What’s It Like To Be A Diplomat? | FAQs
What Is It Like To Be A Diplomat?
So, you’re interested in what it’s like to be a diplomat? What is it like to be a diplomat? In this post/video, I answer some of your frequently asked questions. The first question is not so much what it’s like to be a diplomat, but more of a question relating to requirements. I decided to include it because I get this question all the time. If you have other questions you would like me to answer, please drop them in the comment section below and I will try to get to it.
1. Do You Need A Degree To Become A U.S. Diplomat For The Department Of State?
No, you don’t. To become a U.S. Diplomat for the Department of State there is no specific academic degree or professional experience. However, despite this, note that the process to becoming a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State is rigorous. There are several steps you have to take in order to become a diplomat. These steps include:
- The Written Foreign Service Officer Test
- Personal Narratives
- The Foreign Service Oral Exam
- Passing Your Medical And Security Clearances
- Receiving The Green Light From The Suitability Review Panel
- Getting Off The Registrar
- Become A Diplomat!
For more information, I made a video about this here:
&
2. Do You Choose Where To Live?
Hmmm. This is an interesting question. Ultimately, you can state your preferences. But, you must be willing to serve worldwide depending on the needs of the Service. Honestly, this question needs its own video and post. I have experience bidding on two countries/assignments while in the Foreign Service… And I am about to bid on my third assignment. If you would like me to do a post and video on bidding in the Foreign Service, let me know in the comments below :-).
3. What It’s Like To Be A Diplomat: Is Your Housing Overseas Free?
Overseas, yes. When I’m overseas, I don’t have to pay rent or utilities. It’s quite nice. I just pay for my phone and cable.
When diplomats do training in Washington D.C. and they are and their permanent address is not 50 miles of the Washington monument, they get to stay in free housing. However, when diplomats do an assignment in D.C. (meaning they are not there for training, but to work), they have to find their own housing. And let me tell you, diplomats call D.C. a hardship tour because…it’s expensive $$$$$.
There is a ton more I can say about housing in the Foreign Service. If you’re interested in a separate post and video, let me know in the comments below.
For now, these are my SparkNotes 🙂
In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out
How I Became A U.S. Diplomat
What Do Diplomats Really Do?
Top Career Tips From A Senior Diplomat
What Do Commercial Service Diplomats Do?
Becoming a Pilot | Black Women Share Their Stories
Hey Ms. Traveler’s FREE Travel E-Course
Hey Ms. Traveler On YouTube
