It was just about trying to spin it into an exciting adventure. And there was always a sense that our family was going on adventures together.
Layla Murphy
Student and “Third Culture Kid”For us foreign-born spouses, it is a little different than if you are just coming from the U.S. to another post. We have one advantage, and that is that we are already outside of our country…So, we are adaptable.
Jenny Kocher, AAFSW Foreign Born Spouses co-chair
In FS Clips, we interview Foreign Service family members around the world to capture stories of Foreign Service life as told by those who live it. The series differs from traditional oral histories in that these interviews feature discussions and insights on topics specific to Foreign Service life.
Some of the topics include Foreign Born Spouses, Third Culture Kids, EFM Careers, LGBQTI, and Singles in the Foreign Service, with the goal to expand and add additional topics. You can scroll down to explore the individual transcripts listed below. This oral history project is supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.
We’re all important and valuable no matter what we, what our family looks like. I think that’s very important, that to be a good employer, and to be a good agency, we have to be willing to accept that families look very different. And yet all of them add value to our community.
Naureen Nalia, Foreign Service Officer
With the right tools and the right people, anything is achievable.
Louay Azar
EFM and entrepreneurClick the links to read individual interview transcripts.
Foreign Born Spouses
Experiences of being a foreign born spouse in the Foreign Service.
Third Culture Kids
The unique benefits and challenges of raising children overseas.
Stephanie Sexton (parent)
Laurie Reed (parent)
Jennifer Linton (parent)
Virginia Blaser (parent)
Layla Murphy (student)
Isabella Lozano (student)
Group interview (TCK)
EFM Careers
Work life.
Quick links to download transcript pdfs
Foreign Born Spouses
Third Culture Kids
- Stephanie Sexton (parent)
- Laurie Reed (parent)
- Jennifer Linton (parent)
- Virginia Blaser (parent)
- Layla Murphy (student)
- Isabella Lozano (student)
EFM Careers
LGBTQI
Singles in the Foreign Service
About AAFSW
Since its founding in 1960, AAFSW has placed a strong emphasis on community. Our organization and membership have evolved through the years, but our focus on mutual support remains the same.
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