| What We Do
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) advocate American foreign policy, protect American citizens, and promote American business interests throughout the world. FSOs staff our Embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions devoted to strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity. Their perceptiveness, dedication, and creativity drive the formulation and achievement of American foreign policy objectives.
Where We Work
The work we do affects the world and is conducted in every country around the globe. In fact, we have over 265 embassies, consulates and missions: The Americas, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia.
Candidates should also bear in mind that Foreign Service Officers are expected to take assignments that can involve extremely difficult work, hardship, and even danger. We are looking for capable, healthy, dedicated candidates who are prepared to step up to the challenges the Foreign Service faces in today’s world.
Who Qualifies?
There are several important eligibility requirements:
* All applicants must be U.S. citizens on the date they submit their registration package.
* On the day you submit your registration, you must be at least 20 years old and no older than 59 years of age.
* On the day you are appointed as a Foreign Service Officer, you must be at least 21 years old, and not yet 60.
* You must also be available for worldwide assignments*, including Washington, D.C.
No specific educational level, or proficiency in a foreign language is required for applicants. You are not required to know a foreign language to become a Foreign Service Officer, but proficiency in one or more languages will enhance your competitiveness for selection.
* Members of the Foreign Service are expected to serve anywhere in the world, even in cases where family members cannot go to post due to political instability and/or other concerns, or when family members must leave post as conditions deteriorate (evacuations). |
