Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are available through the Transition Center?
The Transition Center's Training Division offers a wide variety of courses designed to assist foreign affairs personnel and their family members in adjusting to, and enjoying, Foreign Service life. These courses are specifically designed to address the concerns of mobile employees, spouses, and children.
In addition, the Transition Center offers the Security Overseas Seminar (SOS) and Advanced SOS for employees and spouses, and Youth SOS for children grades 2-12.
When and where are these Transition Center courses offered?
Depending upon demand, courses are offered one or more times a year. The 2009 schedule includes many courses on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays in order to accommodate more students and their families. Courses are also offered on weekdays. All classes meet at the Foreign Service Institute at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, 4000 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA.
Are there tuition fees?
For tuition-based courses, U.S. Department of State employees and their family members enroll through the employee's CDO. Employees and family members of other agencies are charged for some courses.
Transition Center workshops are free to U.S. Government employees and eligible family members planning or returning from overseas postings. Call the Transition Center at (703) 302-7268 or e-mail TC Training. Call (703) 302-7268 or contact SOS Training for security courses.
How do I register for a course?
For tuition-based courses, State Department employees and family members should ask the employee's CDO or Training Officer to send a Request for Training (DS-755) to the FSI Registrar. Employees and family members from other agencies should fax a funded SF-182 to the FSI Registrar at (703) 302-7152.
For non-tuition presentations, all employees/family members, regardless of agency, register through the Transition Center at (703) 302-7268 or e-mail TC Training. Call (703) 302-7268 or contact SOS Training for security courses.
Will registration be confirmed?
The Registrar will not confirm registration. For confirmation of courses and workshops, contact the Transition Center at (703) 302-7268 or e-mail TC Training. Call (703) 302-7268 or contact SOS Training for security courses.
What is the Security Overseas Seminar?
The Security Overseas Seminar (MQ 911) is a two-day course during which security and safety experts provide guidance on personal security as well as United States Government employment-related security and safety issues. Topics include Personal Security, Counterintelligence, Surveillance Detection, Evacuation, Crisis Management, Bomb Recognition, Fire Safety and Sexual Assault.
The Advanced Security Overseas Seminar, ASOS (MQ 912), is a one-day course offered to update safety and security issues facing experienced officers. MQ 911 is a prerequisite for this course. This course is not designed for children.
The Youth Security Overseas Seminar (YSOS, MQ 914) is a summer program that teaches children grades 2-12 about personal safety, street smarts, fire, evacuation, and other crises.
I understand that security training is mandatory for all employees. I've been overseas before, and I am aware of the concerns; do I still need to take it?
The requirement for security training for employees and the recommendation that family members be trained as well is found in PL 99-399, the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Anti-terrorism Act of 1986, sec. 103, para (a) and section 105, para (7).
SOS is required for all foreign affairs agency employees going overseas for the first time. SOS or ASOS (or the equivalent) must be taken every five years in order to meet the Department's requirements for security training.
How can you teach my child/me about security without scaring us?
The Security Overseas Seminar programs reduce anxiety by making the threats known and offering successful tips to avoid those threats. We use age-appropriate techniques for each age group (puppetry, arts/crafts, role plays, case studies, etc.) to reinforce the teachings and give all ages the confidence needed to ask the right questions and formulate a personal security plan.
Is babysitting available?
In consideration of presenters and fellow participants, please arrange your own childcare when you are attending FSI Transition Center classes. Programs appropriate for children are indicated in the FSI catalogue or on TC advertisements. Moreover, the OBC Information Center maintains a list of childcare facilities located near the facility. E-mail the OBC Information Center for a copy of the list.
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