Careers in the Foreign Service Info Packet Fall 2010

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Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process 2010-2011

Privacy Act Statement Authority: Section 301 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, 22 U.S.C. s3941.

Purpose: Information is being collected on this form to determine your eligibility to take the Foreign Service Officer Test, to register you for the Foreign Service Officer Test, to assess your qualifications for selection as a Foreign Service Officer, and to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

Routine Uses: The information on this form may be used to prepare statistical reports and analyses at the Department of State. Such reports and analyses are prepared in such a way that data is not identifiable with an individual, and may be shared outside the Department of State.

This information may also be made available to other federal agencies for authorized law enforcement or administrative purposes or in response to a request for information about hiring or retention of an employee, or to Members of Congress in response to an inquiry on behalf of the applicant.

Your Social Security number is used as your applicant identification number. Executive Order 9397 authorizes solicitation of your Social Security number for use as an identifier in personnel records management, thus ensuring proper identification of candidates throughout the selection and employment process. Furnishing your Social Security number, as well as other information requested on the form, is voluntary, but failure to do so may prevent timely processing of your application or may prevent us from registering you for the Foreign Service Officer Test.

Paperwork Reduction Act Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average forty minutes per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, please send them to: U.S. Department of State, A/ISS/DIR, 1800 G St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20520.

Disclaimer While attempts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, should any discrepancies occur between the information here and the information on careers.state.gov, please assume that the website has the most accurate, most up-to-date information. The website was updated in November 2009.

Registering for the Test All registrations for the Foreign Service Officer Test must be completed online. The registration package consists of an application form that gathers factual information about your academic background, work history, and other relevant data. The link to online registration is available at careers.state.gov. The registration process begins the process for entry-level Foreign Service Officer positions in the U.S. Department of State.

For each Foreign Service Officer Test window, registration package must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the opening of the window (earlier for overseas).

Test windows will occur in February, June and October in 2010 and three times in 2011.

For exact dates of each test window, visit our website: careers.state.gov

To obtain additional copies of the 2010 Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process, write to:

Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) U.S. Department of State Examination Division 2401 E Street, NW, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20522-0151 The most up-to-date version of the guide may also be downloaded at our website, careers.state.gov. As all registrations for the test must now be completed online, there is no longer a printed version of the application.

Important Information: (1) Registration for the Foreign Service Officer Test will be open on a continuous basis.

(2) The Foreign Service Officer Test will be offered in three eight-day test windows in 2010 and 2011.

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Contents Important Registration Information Section I The Foreign Service of the United States Selection Process Time Frame What Does a Foreign Service Officer Do? Career Track Choices Prerequisites for Performing Well in Any Career Track

Section II The Foreign Service Officer Selection Process Qualifying for Appointment to the Foreign Service Officer Program The Five-Step Selection Process Testing of Individuals with Disabilities The Path to Appointment

Section III Registering for the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Test Center Admission and Regulations Reporting Results

Section IV Frequently Asked Questions Preparing for the FSOT The 13 Dimensions

Section V Sample Test Questions Sample Essay Topics

Testing Window Dates: February, June and October, 2010 and three times in 2011

The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disabling condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Department provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

Foreign Service Officer Selection Process Registration Timelines:  Register on-line any time.  See careers.state.gov for deadlines to register and to schedule a seat for specific test windows. Note that deadlines are slightly earlier for international than for domestic test sites.  Test center seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis by career track and date of registration; seats may be limited.

Eligibility Requirements to Take the Test:  Applicants must be citizens of the United States.  Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the day they submit their registration package. They must be at least 21 years of age to be appointed as a Foreign Service Officer.

Applicants must be no older than 59 on the date they submit their registration package. Appointment as a Foreign Ser vice Officer must occur before an applicant reaches the age of 60.  Applicants must be available for worldwide assignment.  No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the For eign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.  No specific educational level or proficiency in a foreign language is required for applicants.

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Registering for the Test All registrations for the Foreign Service Officer Test must be completed online. The registration package consists of an application form that gathers factual information about your academic background, work history, and other relevant data. The link to online registration is available at careers.state.gov. The registration process begins the process for entry-level Foreign Service Officer positions in the U.S. Department of State.

For each Foreign Service Officer Test window, the registration package must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the opening of the window.

Test windows will occur in February, June and October in 2010 and three times in 2011. For exact dates of each test window, visit our website: careers.state.gov To obtain additional copies of the 2010 Guide to the Foreign Service Officer Selection Process, write to: Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) U.S. Department of State

Examination Division

2401 E Street N.W.—5th Floor

Washington, DC 20522-0151

The most up-to-date version of the guide may also be downloaded at our website, careers.state.gov. As all registrations for the test must now be completed online, there is no longer a printed version of the application.

Important Information (1) Registration for the Foreign Service Officer Test is open on a continuous basis.

(2) The Foreign Service Officer Test will be offered in three eight-day test windows in 2010 and 2011.

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IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The Foreign Service Officer Selection Process in 2010 and 2011 The computer-based Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) will be offered in in February, June and October in 2010 and three times in 2011. Each test window is about eight days in length, with multiple testing times within it. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may take the FSOT, but the test can be taken only once in an 11-month period. The FSOT is only given on the computer. There is no longer a paper version.

Registration Applicants register on-line by completing an application form at careers.state.gov. Registrants must submit their applications before they can reserve a test date at a test center. Test seats may be limited during each test window and invitations to reserve seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis within each career track according to when applications are received. Registrants must have e-mail addresses to use throughout the selection process and must ensure their spam filters accept e-mails from ACT, the testing firm that prepares and administers the test for the Department of State. Those planning to request reasonable accommodation should register at least four weeks before the requested test date. Every effort will be made to approve and arrange the requested accommodation by the test date. In order to meet certain requests, there may be a delay, but it should not be greater than one test cycle. Applicants should print or make a copy of their applications before submitting them as they will not be able to access this information again during the selection process.

A registration remains active until an applicant takes the FSOT or up to a maximum of 12 months from the date of submission, whichever comes first. If an applicant does not schedule a test date and does not take the test, or is not selected to schedule a test date within that period, the applicant must wait 11 months from the date of the original registration submission and then submit a new registration.

Career Track Registrants should fully educate themselves about the five Foreign Service career tracks: Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy. Descriptions of the career tracks are contained in this guide and at our website, careers.state.gov. Applicants will be required to select their career track when registering for the exam. Applicants will NOT have the opportunity to change career tracks after submitting their on-line registrations, so careful thought should be given to making this decision.

E-mail Invitation to Schedule FSOT Appointment Once seats are available for a test window, applicants are notified by e-mail with instructions for scheduling test seat appointments. The seat scheduling window may vary by career track based on anticipated hiring needs. Applicants have a one-week window to schedule the test date and time. Upon scheduling the FSOT, the applicant receives an e-mail confirmation of the appointment date and time. The applicant must print this e-mail notification and bring it to the 3

test center on the scheduled test date.

Foreign Service Officer Test Applicants must appear at their selected test centers to take the Foreign Service Officer Test and must bring a copy of their e-mail notifications confirming their test date, time and location and a valid (not expired) U.S. government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Test center supervisors are authorized to refuse admittance to applicants whose identities cannot be positively established. No other items are allowed in the test area. Applicants are assessed a fee of $50.00 if they do not attend and fail to cancel their seats at least 48 hours before the test date. Applicants are asked to provide credit card information when they register for the no-show fee collection. An applicant cannot reserve a seat for a future test date until the no-show fee has been paid.

Notification of Results Once the FSOT has been scored, candidates are informed by e-mail to check whether they passed the FSOT and will continue on to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) or whether their overall score on the FSOT was not high enough to allow their candidacies to continue.

Candidates use their personal login IDs and passwords chosen by them at registration to retrieve on-line the results of the selection process at all stages and are responsible for remembering this ID and password. Candidates receive an e-mail with directions for downloading the results letter. Candidates who change or expect to change their e-mail addresses should see page 27.

Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) FSOT results, the work and education portions of the application and the personal narratives are sent to a Qualifications Evaluation Panel for review. The panel evaluates those candidates’ files; only the most qualified are invited to the Oral Assessment.

Personal Narratives Those who continue on to the QEP are asked to submit on-line responses to five personal narrative questions. Candidates must notify ACT of any change of e-mail addresses so they can receive the invitation to submit these responses in a timely manner. The firm deadline for completing the narratives is three weeks from the date the results e-mails are sent by ACT. Candidates who may not be available to submit their narratives during this window should consider delaying their FSOT. A candidacy cannot go forward without these narratives. There is no grace period for late submissions. If the narratives are not received by the deadline, the candidacy is terminated and candidates have to wait approximately a year from the date of their qualifying FSOT to retake it.

Super Critical Needs Language (SCNL) Testing Candidates who indicate in their applications knowledge of Arabic (Modern Standard, Egyptian and Iraqi), Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, Farsi, Hindi, or Urdu at a limited working level or better will be invited to a telephone language test. Instructions on how to arrange the test are sent by e -mail approximately three weeks after the end of the FSOT testing period. For more information and a self-assessment tool, candidates can visit www.govtilr.org and click on ―Speaking‖ 4

under the skill level descriptions. Candidates who pass all phases of the Foreign Service Officer selection process and a SCNL test may elect to add SCNL bonus points to their score on the hiring register. Receiving SCNL bonus points on the hiring register means serving in a country where that language is spoken at least twice in a career: once during one of the first two tours and again after reaching the mid-levels of the Foreign Service.

Timeline

Activity

For 2010-2011 test dates

On-line registrations accepted at ACT.

Continuous registration.

Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) seat scheduling.

FSOT seat appointments will be offered approximately 4-5 weeks before the test period begins, on a first-come, first-served basis according to career track and the date the registration was submitted.

FSOT administered.

Eight-day windows 3 times per year; check careers.state.gov for test schedule.

FSOT results letters ready for downloading.

Approximately 3 weeks after the FSOT administration.

Super Critical Needs Languages Testing

Invitations issued about 3 weeks after FSOT administration. Testing window closes before QEP.

Completion of personal narratives.

Due within 3 weeks of FSOT results notice.

QEP results letters ready and oral assessment schedule website opens.

Approximately 14-18 weeks after FSOT.

Oral assessments begin.

Approximately 21-25 weeks after FSOT.

The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disabling condition, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Department provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

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Section I The Foreign Service of the United States A career in the Foreign Service can offer excitement, challenge and the satisfaction of serving your country. The Foreign Service is first and foremost a diverse corps of working professionals who are dedicated to representing America’s interests and responding to the needs of American citizens in other countries.

If you are a U.S. citizen who cares about your country and its leadership in the international arena and who is talented enough and tough enough to get the job done, consider a career in the Foreign Service. The world has gone through many dramatic changes recently and the career diplomats of the Foreign Service have been in the forefront of those changes.

A Foreign Service career is more than just a job. It is a way to serve your country and reach your professional goals. While the Foreign Service requires uncommon commitment and sometimes involves hardships, it also offers unique rewards and opportunities.

Diplomacy is America’s first line of defense. Sustained military strength and flexibility are necessary to assure national security, but the conduct of U.S. relations with the nations of the world through an effective international presence and discerning diplomatic leadership is what makes the United States a force for peace. The diplomatic investments we make now to prevent conflict, promote democracy, protect the environment, and increase trade can decrease the possibility of much more costly conflicts later and help ensure the prosperity and well-being of the American people.

Global Challenges of the New Diplomacy The challenges to today’s Foreign Service extend well beyond the confines of traditional diplomacy. There are many issues of critical importance to our nation’s foreign policy: strengthening democratization and human rights around the world, halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, enhancing peacekeeping capabilities, dealing more effectively with global environmental problems, addressing global population, refugee and migration issues, fighting international crime and terrorism, dealing with ethnic and religious affairs, and penetrating new markets for American business.

To deal effectively in the foreign affairs environment of the twenty-first century, the Foreign Service must develop additional skills and greater knowledge in areas such as administration and management, economics, trade, science, technology and the environment.

The Lifestyle A career in the Foreign Service offers the pride and satisfaction that come from representing the United States and protecting American interests abroad. It can also involve uncommon hardships. Many overseas posts are in small or remote countries where harsh climates, health hazards, and various discomforts exist and where American-style amenities and internet access 6

may be unavailable. To succeed in the Foreign Service, one must be strongly motivated, enjoy challenges, and possess an ardent dedication to public service. The search for extraordinary women and men to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive.

The First Step Those interested in taking the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) must complete an on-line application form. The registration package can be accessed and completed on our website, careers.state.gov. Applicants are informed by e-mail when they may schedule a seat for the FSOT, approximately 5 weeks before the next test window. The FSOT is offered three times per year during eight-day windows at numerous locations in the United States and abroad.

Seats during each test window are limited, with seat allocation determined on a first-come, firstserved basis within each career track according to when the registration package was submitted.

The seat scheduling window may vary by career track based on anticipated hiring needs.

Employment Time Frame Application to become a Foreign Service Officer begins with registration. After the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), the process can be as short as six months or as long as two years, but will typically fall between those extremes. Applicants who pass the FSOT and who are successful during the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) review must then successfully complete an all-day oral assessment process, undergo a background investigation, receive a medical clearance for service worldwide and pass the final suitability review, all described in this guide. The Foreign Service Officer Selection Process is a multi-phase process and one that requires a unique commitment from the candidate.

What Does a Foreign Service Officer Do? Foreign Service Officers, or U.S. diplomats, are the front-line professionals representing the Department of State at all U.S. embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions. They can be sent anywhere in the world, at any time, to serve the diplomatic needs of the United States.

With representation in over 160 countries, the Department of State offers Foreign Service Officers unparalleled opportunities to serve their country, overseas and in the United States.

The Department of State faces a growing and complex web of international challenges. Among the transnational issues that are priorities are counterterrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, trade, technology, and science, including the global fight against diseases such as AIDS and efforts to save the environment. The Department therefore seeks not only candidates interested in political science and international relations but also candidates with training and experience in economic policy issues, media relations, administration and management of programs, infrastructure, budgets, and human resources.

The Department of State requires that applicants select a functional area of specialization, or ―career track,‖ when registering to take the Foreign Service Officer Test. The five Foreign Service career tracks are: Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy. The choice of a career track is the first important decision potential Foreign Service Officers must 7

make. Prospective candidates are urged to read carefully the following descriptions of the five career tracks, as well as the comprehensive information available at careers.state.gov. Prospective candidates are urged to read carefully the following descriptions of the five career tracks, as well as the comprehensive supplemental information available at careers.state.gov. Once registrants have selected a career track during the registration process, they will not be able to change it.

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CAREER TRACK CHOICES Consular You are escorting an American woman who has come to retrieve her two children, abducted by their father from the United States. She has received permission from the local court to take the children home, but you are concerned she may encounter problems. She and the children are stopped by local officers who place her under arrest for kidnapping. Through the police you discover that the father has obtained a stop order from a local prosecutor and you quickly call your contacts in the Ministry of Justice to intercede for the American mother. Awaiting a reply at the airport police station, you see the father arrive to receive the children. You ask the police to intervene but they refuse. The Ministry of Justice finally responds, ordering the mother’s release and giving her temporary custody of the children. She and the children leave without further incident and the matter is later resolved through the courts.

You will face many situations in your career as a consular officer requiring quick thinking under stress. You develop and use a wide range of skills, from managing resources and conducting public outreach to assisting Americans in distress. You are also the front line of defense in protecting U.S. borders from foreigners who seek to break U.S. immigration laws.

As a an entry-level officer, you will probably supervise several locally-hired employees as you manage the crucial work of adjudicating visas to determine who may enter the United States.

You will assist American citizens in living or visiting overseas who find themselves in emergency situations involving arrests, hospitalization and major accidents, or who have routine U.S. government matters to complete, such as reports of birth, passport applications and notarial services. You will respond to inquiries from a range of sources including attorneys, congressional offices, business contacts and host government officials. You will also work to combat consular fraud. Your diplomatic skills will be finely honed as you will be the first and, in many cases, the only contact many people have with the U.S. embassy or consulate.

As a mid-level officer, you will manage a small consular section or part of a large one, such as the American Citizen Services (ACS), anti-fraud, or visa unit. You will probably supervise American entry-level officers and Foreign Service National employees (FSNs). You will have the opportunity to make complex decisions regarding visas and services for American citizens and show your resourcefulness in resolving challenging management issues involving workflow and human resources. If you work in the Consular Affairs Bureau in Washington, you will support consular officers in the field on visa, ACS, fraud and management issues.

As a senior officer, you may manage a large consular section, supervise a number of American officers and local staff members and be part of the embassy’s senior management. You might also be an office director or part of the senior staff within the Consular Affairs Bureau in Washington, which advises on all consular matters. In addition, you will engage in a variety of public outreach functions, such as speaking to the press or to American organizations. As with senior officers in other career tracks, you may be a Deputy Chief of Mission or Ambassador, or a Principal Officer at a large U.S. consulate.

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Economic You are helping to negotiate a new ―Open Skies‖ civil aviation treaty with a major European country that is a popular tourist destination for thousands of Americans. Your efforts will bring potentially millions of dollars of new business to U.S. airlines every week, lower prices for passengers and result in more flights from which to choose. Even better, you soon see the results of your efforts as the U.S. airlines launch advertising campaigns for the upcoming tourist season.

As an economic officer, you use economic analysis skills to develop expert knowledge of the economic policy issues facing the U.S. abroad and to advance U.S. economic and commercial interests. You build wide contact networks in host countries to gain information on local developments and report and provide advice on these matters to Washington policy makers. You also advocate for U.S. interests both in bilateral and multilateral fora. American companies having interests in the host country may look to you for accurate information and help. You seek a level playing field for these companies, arguing against unfair barriers to trade. You also identify opportunities for U.S. exports and provide this information to the U.S. Department of Commerce and others. In Washington, you work with other agencies and organizations in and outside of government, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the IMF and the World Bank.

You may also work on related issues such as the environment, science and technology, and health.

As an entry-level officer, you will work in a section under the direction of a more experienced officer. You will develop a network of contacts in the host government and local business community so as to keep informed on local developments. You will prepare economic analyses and may recommend strategies for implementation of U.S. policies. At a small post, you may supervise one or two locally-hired employees who work on trade issues and manage a small commercial library.

As a mid-level officer, you may be chief of a small economic affairs section, supervising local staff and one or two entry-level officers. You may brief the Ambassador and visiting dignitaries and business people on local conditions and issues that affect U.S. policy and support the visits of U.S. officials on these matters. You will report or supervise economic reporting to Washington. As instructed, you will seek to persuade the host government to support U.S. policies on a range of economic and commercial issues.

As a senior officer, you may have major responsibility for developing and implementing U.S. policy on bilateral and multilateral economic and trade issues, including debt relief, free trade, international finance and development assistance. From a Washington assignment, you will likely travel as the USG negotiator of bilateral or multilateral treaties on issues such as aviation, environment, or investment. You will have opportunities to be an office director, supervising a large number of officers. At our embassies, you may manage a large economic section, advising the Ambassador on the full range of economic issues. You will make numerous demarches to the host government and meet with host government officials at the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Economy, Communications, Transportation, Environment, Labor, as well as the Central Bank, Civil Aviation Authority, or Chambers of Commerce.

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Management You are negotiating with a landlord the lease of a multi-million dollar embassy annex when you receive a call from your assistant. The Ambassador has asked you to participate in a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss street closures and building permits. You are then to lead a meeting of local staff to discuss changes to their health and retirement benefits, followed by a budget briefing for another agency and an evening event at the local international school.

As a management officer, you need the same skills as good managers in multinational corporations, but you employ those skills in different settings, often difficult and always challenging.

You and your team are responsible for developing, maintaining and improving a full range of management services to support our nation’s goals in your country of assignment. You and your team negotiate with local and American businesses to procure equipment, supplies and services; recruit and hire local staff; coordinate information technology systems; and manage budgets to ensure funding is available for embassy priorities. Your work affects not just the State Department but all U.S. Government agencies operating at our diplomatic and consular posts abroad.

As an entry-level officer, ―management by walking around‖ is a key part of your success, and there are often opportunities for innovative approaches and teambuilding. You may run a unit within the management section of a large embassy, or you may be the sole management officer at a small post. You learn the inner workings of the embassy. Your customers, from the Ambassador to every local and American staff member (and their families), know you as a planner and problem-solver. Working closely with your staff, you have broad contacts with hostcountry officials and local business people. You hone your foreign language capabilities, test your negotiating skills and learn what works in the host country’s culture and what doesn’t.

You supervise more employees than your peers and have autonomy to resolve problems.

As a mid-level officer, you will run a management section for a medium-size embassy or consulate, or perhaps supervise a human resources or other major unit at a large embassy, supporting up to 1,000 employees. You may develop and manage multi-million dollar budgets, lease and maintain over 200 government-owned and short-term leased residences and office buildings and provide the logistical platform to support dozens of high level visits. As head of a management section, you negotiate with host government authorities over diplomatic privileges and immunities, applications of tax reciprocity laws and family member employment. Your ability to lead and inspire teams and employ best practices has a direct impact on the success of the mission.

As with other senior officers, you may be a Deputy Chief of Mission, an Ambassador, or a Principal Officer at a large consulate, or you may be a management counselor at one of our largest posts. In a Washington assignment, you may be an office director, Executive Director, or Deputy Assistant Secretary, directing resources to support the work of posts throughout a region, managing the Department’s global logistics or building programs, or coordinating recruitment, training, or assignments of Foreign Service personnel.

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Political It is late on election night, but as the embassy’s sole political officer you are in close touch with your media and host-country contacts, waiting for the final results for an urgent report to Washington. You have on hand biographies of host-country figures who could be elected to the new government. For weeks you have analyzed their positions on issues vital to the United States and consulted your contacts about the implications of the possible outcomes. In short, you know what you will write; you just need to know who won. You consider phoning a good contact on the local election committee for his inside view, but do not want anyone to think that you were involved in any way in the polling. Just then, the results are announced and you quickly draft your report for the Ambassador’s approval.

As a political officer, you often work behind the scenes to analyze and report on local issues and events. You have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to convey clearly, concisely and persuasively often complex messages. In-depth knowledge of local culture and history helps you understand events and tailor the U.S. message most effectively. You draw on that knowledge to advise U.S. policy makers of local views and their implications. You use foreign language and interpersonal skills to develop contacts for information exchange and promote U.S. positions.

At the entry level, you will likely have your own portfolio, probably focusing on one segment of society, an issue (e.g., religion), or a geographic region. You will make contacts with leaders and officials at the appropriate level in the major political parties and government ministries.

You may supervise a locally-hired political specialist who has developed contacts in important segments of society and who advises you on local politics and society. You will follow local publications and accompany senior officers on calls, taking notes and reporting on the meetings.

As a mid-level officer, you will serve as political section head at a small-to-medium size post where you will advise the Ambassador, and maintain contacts with political, labor, military and other figures at various levels of government and society. You will supervise entry-level officers and locally-hired political specialists. You will monitor, analyze and report on key issues; present demarches to the host government; explain U.S. positions to other diplomats; and gather information. When Washington officials visit, you will arrange schedules that meet policy objectives and accompany them to take notes. You may serve at the U.S. mission to an international organization where you will represent U.S. interests, coordinate responses to particular issues and work with the organization’s staff. You will gather information for Washington delegations to high-level or technical meetings.

As a senior officer, you may manage a large political section and supervise a number of officers. You will advise the Ambassador and present demarches to the host government. You meet regularly with political and social leaders and perhaps give speeches explaining U.S. positions on a variety of issues. If assigned to Washington, you will likely direct an office or be an advisor to a senior Department official. You may head delegations to meetings abroad, both bilateral and multilateral. You will be responsible for drafting policy documents and statements for senior Department officials and for use by embassies abroad.

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Public Diplomacy The front pages of the local morning newspapers prominently accuse the U.S. government of ―environmental terrorism,‖ claiming U.S. involvement in a toxic waste dump north of the capital. You alert the Ambassador to the story and then, with the help of your locally-hired assistant, weigh its implications. You consult on the facts with the embassy’s economic officer and learn that an American company did play a role in the matter, but the Federal government did not. By mid-morning, you have edited the economic counselor’s draft press statement to ensure the facts are clear. By noon, you have distributed it to local media and granted radio interviews in the local language. Although some damage has been done to the U.S. image, you and your team have corrected misperceptions of American responsibility.

The work of a public diplomacy officer involves a high degree of outside contact work, dealing with the independent media, ministries of information, universities, cultural and arts institutions, libraries, think tanks and non-governmental organizations. You are the ―face‖ of the U.S. embassy, maintaining contacts with key people who influence public opinion. You and your embassy colleagues identify key people and institutions where a special effort is vital to achieve mutual understanding. You depict U.S. views and policies accurately and track local editorial and public opinion, detecting shifts that can affect U.S. interests. You need excellent communication and language skills, a strong sense of cultural and other nuances that affect how the U.S. message is received, and management skills for handling cultural education exchanges and other programs.

As an entry-level officer, you will be assigned as assistant cultural or information officer. You may coordinate exchange programs that send selected individuals to the United States on factfinding tours, oversee the website and use of other new technologies, or serve on a local Fulbright selection board monitoring the travel and professional programs of grantees, both in your host country and in the United States. As an information officer, you would be a contact for local and international reporters, editors and broadcasters, who seek up-to-date and accurate facts on U.S. policy or assistance with the methodology of fair reporting. Through your work in bolstering the media sector, you promote the U.S. core values of free speech and transparency.

As a mid-level officer, you may manage the staff of a cultural or information section of a U.S. embassy, overseeing the budget, programming exchange opportunities and organizing focused programs and discussion groups with local audiences on topics of mutual interest. You may also be responsible for an information resource center or language institute. A mid-level officer often sits on Fulbright boards or chairs a Fulbright commission. On the information side, you would handle inquiries from local and international media. At a small post, you may be doing all of the above.

As a senior officer, you may manage regional or global exchange programs from Washington, or represent an embassy overseas as its spokesperson and as manager of its culture and media programs. You may be responsible for significant budget and staff resources and usually are responsible for country-wide programs. You advise the Ambassador and other senior colleagues about the media, cultural and educational climate of the country.

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PREREQUISITES FOR PERFORMING WELL IN ANY CAREER TRACK

A job analysis of the Foreign Service Officer position conducted in 1997 identified certain knowledge, skills and abilities that prospective Foreign Service Officers should possess prior to entry into the Foreign Service.

Knowledge of the following areas was identified as essential for success across all five career tracks (Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy): proper English usage; U.S. society, culture, economy, history, government, political systems and the Constitution; world history and geography; and world political and social issues. In addition, all Foreign Service Officers should have a general understanding of basic mathematics and statistics, computer usage, principles of management, interpersonal communication and basic economic principles.

The 1997 job analysis also indicated that greater or more in-depth knowledge is needed in some areas, depending on the career track. In-depth knowledge may be required in the following areas: U.S. and international political and economic principles, issues and history; U.S. government and non-governmental agencies and organizations and their interactions with the Department of State; U.S. diplomacy, democratic philosophy and educational practices; U.S. policy issues and public and foreign policy formulation; legislation and laws related to Foreign Service issues; international economics, finance and commerce; administrative methods and procedures; interpersonal communication and behavior; and information and media resources.

The 2006-2007 update of the 1997 job analysis reaffirms that the following skills and abilities are important in the work of a Foreign Service Officer across all career tracks: strong interpersonal and communication skills; adaptability and stress tolerance; good problem-solving and decision-making skills; integrity and dependability; ability to plan and set priorities; and initiative and leadership See pages 28 and 29 for more information on these prerequisites.

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Section II

The Foreign Service Selection Process Qualifying for Appointment to the Foreign Service Officer Program While not a prerequisite, most successful FSO candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree. In recent years, many candidates have also had advanced degrees in international relations, economics, business administration, law, journalism, or other areas. Many also had work experience in various fields before their appointment and have worked, attended school, or traveled overseas. Please see page 1 of this guide for a list of eligibility requirements.

1. Registration To register for the FSOT, applicants first complete an on-line application form that asks them to provide basic factual information about their education and work histories. The complete application form must be submitted before the registrant is invited to select a test seat appointment at a test center. ACT will inform candidates by e-mail if they may schedule a seat for an upcoming test window. The registration package takes approximately forty minutes to complete. ACT will automatically send an e-mail confirming successful registration.

2. FSOT The FSOT is administered at hundreds of commercial test centers throughout the United States and at locations abroad. The test lasts approximately three hours and draws upon a candidate’s writing skills, general background, experience and education, and measures knowledge of English expression and other subjects basic to the functions of Foreign Service Officers. The test includes three multiple-choice sections—general job knowledge, English expression and a biographic information section that measures skills and abilities such as integrity, problem-solving and cultural sensitivity—and at least one 30-minute written essay. Seats for each FSOT administration are limited. E-mail invitations to schedule a seat appointment at a test center are sent approximately five-to-six weeks before the test period by career track on a first-come, firstserved basis according to when registrants submit their complete registration package.

The Test Day: Registrants must report to their assigned test center no later than the start time shown in their confirmation notification e-mail. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Registrants will be assessed a no-show fee of $50.00 for failure to cancel the seat at least 48 hours before the test date or for failure to appear for the test. A registrant cannot reserve a seat for a future test date until the no-show fee has been paid.

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Examination Content: The FSO Test consists of the following components: Job Knowledge Test: The job-related knowledge test measures the candidate’s depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects identified in the 1997 job analysis as important for performing the tasks required of Foreign Service Officers. Topics covered appear later in this guide.

English Expression and Usage Test: This test measures knowledge of correct grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation and organization required for written reports and for editing the written work of others. The test includes questions in each of these areas. Sample questions appear later in this guide.

Biographic Information: The biographic information section provides an assessment of candidates’ prior work, education and job-relevant life experiences, highlighting attributes such as the way they resolve conflicts, interact with others, adapt to other cultures and set priorities. The questionnaire does not penalize candidates who have not gone to college, who have no previous work experience, or who have varied patterns of education and experience. Rather, it credits candidates for what they have achieved relative to the opportunities they have had.

Essay: Candidates draft one or two essays on a computer on assigned topics. The essays are evaluated on the quality of writing, including development of ideas, structure, clear language and the standard use of conventions—not on what opinions are expressed.

See Section V of this guide for sample questions.

Performance on the FSOT is based on scored items only. In each section of the test, there are a small number of unscored items that are included for research purposes. Since these items are indistinguishable from those that are scored, it is important that examinees answer all the items in each section of the test to the best of their ability.

A minimum score for the multiple choice sections of the FSOT is established for eligibility for essays to be scored. Candidates who obtain this minimum score on the multiple choice sections of the FSOT have their essays graded. Candidates who have achieved the minimum score on both the multiple choice and essay tests receive instructions for completing personal narratives, which must be submitted prior to the deadline in order to advance to the QEP stage of the selection process. Those candidates whose scores do not reach the minimum are notified by e-mail that their candidacies end at this stage.

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Candidates who pass the FSOT and have indicated knowledge at FSI level 2 or better of one or more of six super critical needs languages (SCNL) are invited to schedule a telephone test in that language with the Department of State’s FSI Language Testing Unit. Please see page 4-5 for more information. Candidates who pass the FSOA may test in critical needs languages (CNL) and other languages to boost their scores on the hiring register. Note that boosting a score with a SCNL or CNL language bonus obligates those who are hired to serve in a country where that language is spoken at least twice in a career. Candidates must confirm by e-mail when they are put on the hiring register that they understand this obligation. There is more information on this obligation and bonus points at careers.state.gov.

3. Personal Narratives Candidates whose FSOT scores reach or exceed the minimum passing score then have three weeks to write personal narratives consisting of five short essays about the skills, knowledge and abilities they would bring to the Foreign Service. The questions seek a great deal of information in a limited space (200 words per question). Applicants should highlight their most salient qualifications. For example, recent graduates with little work experience would likely focus on academic and volunteer experience; candidates who have been in the work force for a number of years would likely focus on jobs and associated responsibilities. Candidates should think broadly about their personal, educational and professional experience, including paid and volunteer work experience, educational achievements, training, awards, hobbies, sports and travel.

Candidates are also asked to provide references who can verify the information provided. All information is subject to verification and factual misrepresentation may be grounds for terminating a candidacy.

4. Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) The QEP reviews the work and education portions of the application form, the personal narratives and the FSOT/essay results to select those candidates qualified to be invited to the Oral Assessment. All applicants who reach this stage receive an electronic letter from ACT once the QEP review is complete, inviting them to the Oral Assessment or ending their candidacies.

5. Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA) The invitation to the full-day oral assessment process is based on anticipated hiring needs and budget. Assessments are conducted in Washington, D.C. and in a limited number of other major cities in the United States. Travel to the oral assessment site is at the candidate’s expense.

All candidates should pay careful attention to the instructions in the results letter concerning completing an SF-86 (also referred to as e-QIP) to apply for a security clearance.

The assessment center exercises are based on the 13 dimensions identified as essential elements of Foreign Service jobs. See page 29 for the definitions of the dimensions. The oral assessment tests the abilities and personal characteristics considered necessary to perform that work. All candidates are advised at the end of the assessment day if they are eligible to continue their candidacy. For more information and a sample of the oral assessment, go to careers.state.gov.

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

Request for Re-Scoring Test Record

The Department of State and ACT, Inc. maintain a variety of quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of scores and score reporting. However, candidates who think a scoring error has occurred may submit a written request for re-scoring. The test record for all three multiplechoice sections will be re-scored by hand for a fee of $30. The fee to re-evaluate the written essay is also $30. Copies of the written essay or multiple choice answer sheets will not be released or provided to examinees.

The result of re-scoring is reported to the candidate in writing two to three weeks after the request is received. Requests for re-scoring must be received by ACT not more than five months after the test date. Candidates wishing to be re-scored should include in their letters their full names, dates of birth, mailing addresses and test dates and locations and advise which section of the test is to be re-scored. Candidates should also enclose a check or money order payable to ACT, Inc. for the appropriate amount and mail everything to: ACT, Inc., Foreign Service Officer Test (82), P.O. Box 4070, Iowa City, IA 52243-4070. 

Study Guide

A study guide is available to help candidates prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test and Oral Assessment. The study guide contains sample topics for the written essay and sample versions of the English expression and job knowledge segments of the written exam. Explanations of the answers for the two segments are provided as well. There are also examples of the biographic information questionnaire. The study guide may be ordered in hardcopy or downloaded from the State Department’s website: careers.state.gov. There is also an order form at the back of this guide.

TESTING OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is prepared and administered by ACT for the U.S. Department of State. In accordance with Federal law, the Department of State will provide reasonable accommodation to enable qualified applicants with disabilities to take the FSOT. Accommodation may include such actions as provision by ACT of a reader or a person to record answers, a separate testing room, extra testing time, a Braille or cassette version of the test, large-print versions of the exam, and use of other assistive technology.

All registrants, including those requesting accommodations, must register on-line. Requests for accommodations and complete, current (within the last five years) supporting documentation must be received at least four weeks prior to the requested test date, along with a copy of the on-line confirmation received after submission of an on-line application. Registrants should send requests for accommodations and complete supporting documentation to: ACT, Inc., Foreign Service Officer Test (82), P.O. Box 4070, Iowa City, IA 52243-4070. Requests that are incomplete or are not supported by appropriate documentation by the registration deadline may not be approved. Candidates who need accommodations are re18

quested to register as early as possible in order for ACT to have sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements.

Those granted accommodation receive a letter from ACT confirming the accommodation to be provided. If the request is incomplete or does not support the accommodation request, ACT notifies the registrant in writing. The registrant may then provide complete or updated documents prior to the deadline. Every effort will be made to provide accommodation at the registrant’s chosen test center and on the chosen date. In order to meet certain requests, there may be a delay, but it should not be greater than one test cycle. Moreover, some test centers may be unable to provide certain types of accommodation.

Application Requirements for Any Type of Disability 1. Completed registration. All registrants, including those requesting accommodations, must register on-line.

2. A written request for accommodation, including: (a) a detailed description of the disability; and (b) a detailed description of the accommodation necessary for the registrant to take the written examination. If additional testing time is necessary, the registrant request must include the precise amount of time needed; for example, time and a half, or regular test time but longer breaks between sections.

3. A letter, prepared within the last five years and on office letterhead, from the registrant’s physician or other specialist licensed or certified to diagnose and treat the disability. The physician’s or specialist’s letter must include: (a) current professional diagnosis of the registrant’s disability; (b) the specific accommodation required as a result of the disability; (c) an explanation of the need for the accommodation and how the functional limits of the disability relate to test-taking activity; and (d) the treatment provided and the last date of treatment.

4. A statement from the specialist or doctor describing past testing accommodation, if any.

If the accommodation required includes additional testing time, the registrant’s physician or specialist must include the precise amount of time needed as well as the diagnostic basis for the additional time. If the accommodation required is due to a diagnosis of a cognitive (learning) disability, the physician or specialist must include additional documentation.

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Additional Documentation Requirements for Diagnosis of Cognitive (Learning) Disability If a registrant requires testing accommodation due to a cognitive disability, the registrant’s physician or specialist must provide the following documentation in addition to what is described above. All tests used by the physician or specialist to support a diagnosis of cognitive disability must be reliable, valid, standardized and age appropriate. All standard scores and percentiles (including those of sub-tests) must be included in the documentation.

1. A report that includes a description of the presenting problem(s) and its (their) developmental history, along with a specific diagnosis and evidence that alternative explanations were ruled out.

2. A neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation that includes the results of an aptitude assessment using a complete and comprehensive battery. (The preferred instrument is the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III. Another acceptable instrument is the WoodcockJohnson Psychoeducational Battery-Revised: Tests of Cognitive Ability.)

3. The results of a complete achievement battery, including a report of current levels of academic functioning in relevant areas such as reading (decoding and comprehension) and written language (e.g., the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery-Revised: Tests of Achievement; the Nelson-Denny Reading Skills Test; or the Scholastic Abilities Test for Adults).

4. The results of an assessment of information processing (e.g., short– and long-term memory, sequential memory, processing speed, executive functioning) using appropriate instruments (e.g., the Wechsler Memory Scale or relevant sub-tests from the Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery-Revised: Tests of Cognitive Ability).

5. The results of other appropriate assessment measures to support a differential diagnosis or to disentangle the cognitive disability from co-existing neurological and/or personality disorders.

6. If the diagnosed cognitive disability is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the physician or specialist should provide relevant batteries as described above to determine patterns that support attention problems.

The physician or specialist also must provide: (a) a measure of reading speed; (b) a review of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD; (c) a description of which impairment-causing symptoms were present in childhood; (d) a description of which current symptoms have been present for at least the past six months and how the symptoms relate to the test-taking activity.

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THE PATH TO APPOINTMENT Candidates who are successful in the oral assessments have several additional selection steps before they can be offered appointments as Foreign Service Officer career candidates, pending tenure. Each candidate must receive medical and security clearances and pass a final suitability review. 

Worldwide Availability

Worldwide availability is an essential qualification for appointment to the Foreign Service.

Regardless of who administers the medical exam, the Department’s Office of Medical Services determines whether or not a candidate is available for assignment to Department of State posts worldwide. Certain medical conditions that require monitoring or follow-up care, or are prone to exacerbation in certain overseas environments, may result in a finding of non-worldwide availability and thus disqualify a candidate from eligibility. In cases where medical problems lead to a denial of medical clearance, the candidate may request a waiver of the worldwide availability requirement by the Employment Review Committee. The committee operates on a case-by-case basis and only grants waivers if it is clearly in the best interests of the Foreign Service. 

Medical Clearance

Those entering the Foreign Service must be able to serve at any overseas post. Many facilities are remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support. Therefore, each candidate must meet medical fitness standards which are, of necessity, often more rigorous than those of other professions. Prior to being appointed to the Foreign Service, candidates must have a thorough medical examination and receive an unlimited medical clearance for assignment worldwide.

Candidates who pass the oral assessment are provided with instructions for the examining physician(s) that outline the precise requirements and a voucher that authorizes the Department of State to pay for the remaining costs of the exam after the candidate’s medical insurer has paid its customary fee. Candidates living within a fifty-mile radius of Washington, D.C. must have the medical exams performed by the Office of Medical Services. Children under the age of 6 must be examined by their own family physicians. While candidates must be medically cleared for full overseas duty, the Department of State no longer considers the medical condition of family members for pre-employment purposes. However, the Department still requires medical clearances for family members before they can travel overseas to accompany an employee on assignment at U.S. Government expense. Family members who, for medical reasons, cannot accompany an employee on an overseas assignment may be eligible to receive a separate maintenance allowance. 

Background Investigation

A comprehensive security background investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies, provides information necessary to determine a candidate’s suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and for a top secret security clearance. The process considers such factors as: failure to repay a U.S. Government21

guaranteed loan or meet tax obligations, failure to register for the Selective Service; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; unsatisfactory employment records; a criminal record or other violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; and less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas may extend the time it takes to obtain a clearance. Candidates who cannot be granted security clearances are ineligible for appointment. Candidates who hold an active top secret security clearance from another U.S. federal agency and whose last background investigation is no more than seven years old can usually have their security clearances transferred. However, for purposes of determining candidates’ suitability (see section below), candidates whose background investigation is more than two years old still need to update their documentation. 

Final Review Panel (FRP)

When the security clearance process is completed, the Board of Examiners convenes a Final Review Panel. The panel assesses all of the information related to the applicant to determine suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service. All Foreign Service applicants must receive valid medical, security and suitability clearances as a final condition to be eligible for employment. 

Candidates with Disabilities

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to Foreign Service candidates with disabilities throughout the pre-employment process. Please see pages 18-20 of this guide for detailed information on registration procedures. For qualified candidates who will require accommodation upon appointment, the Office of Employee Relations is responsible for determining whether reasonable accommodation can be provided. To be considered qualified, a candidate must meet all requirements for appointment to the Foreign Service. This includes an unlimited medical clearance from the Office of Medical Services or a waiver of the worldwide availability requirement from the Employment Review Committee. 

Career Track Hiring Registers

Candidates who pass the oral assessment and who have successfully passed the security background investigation, the medical clearance and the final suitability review process are placed on rank-ordered career track hiring registers (based on the career tracks chosen by the candidates). Appointments to entry-level positions are made from the five registers. If a candidate declines two job offers, that candidate is removed from the register. Candidates with veteran points and/or a demonstrated speaking proficiency in a foreign language can earn bonus points and improve their rank-order positions on the hiring lists. Information about these bonuses is provided upon successful completion of the oral assessment. 

Yearly Hires

The number of candidates hired each year varies with the needs and budget of the Department of State and does not always equal the number of candidates on the registers. Every attempt is made to give new employees ample time to make personal arrangements to come on board.

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

Entry-Level Salary Range

Since the Foreign Service is a career service, appointments are made at one of three entry levels based on the candidate’s education, professional experience and, if applicable, current Federal base salary. Fluency in certain foreign languages may qualify candidates for language incentive pay while serving at posts where these languages are used. Information on the current entrylevel FSO salary ranges is available at our website, careers.state.gov. 

Training

On entering the Foreign Service, all new officers receive several weeks of basic orientation at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia. An officer can expect up to seven months of subsequent training prior to the first overseas assignment, much of it involving foreign language instruction, as needed. New officers whose first overseas assignment is to a country where they already have professional competence in the language spoken there may have a significantly shorter training period. 

Tenuring and Commissioning

FSOs are reviewed for tenure and commissioning over a five-year period and are first reviewed after three years of service. Most career candidates can expect to be commissioned as FSOs before the end of their time-limited appointment, following approval by the Foreign Service Commissioning and Tenure Board.

Section III Registering for the Foreign Service Officer Test Please make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements on page 1 of this selection process guide before you register to take the Foreign Service Officer Test. No exceptions can be made to the eligibility requirements for Foreign Service Officer candidates. Those interested in taking the test must register in advance. Because of the personal information collected in the registration process, registrants must complete their own on-line application forms. Please carefully read this guide before completing your on-line registration.

To take the Foreign Service Officer Test, each registrant, including those requesting accommodations, must register in advance by submitting a complete application form. You can access the link to the registration package at careers.state.gov. Those applying for testing accommodation will also need to mail supporting documentation to ACT four weeks before the requested test date.

If you are having difficulty registering for the test, please contact ACT. Those calling from the United States may call ACT at (800) 205-6358; the number for those calling from overseas is (319) 341-2500. ACT is available to receive and answer calls on weekdays (excluding holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time. You may also contact ACT by e-mail at fsot@act.org, or through their fax number, (319) 337-1122. Please be prepared to give ACT all necessary registration information.

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When scheduling windows are open, registered candidates receive e-mails authorizing them to schedule test seats, contingent on seat availability, for the next available test window. Seating is limited; candidates are invited to schedule test appointments on a first-come, first-served basis according to their career tracks and when their complete registration package was submitted and within a one-week scheduling window. Those candidates not invited to the next test window or not able to test during that window are invited to later test windows in the order their completed registration packages were received.

Registered candidates should be careful to ensure that e-mail messages from ACT reach their inboxes and are not sent to the trash bin by spam filters. Candidates who have not received messages from ACT within the time frames indicated on page 5 may also contact ACT. If an applicant schedules a seat appointment and later decides she or he is unable to test on that day, the applicant must notify ACT. The applicant can try to reschedule for a different test day (within the available appointments) or cancel the test appointment. Cancellation must occur at least 48 hours prior to the date of the scheduled appointment. If an applicant fails to appear for the test appointment or to cancel the appointment at least 48 hours before the test date, the applicant will be required to pay a $50.00 no-show fee. 

Use of Data Collected in the Registration Application Form and Personal Narrative

Responses to items in the application form related to your education and work experience and all responses to the personal narrative are used by the Qualifications Evaluation Panel to determine your qualifications and experience relative to selection as a Foreign Service Officer.

Moreover, the information requested on the application form is used for printing admission tickets and attendance rosters, improving future tests and conducting research based on the results of the test. Your cooperation in providing responses to all items is greatly appreciated.

The collection of information concerning disabilities is authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 92-112). The information you furnish is used for the purpose of producing statistical reports to show agency progress in the hiring, placement and advancement of individuals with disabilities and to locate individuals for voluntary participation in surveys. The reports are used to inform agency management, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Congress and the public of the status of programs for employment of individuals with disabilities. All such reports are in the form of aggregate totals and do not identify you as an individual in any way.

While self-identification is voluntary, your cooperation in providing accurate information is critical.

Information on the race, national origin and sex of the applicants is collected in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and Federal Sector Equal Employment Opportunity Regulations (29 C.F.R. 1614.601). It is disclosed only in the form of gross statistics in reports, studies or other analyses to help ensure that agency personnel practices meet the requirements of Federal law.

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

Test Center Admission and Regulations

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You must register on-line, even if you are requesting a testing accommodation.

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Bring your scheduling confirmation e-mail (notification e-mail confirming your test location, test date and time) with you to your test center.

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You must bring a valid (not expired) government-issued state or federal photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. Test center supervisors are authorized to refuse admittance to applicants whose identities cannot be positively established.

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Your appointment is not transferable to another person.

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A test center administrator will continuously monitor your test session. You must consent to video and audio taping of your test session and to the examination of the video and/or audio tape of your test session in the event that any questions should arise concerning possible violations of the procedures.

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You must follow the instructions of the test administrator, represent yourself honestly and conduct yourself quietly to avoid interfering with the performance of other test takers.

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You must not bring into the testing room any unauthorized items such as food, drinks, purses, briefcases, backpacks, cell phones, pagers, notes, note pads, photographic equipment, or any electronic devices other than those provided by or expressly approved by the test center staff.

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You must return all materials, including scratch paper, provided to you by the test center staff when you have completed your test and before you leave the test center.

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You must neither give nor receive any form of unauthorized assistance during the test or any breaks.

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If you have any questions or concerns about the test or environment, you must quietly leave the testing room to notify the test center staff. You must report all problems to test center staff.

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You must not remove any written, printed, or recorded materials of your test from the test center. The test questions remain the property of the Department of State and you agree to maintain the confidentiality of the questions and answers.

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You must sign in and out every time you enter or leave the testing room. You should use the restroom or otherwise address personal needs prior to beginning your test. During testing, the timer remains running during any unscheduled breaks. You must remain in the test center and may leave only to use those restroom facilities that are closest to the test room.

You must not leave the building. You cannot access a phone or your personal belongings, except in the case of an emergency. Under such circumstances, you must notify the test 25

center staff before accessing a phone or your personal belongings. The test center staff must monitor you. 

You will be provided earplugs upon request. You may not use your own.

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Test center staff must be allowed 30 minutes to resolve any technical problems that may arise (including power failure). You have the option of continuing the test or requesting a rescheduling of the test for technical or other problems outside of your control taking more than 30 minutes to resolve.

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You are required to sign a form agreeing to abide by the above information and regulations of the test center.

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Your Foreign Service Officer Test is given only on the day and time scheduled. Makeup tests cannot be authorized for any reason.

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You should report to the test center at the time shown on your scheduling e-mail. If you report to the center later than the time stated on your scheduling e-mail, you will not be admitted.

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You are not permitted to continue any part of the test beyond the established time limit.

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Scoring is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

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Your failure to comply with any of the regulations listed above may affect the outcome of your test and further may have additional consequences as determined by the Department of State.

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Your scheduled appointment is not transferable to another person. You will be assessed a fee of $50.00 for failure to cancel the seat at least 48 hours before your FSOT test date or for failure to appear for the test. You cannot reserve a seat for another test date until any outstanding no-show fee has been paid.

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If you lose your e-mail confirmation notification and do not know when you have scheduled your test appointment, you may notify the ACT Call Center at 1-800-205-6366.

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EEO Contact

Candidates who believe that they have been discriminated against during the pre-employment process must contact the Department of State’s Office of Civil Rights, at (202) 647-9294, within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory act.

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

Reporting Results

Results letters will be available approximately three weeks after the date you take the Foreign Service Officer Test. You are sent an e-mail providing directions for downloading your results letter. The results letter specifies if you are invited to the QEP phase of the Foreign Service Officer selection process. If you are invited, then the letter also provides instructions on writing and submitting the five personal narratives. Pay careful attention to the three-week deadline for submitting the personal narratives. It is vital that you notify ACT of any change in your e-mail address, so you can receive the invitation to complete the personal narrative responses as soon as it is sent.

The personal login ID and password that you used to register is required to retrieve your results letter on-line. You can only retrieve your letter on-line. Your letter will NOT be mailed to you.

The results of the QEP are provided in a second results letter. The letters for those invited to the oral assessment will include information for scheduling the date and location of the oral assessment and instructions for the forms (SF-86 and related forms) needed for the security clearance process (e-QIP).

The QEP results are provided on a pass/fail basis. The pass/fail determination is based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total file. The number of candidates invited to the oral assessment is based on hiring needs.

FSOT and QEP results will not be reported on the telephone for any reason.

If you expect your name or address to change prior to the exam results notification date, or if your name appears incorrectly, contact ACT and provide your full name and date of birth.

All inquiries concerning exam results should be sent in writing to: ACT, Inc., Foreign Service Officer Test (82), P.O. Box 4070, Iowa City, IA 52243-4070. You may also call (319) 3412500, or toll free, (800) 205-6358 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time, or e-mail ACT at fsot@ACT.org. Any other inquiries about the examination should be addressed to the Staff Director, Board of Examiners, U.S. Department of State, 2401 E Street, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20522.

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Section IV Preparing for the Foreign Service Officer Test Preparation for taking the Foreign Service Officer Test requires the candidate to be widely read or to have taken a wide variety of courses prior to the test. The job analysis of Foreign Service Officer positions identified the following general knowledge areas as critical to success on the job across all five career tracks (Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy): Communication. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of principles of effective communication and public speaking techniques, as well as general knowledge of the common sources of information, public media and media relations.

Computers. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of basic computer operations such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and preparing and using e-mail.

Correct grammar, organization, writing strategy, sentence structure, and punctuation required for writing or editing reports. This knowledge area encompasses English expression and language usage skills required for preparing or editing written reports, including correct grammar and good writing.

Economics. This knowledge area encompasses an understanding of basic economic principles, as well as a general understanding of economic issues and the economic system of the United States.

Management. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of basic management and supervisory techniques, and methods. It includes knowledge of human psychology, leadership, motivational strategies and equal employment practices.

Mathematics and Statistics. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of basic mathematical and statistical procedures. It may include calculations.

United States Government. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of the composition and functioning of the Federal government, the Constitution and its history, the structure of Congress and its role in foreign affairs, as well as the United States political system and its role in governmental structure, formulation of government policies, and foreign affairs.

United States Society and Culture. This knowledge area encompasses an understanding of major events, institutions, and movements in national history, including political and economic history, as well as national customs and culture, social issues and trends, and the influence of U.S. society and culture on foreign policy and foreign affairs.

World History and Geography. This knowledge area encompasses a general understanding of significant world historical events, issues, and developments, including their impact on U.S. foreign policy, as well as knowledge of world geography and its relationship to U.S. foreign policy.

28

THIRTEEN DIMENSIONS OF FOREIGN SERVICE WORK

Composure. To stay calm, poised, and effective in stressful or difficult situations; to think on one's feet, adjusting quickly to changing situations; to maintain self-control.

Cultural Adaptability. To work and communicate effectively and harmoniously with persons of other cultures, value systems, political beliefs, and economic circumstances; to recognize and respect differences in new and different cultural environments.

Experience and Motivation. To demonstrate knowledge, skills or other attributes gained from previous experience of relevance to the Foreign Service; to articulate appropriate motivation for joining the Foreign Service.

Information Integration and Analysis. To absorb and retain complex information drawn from a variety of sources; to draw reasoned conclusions from analysis and synthesis of available information; to evaluate the importance, reliability, and usefulness of information; to remember details of a meeting or event without the benefit of notes.

Initiative and Leadership. To recognize and assume responsibility for work that needs to be done; to persist in the completion of a task; to influence significantly a group’s activity, direction, or opinion; to motivate others to participate in the activity one is leading.

Judgment. To discern what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; to weigh relative merits of competing demands.

Objectivity and Integrity. To be fair and honest; to avoid deceit, favoritism, and discrimination; to present issues frankly and fully, without injecting subjective bias; to work without letting personal bias prejudice actions.

Oral Communication. To speak fluently in a concise, grammatically correct, organized, precise, and persuasive manner; to convey nuances of meaning accurately; to use appropriate styles of communication to fit the audience and purpose.

Planning and Organizing. To prioritize and order tasks effectively, to employ a systematic approach to achieving objectives, to make appropriate use of limited resources.

Quantitative Analysis. To identify, compile, analyze and draw correct conclusions from pertinent data; to recognize patterns or trends in numerical data; to perform simple mathematical operations.

Resourcefulness. To formulate creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems, to show flexibility in response to unanticipated circumstances.

Working With Others. To interact in a constructive, cooperative, and harmonious manner; to work effectively as a team player; to establish positive relationships and gain the confidence of others; to use humor as appropriate.

Written Communication. To write concise, well organized, grammatically correct, effective and persuasive English in a limited amount of time.

29

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can I do to prepare to take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and Oral Assessment (FSOA)?

Over time, a thorough daily reading of major news sources will help develop the kind of general knowledge in world and national affairs that is necessary to do well. An officially sanctioned study guide is also available and can be ordered or downloaded at careers.state.gov.

Sample questions and the thirteen dimensions of Foreign Service work are also provided in this registration guide. 

What should I study in college?

No specific educational background is required to become a Foreign Service Officer. However, most successful officers have a broad knowledge of international and domestic affairs, U.S. and world history, government and foreign policy, and American culture. The best preparation is a good education, including courses in English, management, history, government, international relations, geography, literature, economics, business, public administration, U.S. politics, political science, language, social sciences and international trade. 

What experience is desirable?

The Foreign Service is looking to attract individuals with relevant experience. This could include work in teaching, law, public service administration, local and state government, and military service; however, successful candidates come from a variety of professional backgrounds. 

Why can’t I take the Foreign Service Officer Test if I’m past my 59th birthday?

To join the Foreign Service you must have entered an Entry-Level Officer class (A-100) before your 60th birthday. The process between the FSOT and entering a class is a lengthy one: Candidates take the oral assessment approximately six months after the FSOT. After passing the oral assessment, the candidate’s clearances can take considerable time, and then the cleared candidate has to wait until his or her name is reached on the Register for an invitation to enter an A-100 class. Although we try diligently to move the process as quickly as possible, it is unrealistic to allow less than eight months for successful completion of all these steps. 

Can I be assigned to the country of my choice?

All Foreign Service Officers must be worldwide available (i.e., willing to serve anywhere the State Department determines is necessary). Officers are transferred routinely according to the needs of the Service.

30



Is there a policy in regard to applicants who have dual citizenship?

The Department of State has not implemented, and does not intend to implement, any ―blanket rule‖ regarding dual citizenship. In making security clearance determinations, Diplomatic Security (DS) will continue to evaluate dual citizenship issues on a case-by-case basis. Potential candidates will be questioned about dual citizenship as part of their interview. Those who have any serious issues which could prevent them from receiving their clearance should give some thought to the likelihood of their being found ineligible before starting this process. 

Will my family get to travel overseas with me?

Medically cleared spouses, children under 21, and dependent parents may accompany an FSO at government expense. However, security concerns and the lack of adequate educational or health facilities at some posts may dictate against the family accompanying the officer to some posts. 

What is included in the benefits package for the Foreign Service?

Benefits include a health plan and a retirement plan, as well as annual and sick leave. FSO salaries may be enhanced when officers are assigned overseas by such benefits as governmentprovided housing, furniture and utilities at post, home leave (including travel expenses), the shipment of automobiles to overseas posts, and hospitalization benefits. In addition, educational allowances and travel for dependent children, cost-of-living allowances to help cover extra expenses in high-cost foreign cities, language incentive pay and special pay for danger and hardship posts are available when appropriate. 

Are provisions made for spousal employment?

Foreign Service families, like American families everywhere, are often two-income families.

The Department of State has tandem couples in the Foreign Service where both spouses are employees of the Foreign Service, as well as tandems with sister agencies such as the Foreign Commercial Service or the Foreign Agricultural Service. When overseas, some non-tandem family members find work at the embassy or consulate, while others find employment in the economy of the host country. In addition, qualified family members may be eligible to teach at international or American schools abroad, or work as freelancers.

How long does the FSO selection process take?

After the FSOT, the process can be as short as six months or as long as two years, but will typically fall between those extremes. The Department has taken steps to shorten the processing time. Due to significantly increased hiring authorizations, we also expect the time that a successful candidate will spend on the Register of Cleared Candidates before receiving a formal offer of employment will be considerably less than in previous years. Thus some candidates could receive formal offers of employment within a few months of passing the oral assessment.

31

Section V

Sample Foreign Service Officer Test Questions 1. Job Knowledge Test To familiarize you with representative types of questions that appear in this part of the Foreign Service Written Examination, the following sample questions are provided. They are intended as examples of the subject matter covered by this test, not the degree of difficulty. An answer key can be found at the end of the Sample Tests.

DIRECTIONS: Each question or incomplete statement below is followed by four suggested answers or completions. Select the one that is best in each case. (N.B. In the actual on-line FSOT, once you complete and exit a test section, you may not return to that section.)

Knowledge Area: United States Government (general understanding of the composition and functioning of the Federal government, the Constitution and its history, the structure of Congress and its role in foreign affairs, as well as the United States political system and its role in governmental structure, formulation of government policies, and foreign affairs)

Knowledge Area: United States Society and Culture (general understanding of major events, institutions, and movements in national history, including political and economic history, as well as national customs and culture, social issues and trends, and the influence of U.S. society on foreign policy and foreign affairs) 4.

1.

A political device of drawing irregular district lines in order to favor one political power over another is called: A. B. C. D.

2.

gerrymandering. filibustering. federalizing. rezoning.

A. B. C. D. 5.

Congress can override a Presidential veto of a congressional bill by:

motion pictures. newspapers. radio. books.

The architect Maya Lin is known for designing the: A. Paris Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas.

B. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC. C. Sears Tower, Chicago.

D. Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

A. not signing the bill.

B. passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

C. filibustering.

D. voting to place the bill in the congressional record.

3.

The primary medium for the diffusion of American popular culture throughout the world following World War I was:

Knowledge Area: World History and Geography Which of the following amendments to the Consti- (general understanding of significant world histution affect the political process by declaring that torical events, issues, and developments, including the Federal government should not interfere with their impact on U.S. foreign policy, as well as the press? knowledge of world geography and its relationA. First ship to U.S. foreign policy) B. Fifth C. Seventh D. None – no amendment refers to the press

6.

The most economical route for an oil pipeline from Turkmenistan to world export markets would cross: A. B. C. D.

Iran.

Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan.

Pakistan.

32

7.

The purpose of the South African policy of apartheid Knowledge Area: Management (general underwas best described as the: standing of basic management and supervisory A. segregation of blacks from English-speaking techniques and methods. Includes knowledge of whites.

B. control of immigration from neighboring coun- human psychology, leadership, motivational strategies and equal employment practices) tries.

C. protection of the economic, political, and social 12. The primary guideline for effective delegation status of Afrikaners. of tasks to subordinates is to: D. promotion of equal opportunity for various racial groups.

A. delegate to subordinates only when necessary.

Knowledge Area: Economics (general understanding B. delegate both pleasant and unpleasant tasks of basic economic principles, as well as a general to subordinates.

C. provide subordinates information on a understanding of economic issues and the economic ―need-to-know‖ basis. system of the United States) D. provide assistance to subordinates whenever it is requested.

8. The Council of Economic Advisers advises which of the following on monetary and fiscal policy?

13. A work group that has high performance norms and low cohesiveness will most likely have A. The Federal Reserve Bank which of the following levels of performance?

B. The Joint Economic Committee of Congress C. The President of the United States A. Very high D. The Senate Budget Committee B. High C. Moderate 9.

All of the following are examples of United States D. Low products that would typically fail to be produced to optimal output without government intervention Knowledge Area: Communication (general unEXCEPT: A. B. C. D.

national defense products. light provided by lighthouses. new automobiles. new highways.

Knowledge Area: Mathematics and Statistics (basic mathematical and statistical procedures and calculations) 10. After a 3 percent raise and a $3,000 bonus, a worker’s salary increased to $50,000. What was the worker’s salary before the raise and bonus?

A. B. C. D.

$48,544 $47,000 $46,910 $45,631

11. The test scores for seven students are 90, 90, 70, 40, 80, 90 and 100. What is the median score for this group?

A. B. C. D.

derstanding of principles of effective communication and public speaking techniques, as well as general knowledge of the common sources of information, public media and media relations) 14. Posing rhetorical questions, telling a story, and providing a quotation are all techniques that help a public speaker to: A. B. C. D.

arouse audience curiosity. avoid audience questions. increase audience anxiety. avoid visual aids.

15. Unless told otherwise, a professional journalist will most likely consider anything said by a source to be: A. B. C. D.

off the record. on the record. on background. not attributable.

70 80 85 90

33

Knowledge Area: Computers (general understanding Knowledge Area: Information and Media of basic computer operations such as word process- Resources ing, databases, spreadsheets, and preparing and using 20. Which of the following Web-based international e-mail) 16. It is common practice of e-mail users to have some specific text automatically appear at the end of their sent messages. This text is called their: A. B. C. D.

attachment. subject. signature. protocol.

news sources is published by the Council on Foreign Relations?

A. B. C. D.

http://www.pressdigest.org http://www.foreignaffairs.org http://www.associateprogram.com http://www.info-strategy.com

Knowledge Area: U.S. and International Political and Economic Principles, Issues and History 17. The National Labor Relations Act established: A. a ―cooling off‖ period before workers in a critical industry could strike.

B. the right of federal workers in non-defense agencies to organize and strike.

C. the government’s right to prohibit strikes by industrial workers during wartime.

D. collective bargaining and the right to organize as national policy.

Knowledge Area: Legislation and Laws Related to Foreign Service Issues 18. The Freedom of Information Act, enacted by the Congress in 1966, was expanded in 1996 to encompass: A. B. C. D.

audiotaped transcripts.

Supreme Court deliberations. electronic records.

Presidential campaign contributions.

Knowledge Area: Administrative Methods and Procedures 19. In federal government budgeting, ―mandatory‖ spending differs from ―discretionary‖ spending in which way?

A. Legislative committees may not cut manda tory spending levels.

B. Mandatory spending is not subject to the annual appropriations process.

C. Discretionary spending increases in one budget category must be offset by reductions elsewhere D. Bills to re-categorize mandatory funding as discretionary must originate in the House.

34

2. English Expression Test DIRECTIONS: In the passages that follow, certain words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the righthand column, you will find alternatives for each underlined part. You are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is best, choose option A., which is the same as the original version.

You may also find questions about a section of the passage, or about the passage as a whole. These questions do not refer to an underlined portion of the passage, but rather are identified by a number or numbers.

For each question, choose the alternative you consider best and circle the letter of that choice. Read each passage through once before you begin to answer the questions that accompany it. You cannot determine most answers without reading several sentences beyond the question. Be sure that you have read far enough ahead each time you choose an alternative.

(In the actual on-line FSOT, once you complete and exit a test section, you may not return to that section.)

1

The poaching of elephants, which goes on

1.

A. The poaching of elephants, which goes on in the African nation of Chad, is B. The poaching in the African nation of Chad of elephants is C. The poaching of elephants in the African nation of Chad is D. In the African nation of Chad the poaching of elephants are

2.

A. three African states on hunting and the ivory trade were revised.

B. hunting and the ivory trade in three African states were revised.

C. three African states on hunting and the ivory trade was revised.

D. hunting and the ivory trade in three African states was revised.

3.

A. B. C. D.

4.

A. most recent six-month period are still B. just passed six-month period are still in the process of C. six-month period that just passed is still in the process of D. most recent six-month period is still

in the African nation of Chad, is a serious problem.

The national parks director advised the U.S. embassy on January 11 that poaching has been on the increase since the prohibition on 2 three African states on hunting and the ivory trade were revised. Statistics

3

maintained by the Parks Department show that

during the January 1997 to June 1998 period, a total of

maintained by the Parks Department maintained, by the Parks Department, by the Parks Department the Parks Department maintains,

41 elephants were killed in Zakouma National Park, where there is, at last count, a seasonal population of 2,000 elephants. Statistics for the 4 most recent sixmonth period are still being compiled by the Parks

35

Department, however the department director, he

5.

A. Department, however the department director, he was unequivocal about there B. Department, however, the department director was unequivocal for their C. Department. However, the department director was unequivocal about their D. Department. However, the department director was unequivocal about there

6.

A. B. C. D.

7.

A. take into account incidents within Zakouma Park only, where the Parks Department maintain, some B. take into account incidents within Zakouma Park only, where the Parks Department maintains some C. take into account incidents, within Zakouma Park only, where the Parks Department maintains some sort of D. accounts for incidents within Zakouma Park only, wherein the Parks Department maintains some

8.

Assuming that all of the following are accurate, which one provides information about the dispersal area while maintaining the tone of the passage?

was unequivocal about there being an overall worsening of the situation. He maintained that approximately five elephants per month 6is being killed, but that these

figures 7take into account incidents within Zakouma Park only, where the Parks Department maintain, some capacity to monitor the situation. Elephant populations also exist outside the park, and during the rainy season, even the Zakouma population is forced into

is being killed, but that is being killed, but that, are being killed, but that are being killed, but that,

a dry-season dispersal area to the west and north 8

that appears to be lots larger than the park itself. Poaching

does occur in these 9zones, but it is more difficult to moni-

A. that appears to be lots larger than the park itself.

B. about the same shape as the park but four times the size.

C. with lots of room for other elephants and different kinds of animals.

D. that is about four times the size of the park itself.

tor than in the park.

10

Since two game wardens were shot,

and killed by poachers in Zakouma Park in December

9.

1997,

the government of Chad has temporarily increased 11it’s

A. zones, but it is more difficult to monitor than B. zones. But it is more difficult to monitor then C. zones; but it is most difficult to monitor then D. zones: but it is more difficult to monitor than

military presence in the zone, which, according to the park 10.

A. two game wardens were shot, and killed by poachers B. the fatal shooting and killing of two game director, has had a somewhat dissuasive effect this past

wardens by poachers C. poachers used guns to kill two game warmonth.

dens D. poachers shot and killed two game wardens 11.

A. B. C. D.

it’s military presence its military presence its militarys’ presence it’s military, present

36

12. A. B. C. D. training exercise for park rangers in March or April of this The U.S. embassy anticipates holding a

year and 12will soon be transferring two vehicles to the park. The embassy has also sought funding from the De-

13. A. B. C. D.

partment of Interior’s African Elephant Conservation Fund 14. A. B. C. in an effort to 13help to conserve Chad’s elephant D. population. 14In addition, the embassy is discussing with the U.S. Forest and Wildlife Service the possibility

15

an official would be in Chad for a specific purpose.

16

that

will soon be transferring would soon be transferring soon would have transferred soon transferred help to conserve conserve conserve and maintain ensure the conservation and safety of In addition, At this place in time, When all is said and done, As you will come to know,

15. Given that all of the following choices are true, which one would provide the clearest and most relevant information to the paragraph?

A. B. C. D.

that an official would be in Chad for a specific purpose. that someone would be sent to Chad with the purpose being to assess the particulars of the situation. of its sending an official to Chad to assess the situation. of an official visit to Chad, sent by them for the sole purpose of the assessment.

16. Which of the following sentences best summarizes the last paragraph?

A.

The U.S. embassy in Chad has an excess number of vehicles.

B. The U.S. has an interest in the fate of Chad’s elephant population.

C. The U.S. Department of Interior has expanded its sphere into international arenas.

D. Chad has an insurmountable elephant problem.

37

Questions 17-25: In the following sentences, certain words and phrases are underlined and numbered. Each sentence is followed by alternatives for each underlined part. Choose the alternative that best expresses the idea in standard written English. If you think the original version is best, choose option A., which is the same as the original version.

The Office of Ecology and Terrestrial Conservation leads the formulation of policies to address international 17

threats to biodiversity, notably land degradation, invasive species, and illegal trade.

17.

A. B. C. D.

notably notable more notably more notable

There is a controversy over a series of apparent incursions across a border line 18drawn in 1923.

18. A. B. C. D.

drawn which is drawn where it was drawn drawing

Last Sunday’s parliamentary election delivery of a stinging setback to the governing Liberal Party. delivery of a was delivered by a delivered a deliverance of that

A large segment of Lapatria’s officer corps 20have been receiving U.S. training.

20. A. B. C. D.

have been receiving have received are receiving has received

The ambassador and 21myself were in attendance at the ceremony.

21. A. B. C. D.

22. A. B. C. D.

had had have had had have

23. A. B. C. D.

of went have went of gone have gone

Sustainable development involves enriching our people without impoverishing our planet and is a compelling moral and humanitarian issue. But sustainable development is also a security imperative. [24] 24.

19

19. A. B. C. D.

If we 22had had the map, we might 23of went farther inland.

myself were in attendance at I attended me were in attendance at myself attended

Which of the following sentences, inserted here, would best explain how sustainable development relates to security?

A. When we talk of sustainable development, we are talking about the means to unlock human potential through economic development based on sound economic policy.

B. Achieving sustainable management of natural resources worldwide requires the cooperation and commitment of all countries.

C. The best social development is based on investments in health and education and responsible stewardship of the environment.

D. Environmental degradation coupled with poverty and despair causes social instability that can spread from individual countries to entire regions.

The Inter-American Convention Against Corruption covers corrupt practices on both the national and international 25level, furthermore, it commits nations to bringing domestic law into compliance with the convention.

25. A. B. C. D.

level, level level; level— 38

Biographic Information Questionnaire DIRECTIONS: This questionnaire asks you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific areas that are related to successful job performance.

Read each item carefully. You are to choose one answer to each question. Do not spend too much time on any one item. On some questions you are asked to explain or give more information. For these questions, select a response A-E and then give your examples on the lines provided. While there are no correct or incorrect answers, your responses are subject to verification.

C. 3–4 D. 5–6 E. 7 or more

1. How effective would supervisors, teachers, or colleagues say you are at handling multiple projects simultaneously?

A. B. C. D. E. 2.

When taking tests in school, how much did feelings of anxiety prevent you from performing your best?

A. B. C. D. E.

3.

If you answered B, C, D, or E, list the position(s). List no more than four. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Much more effective than most people Somewhat more effective than most people About as effective as most people Somewhat less effective than most people Much less effective than most people 5.

Very much Much Some A little Very little

A. B. C. D. E.

In the past three months, how often have you read about cultures different from your own (e.g., ethnographies, National Geographic)?

A. B. C. D. E.

6.

4.

During the last five years, how many times have you been nominated for a leadership position?

Quite a few times Several times A couple of times Once Never

If you answered A, B, C, or D, list any such tasks and briefly describe them. List no more than four. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Very often Often Sometimes Seldom Never

If you answered A, B, C, or D, list the cultures and the materials read. List no more than four. _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

During the last year, how often have you volunteered to complete a task you knew would be tedious?

To what extent have you made it a practice to express a personal interest in the individuals with whom you work?

A. B. C. D. E.

To a very great extent To a great extent To a moderate extent To a limited extent To a very limited extent

A. 0 B. 1–2

39

7.

9.

How likely have you been to keep up with the latest developments in technology?

A. B. C. D. E.

How often have you been asked to summarize complex written material?

Very likely Likely Neutral窶馬either likely nor unlikely Unlikely Very unlikely

A. B. C. D. E.

If you answered A or B, list examples of the written material. List no more than four. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

If you answered A or B, list the technologies. List no more than four. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 8.

During the last year, how many presentations have you made to groups of 10 or more people?

A. B. C. D. E.

Very often Often Sometimes Seldom Never

10.

When in a group, how often have you made a suggestion that defused a potential conflict?

A. Very often B. Often C. Sometimes D. Seldom E. Never ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

0 1 2 3 4 or more

If you answered B, C, D, or E, list the topics of the presentations or describe the nature of the groups.

List no more than four. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

SAMPLE TEST ANSWER KEY* Job Knowledge Test 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

A B A A B A C C C D

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

D B C A B C D C B B

English Expression Test 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

C D A A D C B D A D

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

B A B A C B A A C D

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

B A D D C

*Due to the nature of the questions in the Biographic Information Questionnaire, no answer key is provided.

40

4. Sample Written Essay Topics You will have 30 minutes to write an essay on an assigned topic. If more than one essay is required, an additional 30 minutes will be granted per essay. Sample topics are provided below.

When composing your essay, you should present your point of view clearly and support it.

Your writing will be evaluated on the quality of the writing, not the opinions expressed. A successful essay should have an obvious structure and clear thesis supported by relevant substantiating details. It should show your ability to analyze a topic in a way that is appropriate for the intended audience. The writing should be coherent; occasional lapses should not impede flow or readers’ comprehension. Language should be concise with clear and appropriate word choice. The language should also be free of errors in grammar and syntax, with no more than minor errors in spelling and punctuation. There is no limit on length.

1. Although rates for violent crime have fallen in the last few years, as a society we must continue to be concerned about existing crime rates and how to prevent violent crimes from occurring. Some argue that the most effective means of preventing crime is to expand police forces, particularly in large urban areas, and put more police officers on the street. Others argue that more effective gun control laws are needed to reduce the number and kinds of guns available to criminals. Still others argue that imposing stiffer legal penalties and keeping criminals in jail longer are the best means of preventing violent crime. In your view, what is the most effective public policy for preventing violent crime? Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

2. In recent years, there have been a number of mergers between firms in entertainment, communications, publishing, banking, automobile manufacturing, and other industries. Some think that mergers result in lower operating costs, greater efficiency, and increased productivity for businesses. Others think such mergers are beneficial because they result in enhanced services and lower costs for consumers. However, some argue that mergers are not beneficial for society because they often result in loss of jobs and may reduce people’s access to goods and information. In your view, are mergers beneficial? Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

41

42

Become a student of the world. Begin your life trip.

U.S. Department of State Internship Program

2010 Internship Program Information

To apply, just visit our web site at http://careers.state.gov/ and click on “Student Programs” to access “Gateway to State.” It’s that easy!

DEADLINES Applications must be RECEIVED by the appropriate deadline below:

SUMMER INTERNSHIP - NOVEMBER 1

FALL INTERNSHIP - MARCH 1

SPRING INTERNSHIP – JULY 1

The U.S. Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment of all without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Student Programs office at the U.S. Department of State provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at this email address: StudentPrograms@state.gov. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a caseby-case basis.

Table of Contents

Part I: Internship Program Information Pages Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...

2 Internship Program ……….………………………………………………………………………………...

3 Who is Eligible ………………………………………………………………………………………………...

3 Types of Internships ………………………………………………………………………………………...

3 Length of Internships ………………………………….…………………………………………………...

4 Salary and Benefits …………………................................................................

4 Medical Insurance for Overseas Internships …...…………………………………………….…..

5 Housing ……………………………………………………................................................

5 Selection and Clearance Process …..………………………………………………………………...

6 How Interns are Selected ………………………………………………………………………………...

6 Security Clearance Process ……………………………………………………………………………...

6 Random Drug Testing ……………………………………………………………………………………...

7 Final Offer of Appointment ……………….……………………………………………………………...

7 What to Expect as a State Department Intern ………………………………………………...

8 Duties of an Intern ………………………………..………………………………………………………...

8 Intern Activities ………………………………………………….…………………………………………...

8 Proper Attire …………………………………………………………………………………………………...

9 Other Student Employment Programs ……………………………………………………………...

9 Application Instructions …………………………………………..……………………………………... 10 Applying Online via USAJOBS (“Gateway to State”).... ………………………………………... 10 Your Application Package ……………………….………………………………………………………... 10 Submitting Your Application …………………..………………………………………………………... 12 Accessing Your Application ………………….…………………………………………………………... 12 Application Checklist …………………………..…………………………………………………………... 15 Application Processing Timetable …………………………………………………………………... 16 Fellowship Opportunities …………………………………………………………………………….…... 17

Part II: Bureau Information Pages Chart for Selecting Bureaus …..………………………………………………………………………... 13 Description of Participating Bureaus ….…………………………………………………………... 19

Part I

Internship Information

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Who We Are

The U. S. Department of State is the official international relations arm of the President of the United States. The Department is responsible for formulating, implementing and supporting U.S. foreign policy, assisting U.S. citizens abroad and managing the human and material resources that provide the platform for U.S. foreign policy. Members of the Department’s Foreign Service and Civil Service are engaged in issues such as conflict resolution, nuclear nonproliferation, human rights and democracy, environmental issues, world trade, public diplomacy, and the promotion of the interests of Americans and their businesses abroad. Department of State employees are also involved in support and management issues—improving logistical systems to get the best possible value for tax dollars.

As you will see in Section II, the Department of State is composed of many different bureaus, some “regional” (for example, the Bureau of African Affairs), and others “functional”, dealing with specific external issues or internal responsibilities (such as the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; the Bureau of Administration; and the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs).

The U. S. Department of State’s Mission

The Objectives of the Internship Program

To administer U.S. foreign policy and maintain diplomatic relations throughout the world.



To encourage students to consider careers in foreign affairs



To provide students with valuable work experience in a foreign affairs agency



To aid the Department in achieving its mission

2

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

You are eligible to apply if you are:

•

A U.S. citizen

•

A student. A student is an individual who has been accepted for enrollment, or who is enrolled, as a degree-seeking student in an accredited college or university.

•

A full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, senior, or graduate student. An applicant is considered a junior if he/she will have completed all sophomore credits (60 or more semester hours or 90 quarter hours) by the time the internship begins and will be entering at least the junior year immediately following completion of the internship.

•

In good academic standing in an accredited institution

IMPORTANT: You may apply for the Department’s internship program if you have not yet completed your registration at a college or university or are awaiting an admissions determination. However, if selected for an internship, you may not begin your internship until you provide proof that you have registered, or have been accepted for enrollment, for studies in the semester or quarter immediately following the internship.

In accordance with the Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program, the Department encourages women and minority students to apply for these positions.

Types of Internships

There are two different types of internships: domestic and overseas.

•

Domestic – About half of the internships are in Washington, D.C. A limited number of intern positions are available at Department offices in other large cities in the United States.

•

Overseas – The remaining internships are at our embassies and consulates abroad. Not all overseas posts are able to participate in the program, and participation may vary from year to year. For more information, please refer to the descriptions of participating bureaus that begin on page 19.

NOTE: In recognition of the fact that world conditions may change, the Department reserves the right to reassign interns should circumstances warrant.

3

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, Cont.

Length of Internships

Students must be available to begin their internship within the timetable described on page 16. Interns usually serve for one semester or quarter during the academic year, or for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks during the summer; they are expected to work a 40-hour week.

Salary and Benefits

•

The majority of all internships are UNPAID.

•

Pending the availability of funding, a limited number of PAID internships are available to students who can demonstrate financial need. These positions are centrally funded by the Bureau of Human Resources. Students selected for these paid positions serve in bureaus throughout the Department of State and overseas. The decision to award funding is based solely on financial need and is not influenced by the bureau(s) to which a student may apply.

•

All students who wish to be considered for a paid internship must include in their internship application package their current Student Aid Report (SAR), which indicates their EFC (Expected Family Contribution) number. (This report is generated from the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.) Only the Student Aid Reports issued by the Department of Education will be accepted.

In addition, Student Aid Reports submitted without the EFC number will not be considered.

•

Students are paid for a maximum of 10 consecutive 40-hour weeks, starting the first day of their internship, at the GS-4 step 5 level (subject to change).

Centrally funded interns are not eligible for paid overtime.

•

If the appointment is for 90 days or more, the intern earns annual and sick leave at the rate of four hours per bi-weekly pay period plus paid Federal holidays during the period worked. Paid interns contribute to Social Security.

•

Unless otherwise stipulated in the bureau descriptions, which begin on page 21, transportation to and from Washington or overseas posts is the responsibility of the intern.

•

Although unpaid interns are not Federal government employees, and are not entitled to any employee benefits, they are protected in the event of jobrelated injuries under the Federal Torts Claims Act.

•

Many educational institutions grant academic credit for internships and/or offer financial aid for internships.

4

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, Cont.

Medical Insurance for Overseas Internships

IMPORTANT: Applicants who wish to intern abroad must present evidence of medical insurance coverage that is valid abroad, to include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage. Interns may not travel to post without completing and submitting a copy of the Verification of Medical Coverage form to the Department’s Student Programs office.

Housing

Housing is not provided for domestic internships. Arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the interns. A listing of suggested housing options in Washington, D.C. is provided to students selected as interns and alternates.

Abroad, every effort is made to provide housing at no cost to interns, but, because circumstances may vary at different posts, this cannot be guaranteed.

The bureau descriptions, which begin on page 19, include available guidance on bureau housing policies. Before accepting an overseas internship, students may wish to confirm with the selecting bureau whether housing will be provided.

5

THE SELECTION / CLEARANCE PROCESS

How Interns are Selected

All applications are submitted online through the USAJOBS website, which links to our “Gateway to State” system that screens applications to make sure that they are complete and that applicants meet the eligibility criteria. Once that process is completed, the bureau will have access to those applications submitted to them. Bureau representatives evaluate applicants based on the application materials. For many internships, foreign language ability is an important factor in placement for internships abroad. Completing some academic studies relevant to the type of work you wish to perform increases your competitiveness.

The bureau(s) or office(s) to which you have applied may make a verbal offer to you. However, the offer is not “official” until selectees receive written notification from the Student Programs office. This notification is a tentative offer to participate in the internship program. A final offer is contingent upon a complete background investigation and the issuance of a security clearance. Those who are not selected for internships will also be notified. So that we may contact you as soon as possible, please make sure that any changes of address are updated immediately in your applicant profile.

Security Clearance Process

Students tentatively selected for the internship program must undergo a background investigation and receive either a Secret or Top Secret security clearance. The clearance process takes approximately 60-90 days to complete from the time the forms are received by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).

Investigations may take substantially longer than 90 days if you have had extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas, or if you have dual citizenship, foreign contacts, immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse or if there is a security, suitability, or medical issue to resolve. These issues could include a current or past history of drugs or alcohol abuse, as well as a recent history of credit problems. Further information regarding issues of dual citizenship and foreign influence is available at careers.state.gov. Although these problems will not necessarily preclude you from receiving a security clearance, they will lengthen the time required to complete the clearance process. Your preliminary notification of acceptance will include instructions on how to initiate your security clearance electronically. When you receive this letter, please complete the online clearance process by the date indicated in the letter. This is important!

DS may be unable to process your security clearance if you fail to meet that deadline.

6

THE SELECTION / CLEARANCE PROCESS, Cont.

Random Drug Testing

All interns serving in positions that require a clearance for access to information classified as “Secret” or above will be subject to the Department’s random employee drug testing program.

Final Offer of

Appointment

After all procedures are completed and clearances obtained, interns assigned domestically will be contacted by the Student Programs office with an official, final offer of appointment. The Bureau Coordinator normally contacts interns assigned abroad. Travel to Washington, D.C. or abroad for purposes of reporting for duty should not be done until you receive an official offer of appointment from either the Student Programs office (for domestic assignments) or the Bureau Coordinator (for overseas assignments) confirming the granting of your security clearance and permission to report for duty. The office or post to which you are assigned will be unable to employ you until you have received the appropriate clearance.

Note: Federal law requires denial of a passport to any spouse certified by the Department of Health and Human Services as being more than $5,000 in arrears on child support.

Overseas Travel Requirements

Interns serving at posts outside of the United States are responsible for obtaining a U.S. passport with validity at least six months beyond their proposed stay and a travel visa as required by the country. They are also responsible for purchasing overseas medical insurance that will cover repatriation of remains and medical evacuation overseas.

7

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A STATE DEPARTMENT INTERN

Duties of an Intern

Internships are excellent preparation for future careers in both the Civil Service and the Foreign Service. The Department is looking for students with a broad range of majors, such as Business or Public Administration, Social Work, Economics, Information Management, Journalism, and the Biological, Physical and Engineering Sciences, as well as those majors more traditionally identified with international affairs.

Intern duties and responsibilities may vary according to the post or office of assignment. For instance, interns may write reports on human rights issues, assist with trade negotiations, assist with citizen’s services or visa work, help Americans in distress abroad, or organize conferences or visits of high-level officials. Others may research economic or environmental issues, write news stories, work on web pages or help produce electronic journals.

Interns with scientific and technical backgrounds might work with issues such as arms control, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), infectious diseases, and remote sensing.

Those interested in management may use their expertise working on projects involving budgets, human resources, information systems, or general logistical support to posts abroad. Some may be involved in educational and cultural exchange activities. Interns are also instrumental in the recruiting of U.S. speakers and specialists for overseas programs.

Intern Activities

Your internship experience at the U.S. Department of State includes the exceptional knowledge and work experiences that you will gain from the office in which you work, as well as from others throughout the Department. To assist you in your career networking efforts, the Department offers INTERNational Connections (careers.state.gov/internconnect), a site where you can connect and engage with current interns and employees, as well as former interns, to discuss specific topics of interest, find out about the different career paths available, or look for alumni from your college or university. The Department also offers the opportunity to explore the Washington Metropolitan Area. During each intern session, an Intern Activities Coordinator is assigned to the Student Programs staff to plan activities that will enhance your internship.

These activities include brown bag lunches with senior Department officials, tours, and social activities. The tours allow students to get better insight into the daily functioning of other government organizations. Examples of past tours include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Pentagon, and the Capitol, as well as tours of various embassies. Guest speakers include some of the top managers in the Department, who share their career experiences and give students a better understanding of the Department’s objectives.

The social activities (during work and after-hours) allow networking and socializing with other student employees.

Interns assigned overseas and in field offices can expect to get involved with embassy functions or events appropriate to the area in which they are assigned.

8

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A STATE DEPARTMENT INTERN, Cont.

Appropriate Attire

The Department of State does not have an official dress code; however, as the leading U.S. foreign affairs agency, the Department of State is in the front line of customer service to the public at home and abroad. This mission requires that our employees project competence and professionalism. Therefore, the appearance of employees should also be professional in a way that conveys respect for colleagues, customers, and the work environment and should not pose a safety or health hazard or distraction from work.

The Department welcomes the cultural diversity of its workforce, and seeks to maintain freedom for personal expression without sacrificing the professional image essential to the performance of its mission.

Other Student Employment Programs

Find out more about other student employment program opportunities such as Cooperative Education Program (Student Cooperative Education Program), Stayin-School (Student Temporary Employment Program), Student Disability Program (Workforce Recruitment Program), Summer Clerical Program, Fascell Fellowship Program, Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, and Presidential Management Fellows Program by visiting our web site at careers.state.gov/student.

9

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply Online

Applications for the U.S. Department of State’s intern program must be submitted online, using the “Gateway to State” system (accessible through USAJOBS.gov).

To access our applications, visit our website at careers.state.gov/student and click on Selection Process. Then click the title of the program you would like to apply for (Internship, Summer Clerical, etc...). You may only apply for a job opening when an application is open on USAJOBS (see timetable on page 13) by searching for Internship on usajobs.gov, or by clicking on the “Gateway to State” button on careers.state.gov/student (button only available when an internship application is open on USAJOBS). If you are a new user on USAJOBS, follow the instructions to create a new user account. Please remember to write down and save your user ID and password.

Now you are ready to begin your internship application.

Your Application Package

There are three parts to the application process: • • •

Applicant Profile Application, including Statement of Interest Transcripts and optional Student Aid Report (SAR)

In the first part of the application process, you will create your applicant profile by providing biographic and prior Federal government employment information.

This section will determine if you meet application eligibility requirements. You must answer all “required” fields in order to proceed through the application process. (If you are not new to USAJOBS, you can proceed directly to the intern application.)

The second part of the online application process is specific to the internship program. In this section, you will: •

Identify up to two bureaus for which you wish to be considered for an internship assignment

•

Answer questions regarding your personal, academic and employment credentials to be used by bureau representatives in making their selections

•

Submit a one-page (maximum 2500 characters) Statement of Interest that describes your objectives and motivation in seeking an internship.

Since bureau representatives use this statement in making their selections, you should use the statement to explain how your academic courses and other personal experiences relate to the bureau(s) or office(s) to which you are applying. Please use this opportunity to tell us about any specific disadvantages you may have overcome. You may also use this section to expand upon any of your answers to questions asked in the application, such as language ability or other special skills.

10

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, Cont.

Your Application Package, Cont.

The third part of the application process is the submission of your transcript and, if you’re applying for a paid internship, your current Student Aid Report (SAR). Your application is not considered complete until these documents have been received using the following procedures: •

Once you have completed the online questionnaire and Statement of Interest, you will be prompted to print out cover sheets that will be used to fax your transcripts and your current SAR. You will only be allowed to print your cover sheets after successfully submitting your online application. It is extremely important that only these cover sheets be used for faxing these documents. The cover sheets are coded to insure that your documents will be included in your online record. Please ensure that each document is faxed separately with the appropriate cover sheet.

•

Transcripts: Both official and unofficial transcripts are acceptable as part of the application process. However, if you are selected for a paid internship, you will be required to provide official transcripts before you can receive your final offer of employment. If you are a first year graduate student, you must submit a copy of your most recent undergraduate transcript.

•

OPTIONAL – Student Aid Report (SAR). If you wish to be considered for a paid internship, you must use the above procedures to fax a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR must include your Expected Family Contribution number (EFC).

You will not be considered for a paid internship if you do not submit a SAR or if the EFC number is not indicated on your SAR.

•

If a document is faxed successfully, you will receive a system-generated e-mail confirming receipt. We strongly recommend that you retain a copy of this e-mail in case verification of your submission is required.

•

Due to the large number of fax transmissions submitted in the final days of a job announcement, we strongly urge you to fax in your documents at least a few days before the closing date of an announcement to ensure your documents will be transmitted successfully.

11

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, Cont.

Submitting Your Application

When you have completed the online questionnaire and the Statement of Interest and have printed out the fax cover sheets, you will be ready to complete your application. You should remain in the program until you have received an application confirmation screen. Print this screen for verification of your application. If you do not receive the confirmation screen, you must assume your application was not complete. Follow the instructions, which will indicate which section (s) of the application you must still complete. Please remember that your application is not considered complete until you have transmitted your transcript and, as appropriate, your SAR.

Accessing Your Application

You may stop working on your application at any time and return later to resume until its completion or to update any biographical, student, or employment data.

To do this, you should: 1. Retain your User ID and Password for future use 2. Save your application 3. Return to www.USAJOBS.gov, enter your user ID in the login field, and enter your password to access your individual application and data.

12

The chart on pages 13 and 14 is to be interpreted as a guideline only. It is intended to help applicants in identifying bureaus to which their majors may be commonly related.

Administration African Affairs Art Bank Program Art in Embassies Chief of Protocol Consular Affairs Diplomatic Security East Asian & Pacific Affairs Economics, Energy & Bus. Affairs Educational & Cultural Affairs Equal Employment Opport. Office European and Eurasian Affairs Family Liaison Office Resource Management Overseas Building Operations Foreign Service Institute Human Resources Information Resource Mgt Intelligence & Research Int'l Communication & Info Policy Int'l Narcotics & Law Enforcement International Organizations Legal Adviser Legislative Affairs Near East Asian Affairs Democracy, Human Rights & Labor Oceans & Int'l Environmental & Scientific Affairs Office of Foreign Missions Office of the Inspector General Ofc of the U.S. Global Aids Coord.

Policy Planning Staff Political-Military Affairs Population, Refugees, & Migration International Information Programs South Central Asian Affairs Under Secretary For Arms Control & International Security Affairs Under Secretary for Global Affairs United States Mission to the UN Western Hemisphere Affairs

13

Geography

Finance

Facility Management

European Studies

Environmental Studies

Engineering

Economics

East Asian Studies

Construction Mgt.

Criminal Justice

Computer Science

Communications

Business

Biological/Physical Sci

Art History/Art Studies

Architecture

Agriculture

African Studies

Adult Education/Training

Bureau/Office

Accounting

Major

Bureaus require a broad range of skills and academic backgrounds to accomplish their goals, and do not limit their selections to only those majors indicated on the chart.

Administration African Affairs Art Bank Program Art in Embassies Chief of Protocol Consular Affairs Diplomatic Security East Asian & Pacific Affairs Economics, Energy & Bus. Affairs Educational & Cultural Affairs Equal Employment Opport. Office European and Eurasian Affairs Family Liaison Office Resource Management Overseas Building Operations Foreign Service Institute Human Resources Information Resource Mgt Intelligence & Research Int'l Communication & Info Policy Int'l Narcotics & Law Enforcement International Organizations Legal Adviser Legislative Affairs Near East Asian Affairs Democracy, Human Rights & Labor Oceans & Int'l Environmental & Scientific Affairs Office of Foreign Missions Office of the Inspector General Ofc of the U.S. Global Aids Coord.

Policy Planning Staff Political-Military Affairs Population, Refugees, & Migration International Information Programs South Central Asian Affairs Under Secretary For Arms Control & International Security Affairs Under Secretary for Global Affairs United States Mission to the UN Western Hemisphere Affairs

14

Any Majors

South Asian Studies

Real Estate

Public Affairs

Public Administration

Print Making

Political Science

Middle Eastern Studies

Linguistics

Library Science

Law

Latin American Studies

Journalism

International Relations

Interior Design

Human Resources

Information Systems

Humanities

History

Government

Major Bureau/Office

Gateway to State Application Checklist Check off each item to make sure everything has been done.

Reminder ! ! ! o Did you receive and print out an application confirmation screen after submitting your application? o Did you use the appropriate system-generated cover sheet to fax your transcript? o Did you use the appropriate system-generated cover sheet to fax your Student Aid Report (SAR) showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number? (Necessary only if you are applying for a paid internship) o Did you receive verification that faxed items were successfully transmitted?

To 1.

2.

3.

verify your fax transmission, you can do the following: At the USAJOBS login page, enter your username and password.

Select the “Generate Fax Cover Sheet” option and click “Next”.

If we have received your fax, the status of your fax will say “Received”.

o Did you keep copies of everything for your records?

15

Application Processing Timetable The following chart is provided to help applicants track their application during the months of the selection process. Please be patient and follow guidelines on notifications below. Keep this form handy for future reference.

Activity in Intern Program

Summer Internship

Fall Internship

Spring Internship

I. Intern Brochure Distributed to Colleges and Universities

August

August

August

II. Application Deadline (including all supporting documents)

November 1

March 1

July 1

III. Selections Made by Bureaus; Selectees Notified in Writing by Intern Coordinator’s Office

January

May

September

IV. Non-Selects Notified in Writing by Intern Coordinator’s Office

February

June

October

V. Forms Received from Selectees to Initiate Security Clearances*

February

June

October

VI. Security Clearances Completed.

Official Offers of Appointment Made

March - April

July - August

December

VII. Interns Enter on Duty

May – July

September – October

January – February

September

December

April

VIII. Internship Ends

*Security clearance processing takes approximately 60-90 days, so it is important to complete the online clearance process by the date indicated in the letter. Either the Student Programs office or the Bureau Coordinator will notify you when the security clearance is issued.

16

Fellowship Opportunities The Council Of American Ambassadors Fellowship Program

The Council of American Ambassadors provides six fellowships in honor of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The Fellowship program combines mentoring by former U.S. ambassadors, practical training through internships at the Department of State and, in cooperation with The Fund for American Studies, academic studies in international affairs at Georgetown University, as well as residential housing on campus. The Fellowship provides a $6,000 award to each student that is applied to cover the cost of the program.

The Fellowships are open to undergraduate students who have completed their junior year prior to the commencement of their internships and who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in international affairs. The Fellowships are available only during summer sessions.

Applications of persons chosen by the Department of State for internships in Washington, DC and who have authorized the Department to provide their information to other organizations will be forwarded to the Council and The Fund for consideration. Eligible candidates will be contacted by the Council of American Ambassadors with instructions to apply for the Fellowship. For more information about this program, please visit www.americanambassadors.org. Email inquiries may be sent to council@americanambassadors.org.

The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowship Program

The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowships, sponsored by the College of William and Mary, will provide a $5,000 award for two U.S. college students to work in the U.S. embassies in Paris and London and one U.S. college student to work in a component of the Office of the Secretary. The fellowships are available during summer sessions only. Applications of persons chosen by the Department of State for internships in London or Paris or in a component of the Office of the Secretary and who have authorized the Department to provide their information to other organizations will be forwarded to The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowship Program for consideration. Eligible candidates will be contacted with instructions on applying for a Harriman Fellowship. The Harriman Board has determined that only undergraduate students entering their junior or senior year and graduating seniors continuing their studies will be considered for a Fellowship. E-mail inquiries on the Fellowship Program should be addressed to: harriman@wm.edu. All written inquires should be addressed to: The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowship Program PO Box 8795 The College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA 23187

17

Part II

Bureau Information

18

PARTICIPATING BUREAUS/OFFICES The following is a brief overview of each participating bureau or office that offers internships at various times during the year. You may apply for an internship in two (2) bureaus or offices. If you wish to be considered for an overseas internship, at least one of your bureau choices must be one of the following: AF, EAP, EUR, IO, NEA, SCA, or WHA. You will also have the opportunity to indicate the specific country in which you would like to intern. Please note that some bureaus offer internships in domestic locations other than Washington, D.C. If you are interested in working at one of these locations, you will have the opportunity to express your preference.

Bureau of Administration (A) Diplomatic Reception Rooms (M/FA) The Diplomatic Reception Rooms and State Rooms are 18th-century style rooms located in the Main State Department building. They are used for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State and other high-level government officials. The Office of Fine Arts (M/FA) manages the collection of 5000 museum-caliber objects of American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts of the period 1750 to 1825. An intern in the office can expect to assist with various aspects of registrarial and collections management, including maintaining computer databases, constructing photography files, and inter-relational records in object, conservation, publicity and research files. Graduate students in decorative arts or museum studies would gain registrarial experience.

Additional opportunities are available for graduate interns in American fine and decorative arts history, museum studies and library science/special collections/archives to assist with collections registration, management and conservation activities.

Unpaid internships are available for graduate students in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Art Bank Program (A/AB) • Acquires and manages a permanent collection of more than 2,000 limited edition prints and original works on paper by contemporary American artists • Exhibits artwork in offices of Department officials, reception areas, and conference rooms in the Department of State and the Agency for International Development in Washington, D.C. Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of the Executive Director (A/EX) Supports the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the Under Secretary for Management through the provision of executive management and administrative services, including management analysis, strategic planning, presidential travel support, financial management, human resources management, and information resources management for the Bureau of Administration. Within the A Bureau, the Office of the Executive Director provides services to the organizations under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Operations, Logistics Management, and Information Sharing Services. Service is also provided to the Offices of Emergency Management, Global Support Services and Innovation, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, M/Fine Arts (Diplomatic Reception Rooms), S/Coordination for Reconstruction and Stabilization, the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, including the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary, and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

Unpaid internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C.

19

Office of Global Support Services and Innovation (A/GSSI) Supports management professionals, both overseas and domestic, with innovative methods of transforming support services for the U.S. Government to be more efficient, effective, and customer-oriented. A/GSSI uses rightsizing, IT solutions (e.g. PASS), quality management (e.g.

ISO 9000), and performance metrics to provide the best support services. A/GSSI offers tools on their intranet site -- including Ask Admin, motor pool driver utilization studies, and other services -- to help management professionals identify good ideas and trends to solve problems.

It is also a great group of people and a fun place to work.

Paid internships are available during the summer in Washington, D.C. Unpaid internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE) The Office of the Procurement Executive formulates, establishes and reviews policy governing federal contracting and procurement, and federal assistance such as grants for domestic and overseas missions. Interns working in A/OPE can expect to work on numerous cross-cutting issues, such as researching legislation or federal regulations, drafting policy, and answering relevant questions from customer, including direct contact with overseas missions and domestic bureaus. Since the mandate of A/OPE is Department-wide, interns can expect to work with multiple bureaus and missions, thereby getting a broad overview of how the Department administers contracts and grants.

Students interested in program and project management, drafting substantive communications, and Department of State policy formulation would find an internship in A/OPE beneficial and rewarding.

Unpaid internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. Office of Operations (A/OPR) Manages, directs, and establishes policies for diverse administrative programs including domestic real property and facility management, centralized acquisition, worldwide supply and transportation, assistance to overseas schools, language services, and the administration of foreign allowances. A/OPR offices that typically participate in the intern program are: •

•

A/OPR/ALS - Develops and coordinates policies and regulations, standards and procedures for the administration of the government-wide allowances, post differentials and representational expenses for government employees assigned to foreign countries; sets rates for overseas per diem and other allowances.

A/OPR/LS - The Office of Language Services provides interpreting (spoken word), translating (written word), and other language services needed to conduct foreign relations with the non-English-speaking nations and peoples of the world. LS responds to the language needs of both the Department of State and the White House. Paid translating internships are available for graduate students enrolled in academic programs that include one or more courses in translation, and who have good writing skills and mastery of English and at least one of the following languages: Arabic, Russian (and languages of the former USSR), Spanish, or French. Interns spend 10 weeks working under the tutelage of State Department translators. LS also sponsors paid internships in translation project management and translation technology management for graduate students enrolled in academic programs that include coursework in one or both of those areas. To be selected for an LS internship, applicants must be U.S. citizens; translation interns must pass a translating test given at the Office of Language Services in Washington, D.C. Paid interpreting internships are available for students enrolled in academic programs that include coursework in interpreting or advanced language studies or for recent graduates thereof or for

20

•

•

candidates with relevant experience as beginners in the field of interpreting.

Applicants must have good writing skills and mastery of English plus command of at least one foreign language (Arabic, Spanish, French, or Russian preferred). Interns spend eight to ten weeks working under the tutelage of State Department interpreters. To be selected for such an internship, in addition to having U.S. citizenship, interpreting internship applicants must pass an interpreting aptitude test given at the Office of Language Services.

A/OPR/FMSS - The office of Facilities Management Services is responsible for the management and administration of domestic building operations and maintenance. FMS is also responsible for all domestic energy, environmental, fire and life safety programs.

A/OPR/RPM – The Office of Real Property Management is responsible for managing the Department of State’s (DOS) domestic real estate assets. A/OPR/RPM provides a complete and comprehensive range of real property management services including space assignments, leasing, office and building design and construction, furniture selection, and architectural and engineering services for all domestic offices and bureaus at the Department.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of Information Sharing Services (A/ISS) Provides executive direction and policy guidance on substantive activities to ensure that the Department and other foreign affairs agencies receive the full range of classified and unclassified information and multi-media publishing services in a cost-effective customer service-oriented manner.

•

•

•

A/ISS/GPS - Provides centralized editorial, graphics, multi-media publishing, and distribution services, and prescribes standards for Departmental editorial, printing, and photocopier activities throughout the Department.

A/ISS/DIR - The Office of Directives Management Staff manages a number of Department of State programs that have agency- and worldwide effects, among them: internal policies, procedures and guidance (directives); forms management; information collections (Paperwork Reduction Act - PRA); rulemaking coordination; delegations of authority; Presidential determinations; small business issues; and Liaison with Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of the Federal Register (OFR), General Services Administration (GSA), and other U.S. Government agencies.

A/ISS/IPS - The Office of Information Programs and Services serves as the primary point of contact and principal adviser on all matters concerning the management of information as a critical resource, specifically relating to records life cycle management; public and need-to-know access to information, classification management and declassification, privacy, research of official record and public information resources, and corporate records archives.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of Logistics Management (A/LM) Provides Department of State logistics supply chain management activities including acquisition, warehousing and distribution, transportation, and property management support domestically and to every American embassy and consulate worldwide. Our clients both overseas and domestic are primarily from the Department of State but may also be personnel of other U.S. government agencies involved in foreign affairs and overseas operations.

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Our services include: • Procuring goods and services of all types, including all contract activities and vendor management • Implementing an Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS), and business processes to ensure “best practices” are followed in the Department. These practices include e-commerce, supply chain management and performance-based and customer-focused management • Supporting nearly 4,000 officers in the foreign affairs community worldwide annually to relocate to their next assignment and transport their household effects and privately owned vehicles to their assigned posts • Shipping all types of materials, whether the possessions of employees or supplies and equipment worldwide • Warehousing of goods and inventory management • Managing the Department’s worldwide vehicle fleet • Providing Diplomatic Pouch and Mail services to embassies and consulates worldwide • Developing and implementing cross-functional logistics policy • Recruitment, career development and training of logistics personnel worldwide Paid internships are available during the summer.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

(A/SDBU)

Ensures that the Department of State effectively utilizes U.S. small businesses (Small Disadvantaged, Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, Service Disabled Veteran-owned, HUBZone) in its prime contracts and subcontracts. Provides training and counseling to: • •

The small business (SB) community about doing business with the Department; facilitates SB access to contract opportunities within the Department Department personnel about contracting with small businesses. Assists them in identifying resources, resulting in increased opportunities for small businesses

Interns working in A/SDBU can expect to work on market research, as well as assist the webmaster in updating our web site. Interns may also be assigned special projects. Prospective interns must possess good organizational and computer skills.

Unpaid internships are available during the summer in Rosslyn, Virginia.

Bureau of African Affairs (AF) •

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The Bureau conducts the full range of U.S. foreign relations with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, providing staffing and resource support to our embassies in challenging environments.

Major objectives for U.S. diplomacy in Africa include fostering democracy and free markets, addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and assisting Africa’s millions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Of the 15 countries covered by the President’s multi-billion dollar Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), 12 are in Africa, meaning our embassies in these countries coordinate delivery of millions of dollars in prevention, care, and treatment for targeted populations.

The Africa Bureau also works closely with African governments in the war on terror, while reaching out to Muslim populations to explain American values with intensive public diplomacy programs.

A central thrust of U.S. diplomacy is conflict mitigation, ranging from resolution of the Darfur conflict and implementation of recent peace accords in Sudan, to

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defusing the festering ethnic conflicts in Africa’s Great Lakes region which includes Rwanda, Burundi, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Africa Bureau and its missions coordinate major U.S. humanitarian assistance to address suffering from war, famine, and drought.

The opportunities and challenges in Africa provide countless opportunities for hands-on diplomacy and richly rewarding experiences.

Unpaid internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Interns posted abroad are provided with housing and transportation to and from post. Internships abroad are available during the summer only.

Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) • • • • •

Directs consular services relating to the protection, assistance, and documentation of American citizens abroad Conducts all passport activities, including documentation and control of travel of U.S. citizens and nationals Administers laws, formulates regulations, and implements policies relating to the determination of U.S. citizenship and nationality Oversees the issuance of immigrant and non-immigrant visas to the U.S. Provides guidance and leadership on consular aspects of children's services and fulfills U.S. treaty obligations relating to children

Unpaid internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. and Passport Agencies located in the following cities: Washington, D.C. (PPT/WN and PPT/SIA), Aurora, CO (PPT/CO), Boston (PPT/BN), Charleston (PPT/CPC), Chicago (PPT/CG), Honolulu (PPT/HH), Houston (PPT/HN), Los Angeles (PPT/LA), Miami (PPT/MM), New Orleans (PPT/NO), New York (PPT/NY), Norwalk, CT (PPT/CT), Philadelphia (PPT/PA), Portsmouth, NH (PPT/NCP), San Francisco (PPT/SF), and Seattle (PPT/SE).

Office of the Chief of Protocol (S/CPR) • • • • • • •

Provides the President and the Secretary of State with advice on fulfilling the government's obligations relating to national and international protocol Plans, arranges, and executes programs for visiting chiefs-of-state and heads of government, foreign ministers, and other high-level officials Coordinates with the White House on the presentation of credentials of foreign ambassadors to the President Accredits foreign ambassadors and other diplomatic and consular officers Registers employees of foreign governments and determines their eligibility for rights and immunities Manages the operation of the Blair House Plans and executes arrangements for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) • •

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Develops and implements U.S. policy on democracy, human rights, international labor, and religious freedom Leads effort to integrate foreign assistance programming with priority foreign policy objectives and is responsible for the annual distribution of approximately $10-100 million of democracy and human rights foreign assistance throughout the region.

Helps build global consensus in support of democratic rule and universal human rights principles

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Carries out project proposal evaluation, grant administration, budget negotiations, technical coordination, and project performance review and compliance for democracy promotion and human rights grants.

Publishes the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which provide a comprehensive assessment of human rights around the world today Conducts dialogues on human rights and democracy with other nations, both bilaterally and through multilateral forums Works closely with members of Congress and their staffs, non-governmental human rights organizations, and the media Reviews political asylum requests Monitors key issues like religious freedom, labor, and women's rights

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Interns work closely with office directors on special projects and the bureau's normal operations.

Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. Every U.S. diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In the United States, DS investigates passport and visa fraud, conducts personnel security investigations, and protects the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States. Within the bureau, there are several divisions that provide administrative services such as automated systems support, financial and personnel management, and other general services. DS has several engineering divisions.

The Bureau has field offices in various cities throughout the U.S. staffed with special agents and criminal investigators. DS Field Offices are located in the following U.S. cities: Atlanta, Miami, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Denver, San Francisco, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Unpaid internships are available throughout the year. The majority of the internships available are located in offices within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. A few intern positions may be available in one or more of the Field Offices within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. DS cannot guarantee that there will be positions in every Field Office during any given intern session.

Office of Foreign Missions (DS/OFM) Mandated by Congress, the Office of Foreign Missions’ (OFM), which falls under the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, responsibility is to protect the interests of the United States and its citizens from foreign diplomats’ abuses of privileges and immunities; to improve the treatment of U.S. personnel assigned abroad by imposing reciprocal treatment on foreign diplomats assigned to the United States; and to provide service to the foreign diplomatic and consular community in matters relating to motor vehicles, tax, customs, property, and travel. OFM also provides the legal foundation to facilitate secure and efficient operations of U.S. missions abroad, and of foreign missions and international organizations within the United States. There are several divisions that provide administrative, financial, procurement, and management analysis activities, as well as information systems technologies within OFM. OFM Regional Offices are located in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston.

Unpaid internships are available throughout the year. There may be intern positions available in one or more of the above OFM Regional Offices within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

DS/OFM cannot guarantee that there will be positions in every Regional Office.

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Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP) • • • •

Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the East Asian and Pacific region Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities with interest in political, economic, consular, and administrative matters in those countries Analyzes and prioritizes U.S. private sector trade and investments Researches and analyzes political and economic issues

Unpaid internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. and abroad at most U.S. embassies and consulates. Under limited circumstances, housing may be available abroad. For students applying for internships abroad, please specify in your Statement of Interest the embassy or consulate for which you wish to be considered.

Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs (EEB) Develops and implements U.S. international economic policy relevant to protecting and advancing U.S. economic, political, and security interests. Pursues objectives by managing bilateral and multilateral relationships in the areas of trade, energy, transportation, communications, finance, and food resources policy.

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Office of the Coordinator for Business Affairs (EEB/CBA) Advises the Under Secretary for Economic, Agricultural, and Business Affairs, as well as the Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, on foreign policies affecting U.S. international economic competitiveness and ensures that the interests of the U.S. business community are properly considered in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.

International Communications and Information Policy (EEB/CIP) Leads policy-making government wide on international telecommunications and information technology issues, including the internet satellites, wireless spectrum allocations, etc. Heads U.S. delegations to overseas meetings and events, and to multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the International Telecommunication Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, etc. Encourages deployment of technology internationally in support of democratization, sustainable development, and a commercefriendly climate.

Energy, Sanctions and Commodities (EEB/ESC) Formulates and manages overall U.S. government economic sanctions policy and strategy; coordinates the use of economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy, ensuring that U.S. commercial and competitiveness issues are factored into U.S. government sanctions and export control decisions.

Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy (EEB/EPPD) Coordinates public affairs/public diplomacy outreach activities: prepares press guidance, provides media support for policy initiatives, responds to media requests and supports public diplomacy initiatives for foreign audiences on economic issues; does quantitative analyses on economic policy issues and makes policy recommendations based on those analyses.

International Finance and Development (EEB/IFD) IFD is intricately involved in the United States government’s effort to promote global economic growth and development. Our activities include: • Negotiating treaties to protect U.S. investors abroad, encouraging foreign nations to adopt market-oriented policies, and working to encourage resolution of investment disputes • Strengthening international anti-bribery enforcement and measures to enhance fiscal transparency • Monitoring changes in global macroeconomic conditions, identifying financial trends and potential crises that impact U.S. interests • Formulating debt-relief policies and negotiating agreements

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Coordinating international donor policy for reconstruction in selected post-crisis or disaster areas • Providing guidance on economic development policy at the UN, the G-8, the World Bank Development Committee, and the OECD Development Assistance Committee.

Trade Policy and Programs (EEB/TPP) Advances economic prosperity by increasing trade through the opening of overseas markets and freeing the flow of goods, services, and capital. Promotes U.S. trade interests within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional trade organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the North American Free Trade Agreement Secretariat (NAFTA), and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Transportation Affairs (EEB/TRA) Provides the fullest possible commercial support for the global aviation industry, which is uniquely dependent upon U.S. government leadership to ensure its rights and market access in foreign countries; serves as the chief aviation negotiator for the United States. Under the 1958 Federal Aviation Act, the Department carries out its aviation responsibility with the direct involvement of airlines, communities, and labor.

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Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. For further information on each office, please see the Department of State web site: www.state.gov.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supports the long-term national interest by fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Bureau academic and professional exchange programs identify future leaders and build a foundation of trust with current and potential leaders throughout the world. Bureau programs and activities include the Fulbright Exchange Program, the International Visitor Program, Citizen and Professional Exchange Programs, English Language Programs, Cultural Programs, Educational Advising, Humphrey Fellowships and College and University Affiliations Programs.

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The Office of Academic Exchange Programs plans and manages a wide spectrum of merit-based educational programs from Fulbright exchanges to a range of special programs for Russia and the New Independent States The Office of Global Educational Programs administers professional and teacher exchanges, institutional linkages, and programs and services designed to support and promote the international exchange of student and scholars The Office of English Language Programs conducts a variety of activities to promote the teaching and learning of English overseas The Office of Citizen Exchanges manages programs in professional, cultural and youth programs. Grants are used to strengthen public-private partnerships with American universities, community organizations, professional groups and other non-profit institutions The Office of International Visitors brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the U.S. to meet and confer with professional counterparts and to gain a more complete understanding of the U.S. Cultural Programs emphasize fostering long-term relationships between artists, institutions and audiences, stimulating self-sustaining networks.

Specific skill sets which would be well-applied in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) also include web design and management, and organizational development to include training, group facilitation, conflict management and surveying/polling.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) • • •

Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in Europe Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities within these regions, including consular and administrative management issues, and U.S. assistance In addition to working on country-specific issues, the bureau offers the opportunity to do multilateral work related to the European Union, NATO, the OSCE, the OECD, the G-8, and the Council of Europe. Applicants interested in these multilateral positions should specifically note such interest in their Statement of Interest.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C., and abroad at certain U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the year. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad.

For students applying for an internship abroad, you will have an opportunity to specify the country in which you are willing to pursue your internship. You may elaborate on your choices in your Statement of Interest. Duties of both domestic and overseas interns are similar in nature to that of an entry-level professional.

Family Liaison Office (M/FLO) •

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Serves all U.S. government employees and family members assigned to, serving at, or returning from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad deal with the challenges of a mobile lifestyle Advocates for programs to improve quality of life by identifying issues and solutions Provides high volume of client services in the areas of Family Member Employment (including job availability at an embassy or consulate abroad and opportunities for working on the local economy overseas), Education and Youth (including boarding school options, youth programs, and support for families with special needs children), and Support Services for those experiencing a personal change (including divorce, eldercare, adoption) or post crisis Assists employees and family members evacuated from post due to political unrest or natural disasters Manages the Community Liaison Office (CLO) program with 160 field offices worldwide Manages the expeditious naturalization process for foreign born spouses of Department of State employees Delivers services through individual counseling, training and presentations, publications and the FLO web site.

Please visit FLO's web site: http://www.state.gov/www/flo/ Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. during the summer. special projects in one or more of the above areas.

Interns will work on

Foreign Service Institute (FSI) • • • • • •

Trains Department of State and other U.S. government agency employees involved in foreign affairs Encourages research and other studies of new and developing areas of foreign policy concerns Develops training materials for total curriculum including video and multimedia based training courses Provides intensive instruction in over 60 languages Offers a variety of area studies courses that familiarize Foreign Service personnel in the specific geographic/cultural area to which they are assigned Assists personnel and their families going to, or returning from, overseas assignments in cross-cultural and lifestyle adaptation, in addition to family and work adjustment/ readjustment.

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Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) The Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State and advises the Secretary and her team on legislative strategy. The H staff advises individual Bureaus on their legislative and outreach strategies and coordinates those efforts with the Secretary’s priorities.

H facilitates effective communication between the diplomatic professionals of the State Department and Members of Congress and their staffs. H manages Department testimony before House and Senate hearings, organizes Member and staff briefings, and facilitates Congressional travel abroad for Members and staff. The bureau reviews proposed legislation and coordinates the Department's positions on legislation affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, seeks passage of relevant foreign policy legislation and appropriations, and obtains advice and consent to treaties as well as Senate confirmation of the President’s Ambassadorial and Department of State nominees.

Interns assist the Bureau’s Legislative Management Officers in setting up briefings, coordinating policy statements with other Bureaus, facilitating trip itineraries for Congressional delegations, etc.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of Human Resources (HR) • •

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Carries out recruitment and examination for the Foreign Service, including administration of the Foreign Service Written Examination and Oral Assessment Develops and administers personnel policies and procedures of the Department, including assignments, career development, employee relations and retirement programs for both Foreign and Civil Service Coordinates the Department's student employment programs Publishes the Department's monthly magazine for employees worldwide.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) Are you a born communicator? Do you have a keen interest in journalism and international news?

Would you like to be on the front lines of U.S. public diplomacy efforts, presenting important information directly to a foreign audience?

IIP is the principal international strategic communications service for the U.S. foreign affairs community. Its products are translated into Persian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian, and are featured online at http://usinfo.state.gov/.

Through daily articles published on USINFO, web chats and digital video conferences (DVCs) between public opinion leaders and overseas audiences, monthly electronic journals, and overseas speaker programs, IIP presents U.S. policy on foreign, economic, security, and global issues, as well as information about American society and values to the rest of the world.

This is an ideal opportunity for students majoring in journalism and communication, as well as international affairs. IIP enjoys press access to U.S. officials at the State Department, White House and other public agencies. Its writers also attend events sponsored by Washington think tanks and nongovernmental organizations to hear high-profile foreign policy speakers present their views on major world issues and events.

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You will enjoy full inclusion and participation with our full-time staff, and your bylined articles will have a global audience, in multiple languages, thanks to the Internet and U.S. embassy officials who place them in local media.

As an IIP intern, you can: •

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Attend and write articles about speeches and press conferences by senior U.S. officials, programs at Washington-based think tanks and nongovernmental organizations, congressional hearings and cultural events Design and conduct web chats and DVCs that allow interaction and communication between foreign audiences and opinion leaders in the areas of culture, science, politics and business Assist in the production of electronic journals, IIP's online magazines, which examine a wide range of issues such as human rights, narcotics, terrorism, American society, democracy, and information technology Assess, recruit and schedule U.S. officials, people from the academic community and subject specialists for overseas speaking and training programs Assist in the provision of information research to public diplomacy officials at home and abroad using top-of-the-line proprietary databases.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington throughout the year.

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Within the Department of State, INL has primary responsibility for developing and implementing bilateral and multilateral drug and crime control programs to accomplish goals and objectives in support of the Administration’s comprehensive strategy in the international arena.

This Bureau: • • • • • • •

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Monitors the narcotics and crime control programs of different countries Plans, implements, and oversees international narcotics and crime control activities Provides program direction to U.S. missions abroad Negotiates cooperative agreements with foreign governments Represents the United States at the United Nations, and other International Organizations on narcotics and crime matters Works closely with other government agencies on domestic drug issues Assists foreign governments to combat narcotics and crime activities, e.g., eradicate narcotic crops, destroy illicit laboratories, train interdiction personnel, prevent money laundering and other organized crime, and develop anti-crime and counter-narcotics education programs Coordinates U.S. efforts to conduct Civilian Policing operations throughout the globe, to include Afghanistan and Iraq.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. during the fall and summer only.

Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP) Works to combat modern-day slavery. The office produces the Secretary of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, coordinates anti-trafficking program funding, chairs an interagency task force, and conducts extensive outreach to non-governmental organizations, Congress, multilateral organizations, and the news media.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

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Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) • • •

Directs the Department's program of intelligence analysis and research Conducts liaison with the Intelligence Community Represents the Department in interagency intelligence groups and on committees INR offices which accept interns are: Office of the Analysis for East Asia and the Pacific (INR/EAP) - conducts research and analysis, and briefs Department principals, on a broad range of political, diplomatic and other issues in the East Asia and Pacific region (Burma through Japan). Current priority issues include Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear program, Chinese foreign policy, Chinese internal stability and Communist Party politics, inter-Korean relations, the China-Taiwan issue, political developments in Southeast Asia and instability in the Pacific. INR/EAP directly supports the diplomatic initiatives of State’s Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs.

Successful applicants should have academic or other experience in one or more Asian countries. Language ability is a strong plus.

Office of Analysis for Europe (INR/EUR) – produces all-source intelligence analysis and support on Europe to key policy officials in the Department of State. In addition, INR/EUR collaborates closely with other members of the Intelligence Community (IC) to support other high-ranking officials in the U.S. Government. INR/EUR is divided into Northern Europe, Southern Europe and European Regional Analysis. Currently, some of the issues that INR/EUR focuses on are Turkey, the Western Balkans, leadership dynamics within Europe, as well as institutional developments in the EU and NATO. Interns can expect to work on important issues for INR/EUR, meet experts in the IC and the Washington-based think-tank world. We look for a solid academic background in international relations and an interest in European Affairs. Language proficiency and strong writing skills are highly desirable.

Office of the Geographer and Global Issues (INR/GGI) - conducts research and analysis, and briefs Department principals, on a broad range of topical issues including environment and sustainable development, humanitarian crises and refugees, United Nations affairs, human rights, and war crimes. The office also provides boundary analysis, GIS cartography, and remote sensing imagery support for the Bureau and much of the Department.

The Humanitarian Information Unit (INR/GGI/HIU) serves as a U.S. Government interagency center to identify, collect, analyze, and disseminate unclassified information critical to decision makers and partners in preparation for, and in response to, humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Candidates with experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or remote sensing software and/or experience in international humanitarian relief issues or operations are particularly welcome.

The Geographic Information Unit (INR/GGI/GIU) does custom cartography, GIS applications, and boundary analysis and research for INR and the Department of State.

GGI/GIU is seeking an intern with training in geography and strong research skills to assist in boundary analysis work (minimum 10 weeks).

The War Crimes, Atrocities, and Democracy (INR/GGI/WCAD) division supports the international war crimes tribunals and the State Department’s atrocities early warning, human rights, and democracy efforts. GGI/WCAD is seeking an intern with strong intellectual and organizational skills to contribute to this effort (minimum 10 weeks).

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Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia (INR/NESA) - Conducts research and analysis and briefs Department principals on a broad range of political, diplomatic, and social issues from North Africa and the Middle East, though the Gulf, Iran, Afghanistan, and the rest of South Asia. Priority issues include the Western Sahara, the Middle East Peace Process, domestic Israeli politics, and the internal politics and foreign policies of a number of disparate countries, especially including Iran, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. INR/NESA directly supports the policy initiatives of two of State’s regional bureaus: the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA). Successful applicants must have an academic or practical experience in one or more of the region’s countries. In addition, ability in a regional language, be it Arabic, Persian, or Hindi –Urdu (or any of the many others), is a plus.

Office of Opinion Research (INR/OPN) – Supports effective diplomacy and cross-cultural engagement through the collection, analysis, and communication of data regarding foreign public opinion. INR/OPN’s opinion and media analyses are distributed to policy-makers throughout the executive branch of the U.S. government through written reports, briefings and presentations. Interns typically focus on either opinion research or media analysis in one of the following regions: Europe/Eurasia, Middle East/South Asia, Latin America, East Asia or Sub-Saharan Africa (applicants are encouraged to state a preference). Intern duties can include background research, questionnaire development, data analysis (using SPSS), media analysis, and report writing. Applicants should have strong regional knowledge, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Office of Analysis for Russia and Eurasia (INR/REA) - Produces all-source, real-time and longer-term intelligence and analytical support on the domestic and foreign policies of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia to promote US goals of national security, economic prosperity, and democratization. The office monitors traffic, briefs State officials ranging from desk officers to Department “principals,” represents INR and the Department of State in the Intelligence Community and, when necessary, on Capitol Hill and with foreign governments, and regularly participates in professional and academic conferences.

Intern applicants should have a strong academic background in international relations, political science, history or area studies with demonstrated research and writing skills.

Proficiency in a relevant language, especially Russian, is highly desirable.

Office of Technical Collection Affairs (INR/TCA) - Provides support and expertise to INR analysts and Department policymakers on tasking technical intelligence systems and coordinating the release of information to foreign governments. Develops and represents the Department’s intelligence information needs and conveys them to the appropriate elements of the Intelligence Community. Coordinates operational technical activities to ensure alignment with the Department’s foreign policy objectives. INR/IRE seeks intern candidates with a broad interest in national security issues and a strong ability to present information orally and in writing.

INR-selected candidates must be granted a Top Secret clearance and be found eligible for Sensitive Compartmented Information before they can serve as interns.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of International Organization Affairs (IO) • • •

Provides guidance for U.S. participation in international organizations and conferences Acts as the channel between the U.S. government and international organizations Builds coalitions necessary to advance U.S. policies in the United Nations and specialized agencies

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Scope of interest includes the U.N. Security Council, the U.N. General Assembly, and the maintenance of international peace and security

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Unpaid internships are available all year in Washington, D.C. and overseas in Rome, Vienna and Geneva.

Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) The mission of IRM is to ensure that all of the Department of State's information resource management requirements are met in the areas of: • • • • •

voice communications transmission networks personal computers electronic media products information processing/retrieval systems

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telecommunications automated data processing local area network systems mass data storage fifth generation computing

IRM is responsible for providing services in these areas to the entire Department of State, including its diplomatic missions abroad, and to other foreign affairs agencies abroad.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of International Security Negotiations (ISN) • •

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Spearheads efforts to promote international consensus on WMD proliferation through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy; Addresses WMD proliferation threats posed by non-state actors and terrorist groups by improving physical security, using interdiction and sanctions, and actively participating in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI); Coordinates the implementation of key international treaties and arrangements, working to make them relevant to today's security challenges and works closely with the UN, the G-8, NATO, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international institutions and organizations to reduce and eliminate the threat posed by WMD; Supports efforts of foreign partners to prevent, protect against, and respond to the threat or use of WMD by terrorists.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of the Legal Adviser (L) Furnishes legal advice on all legal policy issues, domestic and international, arising in connection with U.S. foreign policy and the activities of the Department. This includes the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and promoting the development of international law and its institutions as a fundamental element of those policies.

Summer internships: Paid internships are offered to applicants who are at least second year law students. If you are interested in a summer internship, you need to complete the application process described in this brochure. You must also submit your resume and a copy of your law school transcript directly to the bureau by e-mail legaljobs@state.gov, fax (202-736-7508), or by mail to the following address: Personnel Officer

Office of the Legal Adviser - Room 5519

U.S. Department of State

Washington, DC 20520-6419

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Fall and spring internships: Unpaid internships (externships) are available for both the fall and spring semester for second year law students. Unpaid internships (externships) are also available for the fall semester for third year law students. Applications should be submitted according to the process described in this brochure. You must also submit your resume and a copy of your law school transcript directly to the bureau by e-mail legaljobs@state.gov, fax (202-736-7508), or by mail to the address listed above.

Bureau of Near East Asian Affairs (NEA) • •

Manages U.S. foreign policy toward countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Directs, coordinates, and supervises diplomatic activities within those countries, including consular and administrative management issues

Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of a Junior Foreign Service Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending meetings, escorting visitors, compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a host of other duties. Overseas interns, once selected, are provided with briefing materials, and an outline of specific duties and projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, DC, and abroad at certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout the year. Because dangerous conditions exist in a number of NEA countries, The number of posts participating in the internship program may be limited and may be subject to change as circumstances warrant.

Internships are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative sections in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad, please specify in your Statement of Interest the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to pursue your internship. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad, but not for those working in Washington, D.C. Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) OBO assists the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Management with formulating policy on the Department of State’s worldwide buildings program abroad for the Department of State and the U.S. Government community.

Through its extensive program of new construction, facility rehabilitation, and operations programs, OBO provides safe, secure, and functional living and working space for the thousands of men and women who represent the United States and perform the important work of diplomacy. Since 2001, OBO has constructed over 56 new facilities and have moved more than 17,000 personnel into safer structures, and many more new facilities are either in the design or construction phase.

As an intern at OBO, you can: • Work with engineers, architects, interior design, planners, project managers, and other professionals to help shape the overseas presence of U.S. diplomatic facilities throughout the world.

• Architectural and engineering students will build critical skill sets relevant to a competitive and global job market including: state-of-the-art computer-aided design, green building technology, mixed-use building design and construction, and focus on building and designing major compounds with stringent security requirements.

• Benefit from on-site weekly lectures from industry professionals, relevant field trips, and participate in gatherings that allow relationship building with peers and working professionals.

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•

Learn first-hand about the opportunities and long-term benefits of a career within Overseas Buildings Operations, while being exposed to the building industries based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Unpaid and some paid internships with flexible schedules are available throughout the year.

Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

(OES)

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs is the Department of State's focal point for foreign policy development in the areas of: • • • • • • • • • •

U.S. policy on environment and sustainable development Conservation and sustainable management of natural resources Global climate change Oceans and fisheries affairs Marine conservation International science and technology cooperation programs Bioterrorism and biodefense Infectious diseases and global health Science and Technology Public outreach on environmental diplomacy

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of the Inspector General (OIG) OIG inspects each of the approximately 260 embassies, diplomatic posts, and international broadcasting installations throughout the world, to determine whether policy goals are being achieved and whether the interests of the United States are being represented and advanced effectively. Additionally, OIG performs specialized security inspections and audits in support of the Department's mission to provide effective protection to our personnel, facilities, and sensitive intelligence information. OIG also audits Department and BBG operations and activities to ensure that they are as effective, efficient, and economical as possible. Finally, OIG investigates instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement that may constitute either criminal wrongdoing or violation of Department and BBG regulations.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C., throughout the year.

Counsel encourages second-year law students to apply.

The OIG's Office of

Bureau of Public Affairs (PA) The Bureau of Public Affairs’ mission is to help make foreign policy less foreign to people around the globe by reaching out to the media and the public. The Bureau also provides guidance and direction to the Department on the communication of foreign policy. The following offices work within the bureau to accomplish these goals in many different ways: •

•

Strategic Communications (PA/SCP): Develops strategic communication plans for Department initiatives, programs and policies and produces communication products such as focused “one-pagers” on a wide range of international affairs topics.

Press Office (PA/PRESS): With primary focus on the Washington, D.C. press corps, but with frequent contact with nationwide and international media, the Office prepares the Department Spokesperson for the daily briefing; facilitates media coverage of the Secretary of State’s public events; issues statements, media notes, and fact sheets to articulate a hot topic or policy position; and facilitates special media briefings for specific issues or events.

The Press Office at USAID explains USAID’s mission and programs and coordinates media

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

and press advance for trips, events, and interviews by the USAID Administrator and its other principal officers.

Regional and Media Outreach (PA/RMO): Pursues media outreach, enabling Americans everywhere to hear directly from key Department officials through local, regional and national media interviews.

Public Liaison (PA/PL): Schedules briefings and conferences in the Department and arranges town meetings and speakers to visit communities to discuss U.S. foreign policy and why it is important to all Americans; reaches out to schools and non-governmental organizations; and answers questions from the public about current foreign policy issues by phone, email and letter Intergovernmental Affairs (PA/IGA): Assists state, county and city governments with foreign policy questions and information concerning their official trips abroad and receiving foreign delegations.

Electronic Information (PA/EI): Manages the State Department's website at www.state.gov and a youth website (www.future.state.gov) develops web pages with up-todate information about U.S. foreign policy, and prepares special publications Foreign Press Center (PA/FPC): Helps foreign media to cover the United States; generates programs for foreign journalists and broadcasters to deepen their understanding and the accuracy of their reporting on American society and U.S. foreign policy.

Broadcast Services (PA/OBS): Supports the foreign affairs communication mission of the U.S. Department of State by producing live TV pool coverage of events involving the President, Secretary of State, and principal spokespersons; by producing television coverage of current events in the U.S. and worldwide that present U.S. policies; and by producing news features, special events programs, documentaries and co-productions with foreign broadcasters. PA/OBS assists more than 100 small and large foreign TV news bureaus in the U.S. with live and taped coverage, b-roll footage, research, interviews and TV production assistance. All of this is distributed globally via broadcast fiber, satellite, and the internet. OBS operates AETN – The American Embassy Television Network, the Department of State’s global satellite broadcast network - a direct U.S. television resource for international broadcasters.

Rapid Response Unit (PA/RRU): Monitors global news stories around-the-clock, analyzes important media trends and puts together effective messages and distributes a daily alert to Cabinet secretaries and key policymakers in Washington and overseas. These reports provide an effective early warning system that helps us respond quickly to stories as varied as U.S. earthquake assistance to Pakistan, Iranian nuclear defiance, and Palestinian elections.

Office of the Historian (PA/HO): Prepares the official documentary record of U.S. foreign policy, The Foreign Relations of the United States; compiles historical studies on U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy; and responds to public inquiries on foreign policy and diplomatic history.

United States Diplomacy Center (PA/USDC): Plans, develops, and operates the National Museum of American Diplomacy which is dedicated to exploring the work and mission of the Department and the practice and challenges of American diplomacy; engages the public through outreach activities in educational institutions, programs offered at the Department of State, and through the Internet

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year in all of the above offices.

Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) Supports the Secretary and the Under Secretary in playing a larger role in security and defense policy and will:

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• • • • • •

Provide a more informed State voice on Defense policies with major foreign policy implications Provide analytic support on defense-related foreign policy issues Contribute to the coordination of peacekeeping and related foreign policy issues Lead a stronger State effort on regional security issues Assume greater responsibilities in crisis management Be responsible for arms transfers, defense trade controls, and political-military and Defense cooperation in critical infrastructure protection

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) • • •

Develops and implements U.S. policies on international population, refugee and migration matters Advances U.S. humanitarian principles by providing assistance to victims of persecution and civil strife Administers the U.S. refugee admissions program that processes and resettles refugees in the United States.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Bureau of Resource Management (RM) Headed by the Department’s Chief Financial Officer, RM carries out a variety of resource management functions for the Department of State: •

•

•

Resource Planning (RM/SPP): The Office of Strategic and Performance Planning (SPP) brings dedicated focus to the Department’s strategic, program, and performance planning activities. RM/SPP is responsible for the Department’s Mission Performance Plan (MPP) process, the Bureau Performance Plan (BPP) process, the annual Performance Plan, the coordination of all activities associated with the development of the Department of State Strategic Plan, and participates in the preparation of the combined Performance and Accountability Report. RM/SPP coordinates the annual Senior Reviews chaired by the Deputy Secretary, leads the inter-agency effort to update the International Affairs Strategic Plan (IASP), and ensures Department-wide compliance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). RM/SPP is also working to implement the President’s Management Agenda initiative on Budget and Performance Integration.

Office of Budget and Planning (State Operations) (RM/BP): This is the Department’s Budget shop. It focuses on State Programs and Operations. This shop is the first stop for any Department funding. It reviews the requirements, develops the budget, presenting appropriations requests and financial plans to OMB, the President, and the Congress and then ensures available resources are optimally allocated to achieve Department-wide strategic goals. It manages a network of Department budget and financial management processes and activities involving Department principals, other Department resource management offices, all Department bureaus, and other government agencies to operate a worldwide program for budget formulation, presentation and execution.

Resource Systems, Accountability and Policy (RM/DCFO): This Office does the primary technical and policy advising to the Chief Financial Officer on matters relating to financial management and provides guidance and coordination to the Department's financial management program. The DCFO manages the Financial Policy, Reporting and Analysis Directorate, the Global Financial Management Systems Directorate, and the Global Financial Systems Support Directorate. The DCFO advises the Chief Financial Officer, and provides technical guidance on matters relating to financial management systems for the Department's worldwide activities, including, strategic planning for financial management, policy, procedures, and management controls.

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Resource Execution (RM/GFS): Global Financial Services is located in Charleston, South Carolina at the Charleston Financial Services Complex. The Managing Directors for the Charleston Financial Service Center, the Paris Financial Service Center, the Bangkok Financial Service Center, the Domestic Financial Services Directorate, and the Customer Support, Training & Global Disbursing Operations Directorate all report to Director-GFS. With approximately 600 government and contract employees, GFS provides financial services not only to the Department of State’s domestic and worldwide offices, but also a myriad of other federal agencies with overseas presence.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. and Charleston, SC throughout the year.

Office of the Secretary of State (S) Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R) •

Coordinates overall U.S. public diplomacy in support of U.S. strategic interests and foreign policy objectives, using the tactics of engagement, exchanges, education and empowerment.

•

Oversees the Bureau of Public Affairs, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Bureau of International Information Programs. Serves as the Secretary's representative on the Broadcasting Board of Governors which ensures and safeguards the integrity, quality and effectiveness of U.S. government international broadcasting.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Selections will be made from applicants with knowledge of, and interest in, public diplomacy.

Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs and Coordinator for Tibetan Issues (G) •

• •

•

•

Coordinates U.S. foreign relations on a variety of global issues, including democracy, labor and human rights, population and the environment, international scientific affairs, migration, and refugees.

Oversees U.S. participation in the Community of Democracies, U.S.-Afghan Women's Council and U.S.-Iraq Women's Network initiatives Oversees activities of three Bureaus: Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and Population, Refugees, and Migration Oversees the Office of International Women's Issues, the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, the Avian Influenza Action Group and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons The Under Secretary serves as the Special Coordinator on Tibetan issues.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Selections will be made from applicants with demonstrable knowledge of, and interest in, one or more Global issues.

Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues (G/IWI) • •

Reports directly to the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs Recommends, advises, and participates in programs that promote women’s political participation, expand their economic opportunities, increase awareness of their basic human rights, and reinforce their position in civil society across the globe

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•

• •

Committed to raising public awareness, nationally and internationally, of U.S. Government policy on women through media, outreach efforts, and other public diplomacy tools Oversees the Iraqi Women’s Democracy Initiative.

Website: www.state.gov/g/wi/

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs (T) The Under Secretary's office provides policy direction in the following areas: • • •

•

Nonproliferation, including missile and nuclear, as well as chemical, biological, and conventional weapons Arms control, including negotiation, ratification and implementation of agreements on strategic, non-conventional and conventional forces Regional security and defense relations, which involve policy regarding U.S. security commitments worldwide as well as use of U.S. military forces in unilateral or international peacemaking roles Export control policy, e.g., the U.S. government controls exports that might contribute to proliferation or otherwise harm U.S. interests, while at the same time allowing legitimate exports that help U.S. business

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) This new office oversees and coordinates civilian response activities of the U.S. government in key states making the transition out of civil strife.

•

•

• •

•

The office prepares, plans, and supports U.S. government stabilization and reconstruction activities in a range of situations that require the capabilities of multiple U.S. government agencies, including: complex emergencies, failing states, failed states, post-conflict environments, and/or situations involving peacekeeping or other international interventions.

The office provides the Secretary of State and other U.S. government decisionmakers with clear options; is developing an Operational Readiness Corps and Reserve for “surge” capacity; and serves as an internal expert consulting group, which either can support regional bureaus in coordinating, or can itself directly coordinate, the U.S. government response as the situation warrants.

The office seeks to monitor "hot spots," plans responses, conducts exercises, and preidentifies people and funds for rapid response.

The office aims to become a catalyst for applying lessons learned in sectors like governance, civil society, rule of law, democratization, transitional security, public safety, humanitarian relief, refugee resettlement, infrastructure reconstruction, education, community outreach, banking, debt, trade, privatization, economic stabilization, and multilateral diplomacy regarding failing and failed states.

The office works with key private sector groups like Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Voluntary Organizations, contractors, think tanks and universities in order to develop expertise and build institutional response capacity.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

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Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism (S/CT) •

•

•

• • •

Coordinates the USG’s international counterterrorism policy to build the political will of foreign partners to combat terrorism and to assist our partners to develop the practical capacities - in law enforcement, border control, and banking regulation, among others - to identify, interdict and defeat terrorists. We accomplish this by: engaging with foreign governments and publics to reinforce policy goals; providing practical assistance to build law enforcement capacity (the Anti-Terrorism Assistance program), counterterrorism finance skills (Counterterrorism Finance Program), border control (the Terrorist Interdiction Program); and, building and sustaining USG counterterrorism capabilities through the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) and Technical Support Working Group (TSWG).

Established a new Homeland Security Unit to coordinate cross-cutting policy issues within State regarding homeland security; it will also facilitate State’s coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This will strengthen our links with the DHS and reinforce State’s coordinating lead on international counterterrorism policy.

Engages in bilateral, multilateral, and public diplomacy to deter terrorism through a firm policy of no concessions to terrorists, prosecution or extradition of international terrorists, and vigorous opposition to state-sponsored terrorism.

Identifies and develops justification for the U.S. government's biennial designation of foreign terrorist organizations.

Coordinates U.S. counterterrorism research and development including consultations and cooperation with selected countries.

Leads interagency Foreign Emergency Support Team that stands ready to deploy overseas on four hours notice in the event of an international terrorist incident.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Foreign Service Grievance Board (S/FSGB) Congress established the Foreign Service Grievance Board as an independent adjudicatory body to ensure procedural protections for Foreign Service employees of the six Foreign Affairs agencies. The Board must resolve the tensions that sometimes develop between the need to protect employee rights and the desire to enhance Foreign Service efficiency. The major function of the Board is to provide a forum for the fair review and adjudication of grievance appeals. The Board's jurisdiction extends to any grievance, as defined in Section 1101 of the Foreign Service Act, and to any separation for cause proceeding initiated pursuant to Section 610(a) (2). The jurisdiction of the Foreign Service Grievance Board is limited to current and former members of the Foreign Service who are U.S. citizens. The Board also has jurisdiction over labor-management implementation disputes and certain retirement annuity pension claims. Its decisions generally are binding on the grievant and the agency alike subject only to judicial review.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Those interested in a broad view of the practical problems of the Foreign Service, personnel management and/or computer database management, are encouraged to apply. Interested persons are welcome to visit the Board’s website at www.fsgb.gov.

Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC) • •

Implements the President’s $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief - largest commitment ever by a single nation toward an international health initiative Oversees and directs all resources and international activities of the U.S. Government to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, including U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

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•

•

Under the Emergency Plan, life-saving medical treatment will be provided to two million people living with HIV/AIDS, seven million new HIV infections will be prevented, and care will be provided to ten million people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children.

Additional information about the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator may be found at www.state.gov/s/gac.

Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR) •

•

•

•

Manages all Department of State programs and activities which promote equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action for employees and applicants for employment Directs a complaints processing program which addresses complaints of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity Advises the Secretary of State and senior Departmental managers on affirmative action and diversity issues and develops and implements policies and procedures to eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity Conducts briefings and training sessions on EEO, diversity management, and diversity for departmental components worldwide

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year to undergraduate, graduate, and law students with an interest in public service, equal employment opportunity and civil rights issues.

Office of the Secretary, Policy Planning Staff (S/P) The Policy Planning Staff (S/P) serves as a source of independent policy analysis and advice for the Secretary of State. S/P's mission is to take a longer-term, strategic view of global trends and frame recommendations for the Secretary of State to advance U.S. interests and American values. Fulfilling this mission entails: • • •

• • •

Undertaking broad analytical studies of regional and functional issues Taking the lead on certain issues as tasked by the Secretary of State Engaging functional and regional bureaus within the Department and relevant government agencies to ensure coordination and integration of policy with longerterm objectives Holding policy planning talks with major allies Acting as liaison to the non-governmental, think-tank and academic communities Articulating policy through the Secretary's speechwriters who are members of the staff

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

Office of War Crimes Issues (S/WCI) •

•

Advises the Secretary of State on U.S. efforts to address serious violations of international humanitarian law committed anywhere in the world including the Balkans, Africa and Asia Consults with other U.S. government agencies, Congress, foreign governments, the United Nations and other government and non-governmental organizations on international tribunals and other mechanisms designed to address mass atrocities

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•

•

Works with U.S. government offices, foreign governments and non-governmental organizations on post-conflict transitions, including justice and accountability mechanisms Work involves significant focus on legal issues

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. preference for law students.

There is a

Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) • • •

Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the South Asian countries of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Directs, coordinates, and supervises diplomatic activities within those countries, including consular and administrative management issues.

Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of a Junior Foreign Service Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending meetings, escorting visitors, compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a host of other duties. Overseas interns, once selected, are provided with briefing materials, and an outline of specific duties and projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C., and abroad at certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout the year. Because dangerous conditions exist in a number of SCA countries, the number of posts participating in the internship program may be limited and may be subject to change as circumstances warrant.

Internships are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative sections in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad, please specify in your Statement of Interest the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to pursue your internship. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad, but not for those working in Washington, D.C. Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary (STAS) Appointed in September 2000, the Adviser and STAS lead an initiative to: •

• •

Strengthening the S&T literacy and capacity of the Department as a whole - both by increasing the number of scientists in the Department and by increasing training and exposure of diplomatic and civil service personnel to S&T issues Building a partnership with the outside S&T community - academia, technical agencies, associations, industry - particularly in the U.S., but also abroad Providing advice to the Secretary and other senior Department officials, and catalyzing initiatives for greater State leadership in international S&T cooperation and related policy developments for new and emerging S&T issues

STAS can accommodate up to two interns during any internship period, but also will assist in identifying regional and functional bureaus, as well as embassies abroad, that may require S&T interns. The positions may or may not be paid, depending on bureau policy. Accordingly, applicants should also indicate their field(s) of concentration as well as any preferences for overseas locations.

See the STAS website: www.state.gov/g/stas/.

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United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) The United States Mission to the United Nations was established in 1947 by the United Nations Participation Act to assist the President and the Department of State in conducting U.S. policy at the United Nations.

• •

Carries out our nation's participation in the world body Recommends what course of action the United States should pursue in the world organization

Unpaid internships are available in New York City throughout the year. Internships may be in: Political Affairs, Economic and Social Affairs, UN Resource Management, Military Staff Committee, Research and Reference, Legal Section, Host Country Affairs, Press and Public Affairs, Protocol, Management Affairs, and Regional Security Office. Please specify in your statement of interest the section(s) you would like to be placed. Contact the bureau for a more detailed description of each section. www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov Bureau of Verification, Compliance, and Implementation (VCI) •

The Verification, Compliance, and Implementation (VCI) Bureau’s core mission is to ensure that appropriate verification requirements and capabilities are fully considered and properly integrated throughout the development, negotiation, and implementation of arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements and commitments, and to ensure that other countries’ compliance is carefully watched, rigorously assessed, appropriately reported, and resolutely enforced.

In this regard, the Bureau is responsible, inter alia, for preparing verifiability assessments on proposals and agreements, and reporting these to Congress, as required. The Bureau also prepares the President’s annual report to Congress on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments.

•

As required by statue, the Bureau is responsible for ensuring that U.S. intelligence capabilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate precise and timely information bearing upon matters of verification and compliance – e.g., on the nature and status of foreign governments’ Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and delivery system programs – are effectively acquired, maintained, and enhanced. VCI is designated by law as the principal policy community representative to the Intelligence Community with regard to verification and compliance matters, and uses this role – and the access to and interaction with the Intelligence Community that it entails – both to promote, preserve, and enhance key collection and analytic capabilities and to ensure that verification, compliance, and implementation intelligence requirements are met.

•

Finally, the Bureau has the lead within the State Department on all issues related to missile defense and national security space policy. In this regard, the Bureau plays a special role in the interagency community with regard to the international aspects of missile defense (e.g., cooperation with foreign governments and the diplomatic aspects of U.S. missile defense decisions) and the development of U.S. and multinational policies related to actual or potential military uses of space and the protection of the United States’ space-related infrastructure.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

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Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) • •

•

Conducts foreign relations with Mexico, Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities within this region, including political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative management issues Prefers Spanish, French, Portuguese speaking/reading applicants

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. and abroad at certain U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the year. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad.

Internships are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative sections of embassies abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad, please specify in your Statement of Interest the embassy or consulate at which you wish to pursue your internship. Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of an Entry Level Foreign Service Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending meetings, escorting visitors, compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a host of other duties. Once selected, overseas interns are provided with an outline of specific duties and projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.

U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States (WHA/USOAS) The United States Mission to the Organization of American States was formally established in 1948, and is the only embassy located within the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States held in Washington, D.C. in October 1889. It is the premier multilateral forum for dealing with political issues in the Western Hemisphere.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

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U.S. citizenship is required. An equal opportunity employer.

U.S. Department of State

Cooperative Education Program A Guide for Prospective Students

*Careers Representing America*

careers.state.gov

MISSION STATEMENT To administer United States foreign policy and maintain diplomatic relations throughout the world.

The Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) is also commonly known throughout Federal Departments as the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). The Department of State is proud to provide an educational program that integrates a student’s academic studies with Federal work experience. The Co-op program is one of only a handful of career paths that has the potential of a non-competitive conversion into the Federal Civil Service. Due to the unique partnership between the student, the school and the Department of State, the student is paid a government salary and is expected to work either part or full time in a capacity that is compatible with the student’s course load. Students are required to work in areas that are directly related to their academic program and career goals. Participants provide support to bureaus in the Washington D.C. area and some regional areas.

WHO CAN APPLY? The program is designed to enhance the student’s education while they are enrolled in high school, vocational/technical school, undergraduate or graduate studies.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

Students must be:   

A U.S. citizen.

At least 16 years of age.

Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate-seeking program with at least a half time academic, vocational or technical course load, while maintaining at least a. 2.0 GPA.

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE?

Students typically work part-time while school is in session and full time during breaks. There are no limitations on the number of hours a student can work per week. A specific work schedule will be submitted that fits with the student’s academic schedule as well as the bureau’s need. This program is the perfect work-study combination.

HOW ARE STUDENTS PAID?

Students are paid at regular government salary rates (typically GS-1 through GS-5). Pay is dependent on the level of education and experience the candidate may possess, based on the qualification standard of the job the applicant is seeking.

1

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

An application is a student’s resume, cover letter and most recent (unofficial) transcript. All items need to be electronically submitted to coop@state.gov identifying the subject as “Cooperative Education Applicant Resume.” Please attach documents using Microsoft Word.

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and placements are made throughout the year. We keep applications on file for 6 months in hopes of matching the student with a bureau. If no placement is made in that time, the student must re-apply for further consideration.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS

If you have any questions or concerns: EMAIL: coop@state.gov or studentprograms@state.gov identifying the subject as “Cooperative Education Program Inquiry” PHONE: (202) 261-8888 (Ask for the Co-op Coordinator)

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A COOPERATIVE EDUCATION APPLICANT Before submitting your resume and cover letter to coop@state.gov we suggest you bring it to a school counselor or career services to look over. You want to make sure these items have all your information, are formatted well and have no spelling errors, since this is your first impression with managers.

After you submit your application, you should receive a receipt of application email, no later than one week from when you applied. If you do not get a response, please resubmit your application.

Once we receive your application, we keep your resume on file for 6 months in hopes that we will find you a placement in that time. We are unable to tell applicants the status of their application because these positions are need based, and they become available as needed.

Placements are made when...

1. A bureau coordinator or manager contacts the Cooperative Education coordinator, requesting the need for a student with certain characteristics, for example: a certain major or work experience background.

2. Next the Co-op coordinator goes through the file of applicants and sends the best matches to the bureau coordinator or manager.

3. The bureau coordinator or manager then goes through the applications and sets up interviews with those they are interested in hiring.

2

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO A COOPERATIVE EDUCATION POSITION 1. Once a bureau coordinator or manager has interviewed you and given you a verbal offer for the Co-op position, you will need to provide them with the following materials: 

An updated resume that includes your birth date and social security number.



A current official transcript. (If you are just beginning a term in school and do not have a transcript yet, please submit a proof of enrollment.)

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

 Completed Co-op agreement.

Once your bureau coordinator or manager has received all these materials they will send them to Human Resources – Student Programs to process your appointment.

Student Programs will contact you with information regarding your tentative offer for the Co-op position as well as the security clearance process.

Students tentatively selected for the program must undergo a background investigation and receive either a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

The security clearance process takes approximately 90-120 days to complete from the time the forms are received. Investigations may take substantially longer than 120 days if you have had extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas, or if you have dual citizenship, foreign contacts, immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse or if there is a security, suitability or medical issue to resolve. These issues could include a current or past history of drugs or alcohol abuse, as well as a recent history of credit problems.

Although these problems will not necessarily preclude you from receiving a security clearance, they will lengthen the time required to complete the clearance process. It is important to be completely honest when filling out your security questionnaire.

Note: It is possible that you could receive an interim clearance, which would allow you to work at the Department of State while your investigation is still taking place.

Your offer is not official until you receive written notification from Student Programs.

Once you receive that, you will be able to schedule a time for orientation.

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NON-COMPETITIVE CONVERSION INTO THE CIVIL SERVICE A great benefit of the Cooperative Education Program is that after the completion of certain requirements, it is possible that the participant be converted to a civil service position.

However, a non-competitive conversion is not guaranteed.

REQUIREMENTS 1. Participants in the Co-op program may be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment when students have: a. Completed, within the preceding 120 days, at an accredited school, course requirements conferring a certificate or degree; b. Completed at least 640 hours of career-related work before completion of, or concurrently with, the course requirements; c. Been recommended by the employing agency in which the career-related work was performed; and d. Met the qualification standard for the targeted position to which the student is appointed.

2. Conversions must be an occupation related to the student’s academic training and career related work experience.

3. The non-competitive conversion may be to a position with the same agency or any other agency within the Federal Government.

FAQ FOR COOPERATIVE EDUCATION APPLICANTS Q: Are all the positions in the Washington D.C. area?

A: Co-op positions are typically only in the Washington D.C. area. Most students go to schools that are located in the Washington D.C area and then commute to work. There are very few instances that a student is placed in another city. However, in the rare cases that they are, they are typically at passport agencies. If you are interested in working outside of the D.C. area please specify that on your resume and cover letter.

Q: What type of work will I be doing?

A: Every Co-op placement is different. As long as the position is directly related to your academic major and/or career goals.

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Q: I can’t attach an unofficial transcript, what should I do?

A: If you are unable to attach an unofficial transcript to your application, you may submit your resume without it. Please note that if you do receive a placement you will need to send in your current official transcript.

Q: What should I do if I want to update my resume?

A: Updating your resume whenever you have made changes is encouraged. This way we are sending your most current resume to managers. If you would like to update your resume, please electronically submit it to coop@state.gov identifying the subject as “Updated Resume - last name”

Q: Do Co-op students receive benefits?

A: Yes, Co-op students receive several types of benefits. Students earn annual and sick leave based on a prorated basis of how many hours worked per pay period. They are also eligible for both health and life insurance coverage.

Q: Can my work experience while on the Student Temporary Employment Program count towards the required 640 hours necessary for noncompetitive conversion career conditional employment?

A: Yes, if the work performed is related to the student’s academic studies and career goals. There should be clear documentation showing the “relatedness” between the work, actual duties/tasks/assignments, performed while on a STEP appointment to the work that will be performed while on a SCEP appointment.

U.S. Citizenship Required ** Equal Opportunity Employer 5

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN AFFAIRS (EUR)

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Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in Europe.

Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities within these regions, including consular and administrative management issues, and U.S. assistance.

In addition to working on country-specific issues, the bureau offers the opportunity to do multilateral work related to the European Union, NATO, the OSCE, the OECD, the G-8, and the Council of Europe. Applicants interested in these multilateral positions should specifically note such interest in their Statement of Interest.

Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C., and abroad at certain U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the year. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad, you will have an opportunity to specify the country in which you are willing to pursue your internship. You may elaborate on your choices in your Statement of Interest. Duties of both domestic and overseas interns are similar in nature to that of an entry-level professional.

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Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/ACE)

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Office of Austrian, German, and Swiss Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/AGS)

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Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC)

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Office of European Union Regional Affairs (EUR/ERA)

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Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/NB)

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North Central European Affairs (EUR/NCE)

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Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (EUR/OHI)

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Office of Policy and Global Issues, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PGI)

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Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PPD)

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Office of Press and Public Outreach, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PPD/PA)

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Office of Policy and Regional Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PRA)

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Office of Security and Political Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/RPM)

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Office of Russian Affairs (EUR/RUS)

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Office of South Central Europe, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/SCE)

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Office of Southern European Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/SE)

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Office of UK, Benelux, and Ireland Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/UBI)

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Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/UMB)

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Office of Western European Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/WE)

Position Description: Intern, Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/ACE) What does EUR/ACE do?

The Office the Coordinator of Assistance to Europe and Eurasia in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs oversees U.S. Government assistance to twenty-one states of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. EUR/ACE supports these states in their transition to free-market democracy through programs which promote democracy and good governance, economic growth, and social development, work to meet humanitarian needs, and strengthen security and law enforcement. EUR/ACE coordinates between U.S. foreign policy makers and agencies implementing assistance, carries out strategic and budgetary planning exercises to ensure the linkage of assistance to U.S. foreign policy goals, and acts a liaison to the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Congress.

What would I do in EUR/ACE? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/ACE interns may include: • Conducting research and monitoring news on issues of foreign affairs from open media and USG-internal sources.

• Providing synopses and highlighting lessons learned from reports produced by NGOs and international organizations such as Freedom House, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the UN Development Program.

• Supporting interagency coordination of assistance and the development of USG strategies related to issues such as elections, the rule of law, and public health.

• Participating in the development of the EUR/ACE annual report for Congress.

• Assisting in the collection, analysis, and management of assistance-related financial data.

• Scheduling and participating in consultations with USG officials and annual program budget reviews.

• Assisting with public diplomacy grant oversight.

• Supporting the coordination and tracking of regional projects such as the Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative (SECI) Center.

• Responding to Congressional inquiries and reporting requirements.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/ACE? “As an intern at ACE, I learned a lot about U.S. policy and even more about how assistance and the interagency process work, which is essential in understanding policy decisions. ACE is also a great place to meet and interact with professionals throughout the State Department as well as other USG agencies.” –Daniela C., former EUR/ACE intern.”

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Austrian, German, and Swiss Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/AGS) What does EUR/AGS do?

The Office of Austrian, German, and Swiss Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs plays an integral role in formulating, coordinating and transmitting U.S. policies related to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. These policies encompass issues ranging from securing peace and freedom in the Middle East and developing common strategies for engaging Russia to expanding U.S. economic opportunities in the European Union and developing new forms of international environmental cooperation. It coordinates between U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the AGS countries and the State Department and other U.S. government agencies to ensure that information

reaches the right people at the right time. EUR/AGS also conducts extensive “outreach” with U.S., German, Austrian, and Swiss think tanks, educational institutions, and media, explaining U.S. positions and perceptions on current issues to the people and organizations that influence those countries’ elite and popular opinion.

What would I do in EUR/AGS? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/AGS interns include: • Working with think tanks, universities, and NGOs to coordinate meetings and speaking opportunities for senior Department officials and EUR/AGS staff.

• Helping prepare briefing materials related to Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein for senior Department officials.

• Updating information on the State Department’s website for each of the AGS countries.

• Assisting as notetaker in meetings with German, Austrian and Swiss officials, writing reports of meetings to transmit to our embassies and consulates.

• Attending meetings, seminars, and conferences in Washington.

In addition, interns can expect to be assigned special, more in-depth research projects on areas of current concern.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/AGS? A thorough understanding of the internal workings of the Department of State and how it develops policies and reacts to events. Extensive face-to-face interaction with visiting officials from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as scholars and experts on these nations. A chance to see how foreign policy works in practice, working on some of the United States’ closest and most sophisticated diplomatic relationships. An opportunity to explore careers in government service.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC) Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs What does EUR/CARC do?

EUR/CARC manages our bilateral relations with the countries of the Southern Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It also has the lead on working to promote peaceful resolutions in conflict areas within the region, namely Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia, as well as Transnistria. The office works closely with other offices within the Department of State, as well local foreign embassies, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations. Examples of EUR/CARC’s work include policy coordination with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia on regional integration, regional stability, Caspian energy, the promotion of democracy, and the global war on terrorism.

What would I do in EUR/CARC? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/CARC interns include: • Reporting on current developments in the Southern Caucasus; preparing written guidance for high-level Department officials; researching actions of foreign governments in the region.

• Analyzing developments on regional conflicts to promote U.S. efforts to negotiate peaceful, mediated settlements.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/CARC interns have included: • Helping to plan and manage the visits of Georgian President Saakashvili and Azerbaijani President Aliyev.

• Creating an in-depth website with comprehensive information on State Department efforts, as well as background information, concerning the region.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/CARC? The opportunity to be involved in ongoing peace negotiations; a chance to assist in the promotion of democracy in an area which lies on the forefront of transformational diplomacy and which is of intense interest to the U.S. government.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of European Union Regional Affairs (EUR/ERA) What does EUR/ERA do?

1.

Develops recommendations and coordinates action on all policies related to the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the UN Economic Commission for Europe.

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Coordinates Department preparation for Group of Seven/Eight (G-7/8) summits, foreign minister meetings, and political director meetings.

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Coordinates Bureau positions on economic and commercial issues involving multiple European countries.

4.

Fosters people-to-people contacts with European civil society.

What would I do in EUR/ERA? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/ERA interns include: • • • • • •

Coordination of diplomatic exchange programs.

Note-taking in high-level meetings between U.S. officials and representatives from the European Union.

Attending and preparing meetings between U.S. officials and EU officials.

Assisting colleagues coordinate bureau positions on political and economic issues involving multiple European Union member states or candidates (e.g., trade, international crime, terrorism, the environment, human rights, and nonproliferation).

Occasionally covering portfolios of Foreign Service Officers, including liaison work between European Union and U.S. government on policy and action in third regions, i.e., Africa, Latin America, Asia, Russia, Balkans.

Editing memoranda drafted by other regional bureaus on wide range of issues related to European Union.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/ERA? “An internship in EUR/ERA is an invaluable way to gain first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of U.S.EU relations and the value of our transatlantic partnership. More broadly, the experience allows an indepth look at how the State Department functions and the role it plays in drafting and implementing American foreign policy.” – Emily G., former EUR/ERA intern Back to the top

Position Description: Intern, Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/NB) What does EUR/NB do?

The Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs is responsible for managing U.S. relations with the eight countries of the Nordic and Baltic regions: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. Four country desk officers in EUR/NB coordinate all aspects of U.S. policy toward those countries, from political, security, and economic to travel and cultural relations. The office works with many other offices in the European and Eurasian Bureau and throughout the State Department, as well as with almost every other federal agency. In addition to the four country desk officer positions, EUR/NB includes an Office Director, a Deputy Office Director, two Office Management Specialists, and often one or two interns.

What would I do in EUR/NB? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/NB interns include: • Conducting research on relevant issues in collaboration with country desk officers. Research projects might include updating country background notes for the State Department’s public website or comparing various countries’ global development aid programs.

• Writing and editing summaries of current news for internal briefing papers for senior EUR Bureau officials.

• Scheduling and preparing meetings for foreign visitors, including parliamentarians, journalists, ambassadors, and NGO representatives.

• Assisting with office management and support to the Office Director, Deputy Office Director and desk officers.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/NB interns have included: • Serving in the place of a country desk officer during a temporary absence, coordinating all U.S. Government policy activities toward one or more countries.

• Coordinating edits to a major annual report on an issue such as human rights, religious freedom, or trafficking in persons for one or more countries.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/NB? Because all the countries covered by EUR/NB are relatively small but their interaction with the United States is unusually intense and wide-ranging, interns in this office get to see in microcosm the full spectrum of how the U.S. Government conducts international relations. Here you can see the machinery of foreign policy turning, and each day brings an unexpected challenge.

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Position Description: Intern, North Central European Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/NCE) What does EUR/NCE do?

The Office of North Central European Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs is the focal point for U.S. Government policy and overall management of bilateral relationships with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. EUR/NCE works closely with the range of U.S. government agencies to coordinate policy and supports the work of U.S. missions in NCE countries. As recently transitioned democracies, NATO allies, EU members, and emerging donors, the U.S. Government has dynamic and multi-faceted relationships with each of the countries, not only pursuing bilateral interests but also working together with them as partners in addressing global priorities.

What would I do in EUR/NCE? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/NCE interns include:

• • • • • •

Preparing actions memos and briefing papers for meetings between foreign government officials and Department principals.

Attending and documenting the proceedings of bilateral or multilateral meetings with Department principals.

Updating on-line resources and other briefing materials relating to NCE countries.

Coordinating with the embassies, consulates, or UN missions of NCE countries.

Attending conferences or seminars by visiting leaders or local academics or think tanks.

Preparing and coordinating schedules for visitors.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/NCE: • Prepared briefing materials, press guidance, and site scenarios for the President’s visit to Hungary.

• Organized a retirement ceremony for an outgoing Ambassador, including accompanying him to a farewell call with the Secretary.

• Coordinated with U.S. missions and other State offices to prepare and transmit Country Actions Plans to combat Trafficking in Persons.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/NCE? Direct participation in policy formation and implementation and the opportunity to engage with the inter-agency and other State Department regional and functional bureaus. The range of issues and countries in NCE countries is so diverse; an intern can identify an area of particular interest on which to focus.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (EUR/OHI) What does EUR/OHI do?

The Office of Holocaust Issues is responsible for developing and implementing U.S. policy with respect to the return of Holocaust-era assets to their rightful owners, compensation for wrongs committed during the Holocaust, and Holocaust education and remembrance. In seeking a measure of justice for Holocaust survivors and their heirs, OHI monitors and promotes the implementation of previously negotiated agreements on restitution and compensation, and advocates for the development of such programs where none yet exist.

OHI also works with European countries and international organizations to promote memorials and educational programs that accurately and responsibly commemorate and document the horrors of the Holocaust. OHI also works closely with the State Department’s Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism.

What would I do in EUR/OHI? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/OHI interns include: • Working with representatives of the NGO community and desk officers within the State Department to monitor the progress of property restitution.

• Assisting in the development of presentations or speeches to be used in community outreach efforts by the office.

• Drafting and assembling briefing documents for use in reporting to members of Congress or other interested parties as well as preparing materials for the Office’s participation in international meetings.

• Responding to constituent inquiries about restitution issues or to inquiries from within the State Department about issues relevant to the Holocaust.

• Basic computer skills and familiarity with using the Internet to find information are essential.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/OHI?

The opportunity to help facilitate a measure of justice and assistance to Holocaust victims and their families and to create an infrastructure to assure that the Holocaust is remembered properly and accurately.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Policy and Global Issues, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PGI) What does EUR/PGI do?

EUR/PGI leads the EUR Bureau’s policy development and response on the full range of global issues (terrorism, crime, corruption, counter-narcotics, democracy/labor, human rights, religious freedom, trafficking in persons, environment, science and technology, health, refugees and United Nations issues), directs the Bureau’s strategic planning process, and spearheads EUR’s outreach to the Congress, Diaspora groups, Muslim communities in Europe, and nongovernmental organizations with an interest in the region. The Office reports to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and through him/her to the Assistant Secretary.

What would I do in EUR/PGI? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/PGI interns include: • Coordinating with counterparts in other State Department bureaus, USG agencies, and foreign embassies on the above issue areas.

• Briefing State Department senior officials, by memo or in person, on substantive developments.

• Participating in meetings with foreign embassy or visiting foreign officials.

• Arranging logistics for meetings with foreign officials or counterparts in other bureaus or agencies.

• Drafting Daily Activity Report (DAR) items and memoranda.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/PGI interns have included: • Helping launch a completely new interagency coordinating mechanism to respond to the first, major outbreak of avian influenza in the European region.

• Working with the senior control officer on substance and logistics to prepare for the U.S.-Russia Counterterrorism Working Group (CTWG).

• Assisting the office to prepare for the EUR Assistant Secretary’s participation in the annual UN General Assembly in September in New York.

• Helped to coordinate an event that was part of the office’s non-governmental organization (NGO) outreach function.

• Researching the status of various projects and programs to strengthen the rule of law in Turkey.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/PGI? The opportunity to be involved in the development, drafting and decision-making processes of policy issues that affect not only our security and the security of our European Allies, but of the entire globe.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PPD) What does EUR/PPD do?

EUR/PPD is unique in that it covers all 46 countries in EUR and multilateral organizations including the EU and NATO, as well as the full spectrum of issues driving US diplomacy in the region. The office also works closely with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Office of International

Information Programs (IIP) to coordinate exchange programs, speaker programs, and cultural diplomacy programs with our embassies in Europe and Eurasia. EUR/PPD serves as the link between Public Affairs Officers overseas and their respective geographic desk offices in EUR, and works closely with posts in the development and implementation of our public diplomacy strategy for each country and for the region.

What would I do in EUR/PPD? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/PPD interns include: • Organizing and hosting International Visitor programs from EUR posts, including arranging for speakers and attending briefings on themes such as promoting democracy in Belarus and immigration and minority rights in Denmark.

• Assisting colleagues with urgent research projects such as European media commentary on Iran, background information on oil pipelines in the Caucasus, and briefing notes on the environment in preparation for President Bush’s trip to Germany in July 2006. AS THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY TRANSPIRED, THIS TASK SHOULD BE REMOVED. ADDING IT TO PAST PROJECTS (BELOW) MAY BE IN ORDER. • Reviewing the official embassy websites for each of the countries in EUR, and helping to develop a set of criteria for evaluating them.

• Attending press briefings and conferences at the State Department and the Foreign Press Center in Washington.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/PPD interns have included: • Serving as the PD desk officer for sub-regional portfolios such as the Nordic and Baltic countries: establishing and maintaining regular communication with the embassies in those countries, and coordinating exchange programs and press (e.g., interviews with State Department officials) for those countries.

• Coordinating digital video conferences, including one between several US embassies in Western Europe and an Ambassador to the United Nations.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/PPD? “Not only will you get first-hand experience learning how the government works through the numerous tasks and projects that you complete, but you will also learn what you are capable of doing in this fastpaced environment where every day brings new issues to address.” – Josh W., former EUR/PPD intern Back to the top

Position Description: Intern, Office of Press and Public Outreach, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PPD/PA) What does EUR/PPD/PA do?

The Office of Press and Public Outreach in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs plays an integral role in transmitting the State Department’s messages to U.S. and foreign audiences.

EUR/PPD/PA works with the Department’s Spokesperson to prepare for daily press briefings, coordinates with the press offices in European embassies and consulates, and works with foreign and domestic correspondents covering the State Department. EUR/PPD/PA also coordinates speaking opportunities for senior Department officials and manages the Bureau’s content on the State Department website.

What would I do in EUR/PPD/PA? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/PPD/PA interns include: • Working with think tanks, universities, and NGOs to coordinate speaking opportunities for senior Department officials.

• Helping prepare the State Department’s Spokesperson for questions regarding Europe and Eurasia at the daily press briefing.

• • •

Assisting Press Officers with interviews between European Bureau officials and foreign journalists.

Updating policy information on the State Department’s website for each of the 50+ countries covered by the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.

Attending press briefings and conferences in Washington.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/PPD/PA interns have included: • Special expansion projects designed to enhance the State Department’s website as a dynamic resource for foreign and domestic audiences.

• Attending the Secretary of State’s press availabilities with foreign diplomats and escorting foreign press to and from these events.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/PPD/PA? “One-on-one interaction: if you are someone who prefers to interact with people instead of researching them, the Office of Press and Public Outreach is the place for you to meet and work with foreign journalists, local think tankers and senior State Department officials.” – Jane D., former EUR/PPD/PA intern Back to the top

Position Description: Intern, Office of Policy and Regional Affairs Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/PRA) What does EUR/PRA do?

EUR/PRA has the EUR Bureau lead on developing and coordinating U.S. nonproliferation and arms control security interests with other agencies and offices in the Department. The office takes the lead in planning, formulating and implementing EUR Bureau policy for security assistance issues involving Foreign Military Funding (FMF), International Military Education Training (IMET), and Peacekeeping Operations (PKO). Sanctions policy in Europe and Eurasia, missile defense, nonproliferation, and border security also come under EUR/PRA responsibility as well as; monitoring the disposition of highly enriched uranium (HEU), civil nuclear cooperation in Europe and Eurasia. Bureau coordination of efforts for abatement of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) and Small Arms/Light Weapons (SA/LW), as well as collaborative space issues involving the international space station (liaison with Department of Energy, NASA, and the European Space Agency), are a large component of the work.

What would I do in EUR/PRA? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/PRA interns include: • Coordinating within the EUR Bureau, with functional Bureaus of the Department, and with the Departments of Defense and Energy on nonproliferation security issues, and helping to maintain our liaison with Congress.

• Working, under the direction of the responsible staff member, on current policy issues such as sanctions or the Global Partnership against the Spread of WMD. Special projects assigned to past EUR/PRA interns have included: • Compiling, reviewing and clearing updated charts on sanctioned entities.

• Monitoring Cable and other government news sources for proliferation and security issues especially relating to Iran.

• Coordinating the EUR regional perspective for the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/PRA? The opportunity to be involved in the development, drafting and decision process of policy issues in a mixed bilateral and multilateral setting. Working in EUR/PRA allows an individual to make a direct

contribution to some of our highest-profile security priorities in a real-time, fast-paced environment, and offers first-hand exposure to the established interagency processes that determine foreign policy.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Security and Political Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/RPM) What does EUR/RPM do?

EUR/RPM manages political-military issues in our relations with European and Eurasian states.

EUR/RPM develops policy relating to NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) while also managing a range of bilateral and multilateral security negotiations, including on conventional forces and arms control issues relating to Russia. Examples of EUR/RPM’s work include policy coordination on NATO’s operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, expanded NATO relations with Russia, Ukraine, and global partners, and OSCE’s work on election monitoring.

What would I do in EUR/RPM? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/RPM interns include: • Coordinating with the Department of Defense and the National Security Council on security issues, and helping to maintain our liaison with Congress.

• Working on current policy issues such as US/NATO/OSCE efforts to secure fulfillment of Russian commitments on withdrawal of military forces from Georgia and Moldova.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/RPM interns have included: • Putting together a briefing by Senior Advisor to the Secretary Ambassador James Jeffrey to European Ambassadors in Washington on the progress in Iraq. . Reporting to our Embassies on the briefing.

• Coordinating State Department participation in NATO-Nuclear exercises.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/RPM? The opportunity to be involved in the development, drafting and decision process of policy issues that affect not only our security and the security of our European Allies, but of the entire globe.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Russian Affairs (EUR/RUS) What does EUR/RUS do?

EUR/RUS is responsible for the development and implementation of U.S. policy toward Russia.

Examples of EUR/RUS’s work include policy coordination on Russia’s accession to the WTO, human rights, bilateral relations, U.S.-Russia energy cooperation, non-proliferation, and numerous politicalrelated work.

What would I do in EUR/RUS? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/RUS interns include: • Provide much needed assistance on various projects in each of the office’s three sections: Bilateral, Economic, and Political.

• Engagement and exposure in the interagency policymaking process through attending and reporting on meetings both within and outside the State Department. Attend meetings on Capitol Hill and at various Washington think tanks engaged in Russian policy.

• Prepare analytical reports of meetings and current events in Russian affairs; strong drafting skills are essential.

• Manage and update a detailed database of visa requests for government officials, as well as assisted with various administrative tasks.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/RUS interns have included: • Using press and Embassy reporting, Interns write daily reports updating the EUR Assistant Secretary of notable current events; for example: developments in implementation of Russia’s NGO legislation; Russia’s accession to the WTO; and pending high-profile visa or immigration issues related to U.S. or Russian citizens.

• An Intern assisted in writing an Information Memorandum to the Secretary on the liberalization of Russia’s currency.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/RUS? The internship is an opportunity to support a dynamic and multi-faceted regional desk office, which manages the U.S.-Russian relationship at the U.S. Department of State. The United States and Russia share common interests on a broad range of issues, and the internship is a chance to be involved in a bilateral relationship that impacts a wide range of important regional and global issues.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Office of South Central Europe, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/SCE) What does EUR/SCE do?

The U.S. government is trying to resolve the last issues remaining from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. EUR/SCE covers the full spectrum of issues driving US diplomacy in the dynamic Balkans region, including Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Macedonia, and Montenegro. The office directs, coordinates and supervises U.S. government activities within these countries, acting as a liaison between our Embassies overseas and Washington. Desk officers within the office also work closely with foreign missions in Washington to gather and convey information in support of US foreign policy. EUR/SCE offers the opportunity to do multilateral work related to NATO, the OSCE, the UN and the European Union. The office also works closely with the State Department’s functional bureaus, including the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, and the Office of Population, Refugees and Migration to coordinate policy for the region.

What would I do in EUR/SCE? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/SCE interns include: • • • • • •

Keep abreast of daily reporting from U.S. Embassies, as well as news from countries that you are assigned to watching.

Assist colleagues in preparing talking points for use by senior State Department officials in meetings with foreign visitors and officials.

Help colleagues with urgent research projects such as researching UN resolutions pertaining to conflict situations in the Balkans.

Participate in intra-bureau meetings, including the weekly Balkans Watchers meeting used for coordinating and organizing U.S. policy.

Assist in drafting SCE’s submissions for the Bureau-wide daily activity reports.

Attend conferences at the State Department on various foreign policy topics.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/SCE interns have included: • •

Participating in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report rollout process and coordinating all of the TIP action plans for all SCE posts.

Helping to draft the Dayton Human Rights pamphlet that highlights the region’s progress since the signing of the Dayton Accords ten years ago.

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Coordinating, planning and providing logistical support for the Bosnia Fiscal Sustainability meeting in Washington, chaired by the Office of the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Volunteering as an Action Officer for the task force in the aftermath of the London Bombings.

Creating a reference guide encompassing the entire Balkan region for our new incoming Deputy Assistant Secretary and our new Ambassador to Macedonia.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/SCE? Not only will you obtain cutting-edge experience learning about how the State Department develops foreign policy related to the Balkans, but you will also learn what you are capable of achieving in this fast-paced environment. You will gain an invaluable understanding of political, economic and military developments in Southeastern Europe that will help you build expertise in the region. Finally, you will have the opportunity to work with experienced Foreign Service and Civil Service colleagues who have worked the issues both in Washington and overseas.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Southern European Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/SE) What does EUR/SE do?

EUR/SE helps formulate U.S. policy on and maintain relations with Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. SE issues include the resolution of the Cyprus conflict, energy security, EU issues, NATO partnership, human rights issues and counter-terrorism.

What would I do in EUR/SE? Day-to-day tasks for EUR/SE interns include: • Scanning classified cables and open-source news, sorting information, and briefing officers on news items that require their attention.

• Drafting daily reports for senior officials.

• Sitting in on high-level meetings, taking notes and writing up reports.

• Meeting with Ambassadors, diplomats and other VIPs. • Conducting substantive research for background information.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/SE interns have included: • Responding to inquiries on behalf of the Secretary of State or other diplomats.

• Drafting Diplomatic Notes used for formal bilateral-communication.

• Research papers on the Cyprus Conflict, Conflict Mitigation Through Confidence Building Measures, and THIS SENTENCE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED. What would I get out of an internship in EUR/SE? “The best thing was going out to lunch and talking one-on-one with everyone in the office about how they got here.” EUR/SE officers mentor our interns, ensuring that they get to engage in substantive work and learn about as many different aspects of the Department as possible.

Contacts throughout the Department of State and the wider foreign policy making arena.

Experience working within the diplomatic and policymaking communities.

Resume enhancing internship.

Ability to work on projects which interest you, and are applicable to your outside career goals.

Benefits if you decide to join the Foreign or Civil Service.

Engaging policymakers and diplomats at the working level.

Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills.

Ability to work on policymaking and diplomacy from inside the world’s most important institution in its field.

Position Description: Intern, Office of UK, Benelux, and Ireland Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/UBI) What does EUR/UBI do?

The Office of UK, Benelux, and Ireland Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs manages relations with the United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Ireland.

Working closely with the U.S. embassies overseas, we formulate and execute U.S. policies, draft briefing materials for U.S. officials, organize visits, and support embassy management. Much of our engagement with foreign governments focuses on multilateral affairs such as fighting terrorism, responding to natural disasters, and promoting democracy.

What would I do in EUR/UBI? To the extent that your talent allows, you would do the same work as our Foreign Service Officers.

Among our many duties, we prepare memos for the President, participate in meetings with the Secretary and other senior leaders, meet with foreign diplomats and officials, and assist new U.S. ambassadors prepare for their job. We convene U.S. inter-agency meetings to prepare for senior policy decisions. We respond to inquiries from Congress and the public about bilateral relations with UBI nations.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/UBI? The internship “provides a tremendous opportunity for students to see diplomacy in action, as well as the daily work of diplomats (for better or for worse). It exposes interns to the reality of working in the Foreign Service.... The work we are given, and subsequent experience gained, far exceeds that of interns in other governmental offices.” – Craig M., former EUR/UBI intern Back to the top

Position Description: Intern, Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/UMB) What does EUR/UMB do?

EUR/UMB coordinates U.S. foreign policy with Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus. We serve as the link between our three embassies, bureaus and offices within the Department, and a wide range of U.S. Government agencies. We work closely with posts in the development and implementation of our political and economic strategy for each country and for the region. Our overarching goal is to help these countries develop into nations that are democratic, prosperous, secure within their own borders, and free to become full partners in the Euro-Atlantic community.

What would I do in EUR/UMB? EUR/UMB summer interns work with our country desk officers on the full range of issues concerning the respective countries, and also providing support to our Embassies in KYIV, Minsk, and Chisinau as well as to our Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary. Our interns are assigned a mix of tasks to deal with daily developments as well as longer-term projects designed to deepen their understanding of our countries.

Day-to-day tasks for EUR/PPD interns include: • • •

Drafting contributions to the Daily Activity Report, summarizing key political and economic developments in our countries for 7th floor principals.

Preparing briefing materials for State officials traveling to the region or conducting meetings concerning our countries.

Analyzing daily press from the region and official reporting from posts. Briefing EUR/UMB’s Office Director on developments.

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Representing EUR/UMB at meetings and conferences both in and outside the State Department.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/UMB interns have included: • • • • •

Planning a new U.S. Ambassador’s Swearing-in Ceremony and briefing that Ambassador on political and economic developments in his new country.

Drafting correspondence on behalf of the President to a Foreign Minister.

Updating the State Department’s country background notes.

Attending the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State’s meeting with a Foreign Minister and preparing a summary for dissemination to our European posts.

Preparing an in-depth biography of a new foreign ambassador to the U.S.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/UMB? EUR/UMB’s goal is for our interns to assume the responsibilities of a desk officer and, in the process, learn the ins and outs of Washington tradecraft. You will also gain invaluable expertise covering developments in at least one of our three countries.

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Position Description: Intern, Office of Western European Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR/WE) What does EUR/WE do?

EUR/WE oversees bilateral relations and participates in policy formulation for Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, Monaco, Italy, San Marino, the Vatican, and Malta.

What would I do in EUR/PPD? Interns in EUR/WE draft briefing memoranda and other reports for State Department principals, attend and report on meetings both within and outside of State, organize appointments and meetings for senior U.S. and foreign officials, respond to correspondence and telephone inquiries, analyze and distribute media reports, and work on projects that enable the office to operate more efficiently and effectively. EUR/WE interns need to be self-motivated with excellent communications and interpersonal skills, and a strong interest in better understanding the inner workings of U.S. diplomacy. They will be assigned greater duties as their abilities and progress allows.

Special projects assigned to past EUR/PPD interns have included: • Drafting correspondence for the Secretary.

• Drafting presidential remarks.

• Cable writing.

• Coordination of a sister airport program.

• Unofficial translations.

What would I get out of an internship in EUR/PPD? In EUR/WE we treat interns much as we would first tour Foreign Service Officers, in order to give them as realistic an experience of Foreign Service work as their talents allow. They will learn what being a desk officer entails and how diplomacy works in Washington. Interns will further gain a greater understanding of Western European politics and of our relations with some of our most important allies.

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