U.S. Department of State - Great Seal

U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy in Action

Preparing to Go Overseas

The following checklist is an abbreviated version of the first chapter of the Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now?. The lists and clicks below provide a general framework for the many tasks involved in an overseas move. 

LEARN ABOUT POSTS
Visit the Overseas Briefing Center in Arlington, VA or
use OBC's online resources to research overseas posts
and the logistics of moving.

MAKE PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS
Get prepared EARLY for an international move and alleviate
part of the last-minute rush as your moving date nears.

LANGUAGE TRAINING FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS

FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICES AND ORGANIZATIONS

ONCE YOU HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT
Focus on the specifics of your move and your
new location. Don't make assumptions. Ask
as many questions as possible.

COMPLETE AFTER RECEIVING TRAVEL ORDERS

TAKE A BREAK - You Deserve It!


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