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Realities of Foreign Service Life Vol. 1

Realities of Foreign Service Life Vol. 2

Realities of Foreign Service Life, Volumes 1 and 2: Writers from the Foreign Service community share their first-hand experiences and insights through essays on Foreign Service life. A great gift for newcomers or veterans of the Foreign Service and especially useful for anyone considering a Foreign Service career! Read more about Realities of Foreign Service Life here and order your copy!

 

AAFSW Outreach

The Foreign Service Youth Foundation

The Foreign Service Youth Foundation was established in July 1989 to coordinate the efforts of all groups in the Department of State interested in assisting Foreign Service youth with their mobile lifestyle. Its primary goal is to develop programming on behalf of Foreign Service young people and to ensure funding for these projects. The Foundation grew out of the recommendations of the "Youth Project Committee" formed in January 1989 by AAFSW, the Family Liaison Office (FLO) and the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) at the Department of State.

Support and promotion of Around the World in a Lifetime (AWAL) activities are two of the major functions of FSYF. AWAL, the Foreign Service teen club established by teens and their parents in 1983 to assist youngsters with reentry, also includes training and social programs for Foreign Service teenagers going overseas. Another major function is the support and promotion of Globe Trotters, the Foreign Service pre-teen club established in 1998 to provide programs similar to AWAL for pre-teens. AAFSW continues to be closely associated with FSYF and provides grants on an a regular basis.

The "Post Toast"

AAFSW partners with FLO, FSI's Transition Center and the Foreign Service Youth Foundation to welcome new Foreign Service members and their families in a "Post Toast," celebrating the end of their official training and receipt of their first assignment after "Flag Day." The AAFSW Playgroup helps entertain children during this event so spouses can learn more about the logistics of being in the Foreign Service.

Elderhostel

AAFSW regularly contributes volunteer speakers to AFSA-hosted Elderhostel programs. These twice-yearly programs serve to educate and inform the public about the Foreign Service. Each week-long program has a geographic theme and gives participants the opportunity to visit the State Department, FSI, and an embassy relating to the theme. The programs are enthusiatically received and rewarding for all concerned. For more information about the Elderhostel programs, visit the American Foreign Service Association at www.afsa.org.

Facilitation and Consultation

AAFSW provides presenters to many of the FSI Transition Center courses aimed at providing information to both employees and family members. Notably, AAFSW provides a facilitator for the spouse-oriented portions of the Transition Center's Job Search Program ("Life After the Foreign Service") This course explores the changes that occur in the entire family's life after retiring from the Foreign Service.

Support for Foreign Service Authors

AAFSW provides support to authors in the Foreign Service. Some publications in which AAFSW has played a part include "Married to the Foreign Service: An Oral History of the American Diplomatic Spouse," "The Expert Expatriate: Your Guide to Relocation Abroad," "Foreign at Home and Away: Foreign-Born Wives in the U.S. Foreign Service," and "Realities of Foreign Service Life," among others.

For further information on AAFSW outreach programs, email office@aafsw.org.