My experience with political diplomacy
My experience with political diplomacy is based on two jobs in wildly different countries: the first was as an assistant in the...
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Feb 15, 2019
Being a political officer – what it's really like
No matter their chosen career track, all US diplomats have to complete at least one consular tour at the entry-level (in the first four...
Feb 15, 2019
Political affairs: the goals
Political officers focus on government-to-government relations, which is what you could call “traditional diplomacy”. They further policy...
Feb 15, 2019
Political affairs: the issues
Political sections in diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) work on a large number of international issues. Typical portfolios...
Feb 13, 2019
Who can be an economic officer?
In the US system, anyone can be an economic officer. You don’t need a special degree for it. Like in other career tracks in the Foreign...
Feb 13, 2019
My experience with economic diplomacy
I have some experience with economic diplomacy from when I was a political/economic assistant in the US Embassy in Montevideo for two...
Feb 13, 2019
Being an economic officer – what it's really like
No matter their chosen career track, all US diplomats have to complete at least one consular tour at the entry-level (in the first four...
Feb 13, 2019
Economic Affairs: the goals
The mains goal for economic officers are advancing their countries’ economic policy priorities, attracting foreign direct investment, and...
Feb 13, 2019
Economic Affairs: the issues
The issues economic officers work on are different in each embassy, but typical portfolios in the economic section include macro-economic...
Feb 13, 2019
DIPLOMACY 101: Economic Affairs
Diplomats in the US Foreign Service work in one of five career tracks. Even though they’re called generalists—which means they can work...
Feb 5, 2019
What you should REALLY read to pass Foreign Service exams
It’s a common question by FS-wannabes: what should I read to prepare for the Foreign Service exams (the FSOT and the FSOA)? In my...
Jan 18, 2019
Carpet shopping insights
How do you buy a beautiful oriental carpet for a great price? That’s the question most diplomats have when they’re posted anywhere...
Jan 8, 2019
Foreign Service exam advice: for college students
I recently got a question from a student about how to join the Foreign Service. It inspired me to look at the application process from...
Dec 29, 2018
Yerevan Night Life
I just realized I enjoy clubbing more now than I have for a long time. It’s almost like when I was in my early twenties, when I’d just...
Dec 16, 2018
The Soviet Legacy In Armenia
What is it like to live in a country that was once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)? Armenia is my first experience...
Nov 30, 2018
10 Months Vegan — Q&A
Yup, still vegan! Here’s an overview of the most common questions I get: Is it hard to be a vegan living abroad (in the Foreign Service)?...
Nov 23, 2018
R&R: how to relax on vacation with kids?
In the diplomatic world R&R stands for “relax & relaxation.” The term is borrowed from the military and is used to talk about our annual...
Nov 20, 2018
Driving in Crazyland
I’m not a good driver. I’m nervous, inexperienced, and I have no sense of direction. That’s why I avoid driving whenever possible. Every...
Nov 12, 2018
Glamour at last: Marine Ball
Ah, the Marine Ball. Every year embassy employees get the opportunity to dress up and celebrate the US Marine Corps with a ceremony,...
Oct 28, 2018
7 Luxuries I get for being an expat
Many diplomats are quick to point out that their lifestyles aren’t as glamorous as they sound. They much rather talk about the downsides...
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