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U.S. Foreign Service Internship ProgramSpend two summers in an experiential-learning program designed to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State.
The Bureau of Medical Services The Bureau of Medical Services maintains and promotes the health of diplomats and their family members who represent U.S. government agencies abroad. The U.S. Department of State assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them. Foreign Service Medical Specialists provide primary and preventive health care services across the lifespan; engage in diplomatic responsibilities; direct health unit administrative functions; coordinate emergency medical response duties; and accomplish regional management duties.
The Bureau of Information Resource Management The Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) employs Foreign Service, Civil Service, and locally-employed information technology specialists who serve on the front lines of U.S. diplomacy. They are “the first in and the last out.” Working in more than 270 U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions around the globe, these dedicated individuals operate the Department’s radio, telephone, and computer systems with expansion to support our mobile diplomats coupled with security safeguards at every step of the way.
Career Gateways Handout October 2023The U.S. Department of State offers opportunities that help students prepare for careers in the Civil and Foreign Service.
Office Management Specialists Handout October 2023Foreign Service Office Management Specialists (OMSs) serve key roles in U.S. embassies and consulates to facilitate the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. OMSs manage, lead, and perform a wide range of administrative functions focused on operations, people, events, and automation.
STEM Careers Handout Oct 2022Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and experience are highly valued at the U.S. Department of State with professional fellowships and career opportunities in the Foreign and Civil Service.
Consular Affairs Handout for RecruitmentConsular Affairs is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad, issuance of passports and documentation to citizens and nationals, and protection of U.S. border security and facilitation of travel to the United States.
Veteran Handout October 2023here is your opportunity to amplify the nation’s voice and extend its reach in areas critical to the successful mission of the United States abroad.

Documents and Forms

U.S. Department of State eformsSearch eforms.state.gov for official U.S. Department of State forms.
Civil Service Glossary of TermsCivil Service Glossary of Terms
Consular Fellow LNA Conditions of EmploymentConsular Fellow Limited Non-Career Appointment – Conditions of Employment
DS Supplemental Medical Standards
Diplomatic Security Special Agents Supplemental Standards
Security Engineering Officers Supplemental Standards
Security Technical Specialists Supplemental Standards
Diplomatic Couriers Supplemental Standards
Non-Disclosure AgreementFSOA Non-Disclosure Agreement
FSSA and FSCPA Non-Disclosure Agreement
Acceptance of the Three Conditions of Foreign Service Employment FormAcceptance of the Three Conditions of Foreign Service Employment Form
Acceptance of the Four Conditions of Foreign Service Employment FormFor DS Special Agents Only – Acceptance of the Four Conditions of Foreign Service Employment
Suggested Course ListSuggested Course List
Suggested Reading ListSuggested Reading List

Foreign Service Test and Assessment

Diplomatic Security Specialist Assessment Information GuideThe purpose of this guide is to help familiarize candidates with the selection and assessment process so that they will be able to better focus on their own performance during the Specialist Assessment rather than spend their limited time reviewing procedures. While the main elements of the Diplomatic Security Specialist Assessment remain constant, information on details – for example, time limits or assessment order – can change quickly. Candidates should stay alert and follow the instructions provided on the day of the Specialist Assessment.
Foreign Service Officer Assessment Information GuideThe Foreign Service is a unique career and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the selection process is also unique. The purpose of the Foreign Service Officer Assessment Information Guide is to help familiarize candidates with the assessment process. This guide includes the criteria used to evaluate candidates, common sense strategies candidates might use to ensure they are performing their best, a description of the activities during the daylong FSOA, sample Group Exercise materials, sample Case Management materials, as well as information on required clearances (in case the candidate passes the FSOA), language testing, and final observations.
Foreign Service Specialist Assessment Information GuideThe purpose of this guide is to help familiarize candidates with the selection process so that they will be able to better focus on their performance during the Assessment. This guide includes the criteria used to evaluate candidates and some common sense strategies candidates might use to ensure they are performing their best as well as a description of the activities during the FSSA. It also includes sample test materials that provide candidates with an idea of the kind of information and exercises candidates in specialist career tracks will be given during the assessment
Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment Information GuideThe purpose of this Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment (FSCPA) Information Guide is to familiarize candidates with the selection process so that they will be able to better focus on their performance during the Assessment rather than spend their limited time reviewing procedures. This guide includes the criteria used to evaluate candidates, common sense strategies candidates might use to ensure they are performing their best, and a description of the activities during the FSCPA day. It also includes sample test materials that represent the kind of information and exercises all candidates will be given during the exam.

Civil Service

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)If you are currently an employee of the Department of State you may be entitled to special selection priority under the Department’s CTAP.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)If you are a displaced Federal employee, you may be entitled to receive special selection priority under the ICTAP.
Civil Service Handout October 2023As America’s lead foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State is dedicated to protecting and strengthening America’s interests abroad. America’s foreign policy is designed to amplify the nation’s voice and extend its reach to positively impact the daily lives of our citizens.

Diplomatic Security

The Bureau of Diplomatic SecurityThe Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. Operating from a global platform in 29 U.S. cities and more than 170 foreign countries, DS ensures the United States can safely and securely conduct diplomacy. DS is a world leader in the protection of people, property, and information – international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology.
SEO-STS Handout October 2023Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Security Engineering Officers and Security Technical Specialists are highly skilled professionals who use electronic and mechanical security systems to protect Department of State facilities and personnel around the world from technical espionage, acts of terrorism, and other threats
DSSA Handout October 2023Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers and Diplomats who operate on a global platform to safeguard U.S interests.

Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) One-Pagers

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) directs the overseas building program for the Department of State and the U.S. Government community serving abroad under the authority of the chiefs of mission. In concert with other State Department bureaus, foreign affairs agencies, and Congress, OBO sets priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use, and sale of real properties and the use of sales proceeds.
General, January 2024The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), is the property manager for overseas diplomatic facilities and one of the world’s largest and most experienced real estate developers.
Foreign Service Specialist, January 2024OBO Foreign Service Specialists work as either Construction Engineers or Facility Managers in U.S.
embassies and consulates throughout the world.
Facility Manager, January 2024Facility Managers (FM) are the facilities and operations management experts at U.S. diplomatic missions around the world.
Construction Engineers, January 2024Construction Engineers (CE) are responsible for building and renovating effective facilities that support
U.S. diplomacy throughout the world.

Student Programs

Student Internships & Study Abroad Handout October 2023The U.S. Department of State offers internships, career development, and study abroad programs that help students gain experience and insight into our work.
USFSIP Handout October 2023The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is a merit and need-based opportunity that offers paid internships over two consecutive summers to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. In the first summer, participants receive three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C. followed by seven weeks working in a policy office at the U.S. Department of State.