If you are new to the Foreign Service, there are some sections of this site which may be of particular interest to you. We have also archived several articles that were either written by new Foreign Service spouses or written with their needs in mind. Our Foreign Service Reading List contains several titles that may be of particular interest to newcomers. Tips from the Trenches contains concrete advice on dealing with the idiosyncrasies of Foreign Service life.
Perspectives is a collection of essays and editorials on various aspects of our nomadic lifestyle.
Both features are fully archived for your reading pleasure. Originally published in the Spouses Underground Newsletter, this article will make you think about the issue of personal responsibility for your well-being while in the Foreign Service. How to Survive and Thrive as a Foreign Service Spouse by Pat Olsen, veteran Foreign Service spouse. Questions to Ask Before You Go by Melissa Hess, Managing Editor and co-founder of Foreign Service Lifelines. Details questions you may wish to ask before your arrival at a hardship post.