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Joining the Foreign Service New Foreign Service Specialists undergo a period of orientation and training at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia (Arlington is a suburb of Washington, D.C.) prior to their first assignment overseas. This section briefly describes the orientation and training process, explains how first assignments are made, and provides basic information on the logistics of getting to Washington, D.C. Orientation and Training All new Foreign Service Specialists participate in a three week orientation program designed to introduce them to the Foreign Service. The orientation program focuses on the operation of the Department of State, the foreign affairs community, and the life of Foreign Service Specialists abroad. The orientation program consists of lectures, discussions, writing and speaking exercises. Once specialists are assigned, they will receive additional training specific to their post of assignment. Spouses of Foreign Service Specialists are invited to attend most training programs on a space-available basis. Your First Assignment Initial assignments are made prior to entry-on-duty, during training at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center or during follow-on specialized training. Specialists will be assigned exclusively to positions in their field during their initial limited appointment. These positions may be within the United States or overseas, as required by the needs of the Service. Travel to Washington, D.C. The government pays the travel expenses of new Foreign Service Specialists and their families to Washington, D.C. Most specialists, who do not live in the Washington, D.C., area, will receive additional funds to defray the costs associated with living in the Washington area during their orientation and training. At present, the government will reimburse new employees temporarily assigned to the Washington area for lodging and restaurant expenses up to the maximum daily amounts presented in the following chart. Time in Washington Maximum Daily Reimbursement First 30 days up to $131.00 a day Days 31 through 120 up to $65.50 a day Days 121 until departure up to $32.75 a day Transportation The United States Government pays the cost of transporting the household effects of new Foreign Service Specialists to the Washington, D.C. area. The household effects are placed in storage until the specialist is transferred overseas.
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