Learn More about the Post and Language

Consult your Career Development Officer (CDO) to arrange professional studies, language training, and area studies. Book child care as soon as possible. (For information, check the FSI intranet site, contact OBC, or query IQ: Information Quest, the referral service for State employees and family members.)

Arrange language training for eligible family members (authorized on a space-available basis). Again, your CDO is the starting point in this process. If your spouse cannot attend regular classes, distance training may be possible for some languages, including German, Greek, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. (E-mail onlinelanguage@state.gov). Learning even a few phrases can make a big difference!

Write to the person you are replacing and the Community Liaison Office Coordinator (CLO).

If possible, visit the OBC Information Center, check out post audiovisuals, and go through the country briefing box in greater detail. Ask someone with State Department intranet to send you the Electronic Post Box materials for your country. (OBC can help U.S. Government employees and family members without a State Department contact.) Helpful websites are listed in the "Bidding Resources" section.