Life Skills Training Transitions Home Security Training Life Skills Training Bidding & Assignments Retirement Resilience Publications & Online Resources HomeTransition Center...Life Skills Training hide Life Skills Training Contact Us Foreign Affairs Life Skills Training Transition Center’s Life Skills courses and webinars prepare foreign affairs community members to effectively navigate the many transitions and adjustments required for success in their mobile lifestyle. These programs offer targeted training to all U.S. government employees, adult family members, and children preparing for or on an overseas assignment. The training spans from those new to the foreign affairs experience to those in transition. Courses and Webinars by Date The list of courses and webinars by date features upcoming offerings for the foreign affairs community. Courses by Category Available to employees and eligible family members assigned to a mission overseas from all foreign affairs agencies. Email the Transition Center’s Training Division to register. For courses run by the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC), email OBC. Preparing for Foreign Affairs Life Cross Cultural Communication for the Foreign Affairs Community (MQ802) | Tuition An expert in cross-cultural communication will lead employees and eligible family members (EFMs) / members of household (MOHs) from the foreign affairs community through interactive sessions on how to effectively adjust to variations in cultural values and communication found overseas. Going Overseas in the Foreign Affairs Community | Non-Tuition This in-person, two-part interactive workshop will cover the social and emotional aspects of moving internationally to include stress management and effective communication followed by a discussion on tips and tricks to navigate the logistics of packing, transport, and travel. The group sessions are divided by those going overseas without children and those going overseas with children, as each group has their own specific considerations. Maintaining Your Identity as a Globally Mobile EFM/MOH | Non-Tuition This webinar will explore strategies for maintaining a sense of identity while navigating ever-changing circumstances such as, frequent moves, adapting to new environments, and adjusting to the ups and downs of employment options. Newly Married or Partnered Foreign Service Spouse/Partner Virtual Orientation (MQ120) | Tuition This virtual course is designed for spouses/partners who are newly married or partnered to foreign affairs employees and will reside overseas as an EFM or MOH. The orientation will provide an introduction to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the continuing support provided by FSI’s Transition Center for the changing family needs of Foreign Service direct-hires and their accompanying spouses and partners. Ready Set Return to the United States (MQ897) – run by the Overseas Briefing Center | Non-Tuition This webinar will address preparation and the unique challenges when returning to the United States from an overseas assignment. The webinar will provide foreign affairs community members with essential information about the many questions and considerations presented when returning home: PCS vs. TDY status, lodging, Home Service Transfer Allowance, per diem, travel and transportation logistics, employment for family members, childcare, and schooling. Ready Set Travel (MQ122) – run by the Overseas Briefing Center | Non-Tuition A must-attend if you are preparing for a domestic to overseas transfer. Learn about resources at your disposal to prepare for an international move and get tips from subject-matter experts from the Office of Logistics Management’s Transportation Policy and Travel Management Divisions, the Passport Office, and the FSI’s Overseas Briefing Center. Young Diplomats Overseas Preparation | Non-Tuition In this course, foreign affairs agency children in grades 2-12 are divided into their respective cohorts and introduced to the world of diplomacy and the realities of living overseas as an American using age-appropriate lessons and activities. Employment for Family Members Basics of Overseas Employment for EFMs/MOHs (MQ703) | Tuition This virtual course will explore the various hiring mechanisms for employment available to spouses and partners when posted abroad. Participants will gain tools and resources to investigate work options inside and outside the mission. Employment Tools for EFMs/ MOHs (MQ704) | Tuition This one-day, virtual career planning course is offered specifically for spouses and partners of direct-hires navigating a transient lifestyle and career path. Participants will gain important knowledge about the job search process including networking, preparing resumes, and developing effective interviewing skills. International Development: Employment Options for EFMs/MOHs (MQ705) | Tuition This one-day, virtual course will explore factors to consider when looking for employment opportunities overseas in the field of international development and non-governmental organizations. Panelists will explain key elements of the field, as well as avenues for internationally mobile EFMs/MOHs to “break into” this sector. Teaching and Working in Education Overseas for EFMs/MOHs | Non-Tuition This webinar will provide an overview of working in the education field overseas. The course will cover information about teaching opportunities overseas, how to navigate the international hiring system, and relevant licensing requirements. Virtual Work Opportunities for EFMs/MOHs | Non-Tuition This webinar will cover an overview of key considerations when choosing virtual work options, where to look for telework opportunities, general telework trends, and an overview of the Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) option. Financial Planning Personal Finances and Investments for the Foreign Affairs Community | Non-Tuition This webinar series will explore the unique financial situation that comes with a career in the Foreign Service. The series consists of two parts. Part I (Personal Finances) will cover planning for a successful retirement, and investing in the TSP. Part II (Financial Investment) will cover topics including how to stay informed while overseas, and how to plan for your children’s education. Regulations, Allowances and Finances in the Foreign Service Context (MQ104) | Tuition In this virtual two-day course, experts from the Department of State and other organizations will discuss options to effectively plan for one’s future in relation to Foreign Service regulations, allowances, and finances. Foreign Affairs Families with Children Advocacy Tools for Parents of Children with Special Needs | Non-Tuition Join the Bureau of Medical Service’s Child and Family Program (CFP) and mental health teams, and the Office of Overseas Schools, for an informative webinar designed for parents/guardians of children with special needs. The sessions will provide information, tools, and resources that support accessing educational services overseas. Educating Your Foreign Service Child: K-12 Education Overseas | Non-Tuition In this webinar, the Office of Overseas Schools will give a broad overview of educating your child overseas (K-12) including: the variety of school options at posts, different education programs schools offer, transitioning between school systems, and things to think about when trying to decide which school is “right” for your child. Educating Your Child with Special Needs in the Foreign Affairs Community | Non-Tuition Join the Bureau of Medical Services and the Office of Overseas Schools for an informative webinar that will include information on the Special Needs Education Allowances (SNEA) and how to navigate finding a school for your child with special educational needs. This webinar is specifically designed for parents of children who are or will be assigned to a U.S. mission abroad. Educating Your Foreign Service Child: The Boarding School Option | Non-Tuition Join us for this webinar which will outline key considerations for sending your child to boarding school. The webinar will explore factors to consider in determining if boarding school is right for your child, how to select the right boarding school, and navigating financial considerations and the admissions process. Foreign Affairs Life with Pets Ask the Pet Expert (MQ860) – run by the Overseas Briefing Center | Non-Tuition Ask the Pet Expert: Returning to the United States (MQ860) – run by the Overseas Briefing Center | Non-Tuition Traveling with Pets for the Foreign Affairs Community (MQ855) – run by the Overseas Briefing Center | Non-Tuition Courses and Webinars Offered by the Center of Excellence in Foreign Affairs Resilience (CEFAR) Courses and Webinars Offered by the Career Transition Center (CTC)
