5 PROs & CONs of living in Yerevan, Armenia
It’s no secret that I love living in Armenia. Wonderful people, interesting history, fresh food, low prices, sunny weather, and the...
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Sep 21, 2018
7 Expat/International Affairs Volunteer Jobs I Tried
Volunteering is an integral part of expat life. Expats often have opportunities to help the local population because they have knowledge,...
Sep 15, 2018
Security clearance statistics for the Foreign Service
As I'm writing this post, I’ve been waiting for a security clearance determination for 18 months. From the day I passed the Foreign...
Sep 8, 2018
Exploring Armenia (with kids) – Part 3
ARENI CAVE My first trip to Areni was mostly focused on wine tasting and pottery baking (in Sisian). This time I went to Areni, which is...
Sep 4, 2018
Dilemma: How To Find Good Food
One tricky thing about being an expat is adjusting to new food every time you move. It might not be the most serious or emotional part of...
Aug 27, 2018
Dilemma: Learn the Local Language?
I always argue in favor of learning the local language if you’re going to live somewhere new—especially if you’re going to be there for...
Aug 19, 2018
Bidding as a tandem couple I: factors to consider
For most diplomats, the summer is “bidding season,” which means applying for new assignments. FSOs typically bid one year out, every two...
Aug 11, 2018
Choosing & changing career tracks
Once you’ve decided to (try to) become a diplomat—a generalist Foreign Service Officer for the US Department of State—the first thing you...
Aug 4, 2018
Exploring Armenia (with kids) – Part 2
It’s been almost a year since we moved to Armenia, so it’s time for a second installment of Exploring Armenia (with kids). In Part I, I...
Jul 30, 2018
Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant Guide Yerevan
There are 646 restaurants in Yerevan, according to Tripadvisor, which is a lot more than there used to be half a decade ago. So far, I’ve...
Jul 22, 2018
6 Ways to escape the expat bubble
For diplomats and other embassy employees it’s easy to be totally consumed with work. There is always something important going on, and...
Jul 7, 2018
Complete Basic Armenian Wine Guide
Did you know that Armenia produces more and better wines every year? Finding a nice, even excellent, wine here is pretty easy now. Many...
Jun 25, 2018
Security clearance: why it takes so long for Foreign Service Officers
Joining the Foreign Service is a long process – it takes a good deal of studying, planning and waiting to pass all of the entry exams...
Jun 19, 2018
12 Ways to Work at the US Embassy
Jobs at the US embassy are not just reserved for diplomats (I mean FSO generalists) – the majority of employees in embassies are actually...
Jun 12, 2018
Where Does A Girl Go Shopping In Yerevan?
Let’s face it: I like shopping, and living abroad only makes hunting for treasures more fun. I’m talking about clothing, shoes, and...
Jun 8, 2018
DIPLOMACY 101: Consular Affairs
Diplomats in the US Foreign Service work in one of five career tracks. Even though they are called "generalists", which means they can...
Jun 7, 2018
DIPLOMACY 101: Political Affairs
Diplomats in the US Foreign Service work in one of five career tracks. Even though they are called "generalists", which means they can...
Jun 4, 2018
26 Criticisms Diplomats Get From Family & Friends
Living and working abroad is amazing in a lot of ways, most of the time. There are certainly challenges, but the opportunities, in my...
May 30, 2018
The 2018 Revolution in Armenia
In case you missed it, a “velvet revolution” just took place here in Armenia. I’m not sure if “revolution” is the right term for what...
May 29, 2018
20 Yerevan activities with small kids
Since I arrived in Armenia last year, I’ve been a much happier mom. I feel more accepted here when I’m out and about with my kids than...
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