections after that initial rite of passage.

What are the perks of being a Foreign Service officer?

In addition to traveling at Uncle Sam’s expense, there are some other perks in the Foreign Service. While at post you receive a regular salary and embassy housing. The State Department picks up the tab for traveling to and from post as well as moving all your belongings.

Where can I find information about the Foreign Service officer test?

Information about test registration can be found at the website above. Preparation materials can be found on the Foreign Service website. Once you have passed the written exam you will be asked to take the Foreign Service Officer Test Information and Selection Process.