Foreign Service Institute- FSI

07/25/2024

Happy National Intern Day!🎉

Today, we recognize our interns and the vital role they play in helping FSI carry out its mission. Stay tuned for the August 1st article in State Magazine, in which some of this year's FSI interns describe their experiences.

Interested in interning at FSI? Find out more on the U.S. Department of State careers website: https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/

Photo courtesy of Ms. Jessica Latos.

07/19/2024

Congratulations to the 2024 American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) Essay Contest winners! The annual contest, open to U.S. high school students, challenged students to identify what they believed would be the biggest challenge to face the Foreign Service in the future.

This year’s winning essay is titled, "Disinformation: A Threat to Every Level of Diplomacy.” The winner receives a $2,500 prize, a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the Secretary of State, and full tuition for an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Read more about the AFSA Essay Contest here: https://afsa.org/essay-contest

The winning essay can be found at the link below⬇️
https://afsa.org/2024-high-school-essay-contest-winning-essay?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=313085182&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_yPf3JBpBHy_micVoNP4kwP3NmhBDmc_tKBsfQc84Qpx7UQgOJNiyZ2cTlzmNroUdy8Zwe0cJ76GIaT_dBXTSsQMPbjg

Sponsored by the American Foreign Service Association in partnership with the U.S. Institute of Peace, Semester at Sea and the National Student Leadership Conference.

07/10/2024

When it comes to diplomatic training, sharing approaches between countries ensures all stay up to date with best practices. FSI Director Joan Polaschik recently met with Ambassador Mohammad Koba, head of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Center for Education and Training, to discuss current training priorities.

Both counterparts placed an emphasis on incorporating diversity and inclusion into training efforts and addressed the importance of training staff to become effective leaders.

As FSI continues to strive for the implementation of forward-thinking tools in training, sharing insights with counterparts remains a crucial element in strengthening our programs and partnerships.

07/04/2024

The Foreign Service Institute wishes all a very happy 4th of July!

07/03/2024

At this year's Chiefs of Mission conference, FSI Director Joan Polaschik spoke with Dr. Arthur Brooks about how happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction impact a leader and those they lead. Dr. Brooks' talk at the conference was the highlight of the session—we appreciated his time and profoundly humane insights!

Read more here: https://afsa.org/can-happiness-make-us-better-diplomats

07/01/2024

FSI recently hosted a delegation from the Qatari Diplomatic Institute and the Embassy of Qatar to share information on how we prepare our foreign affairs professionals for careers in diplomacy. Similar themes emerged as both institutes provide training in negotiation, conflict resolution, and climate change, among others. Exchanging ideas and strategies reinforces diplomatic training efforts in both countries and fosters cooperation!

06/24/2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy around the world. On this International Day for Women in Diplomacy, we honor the many women who have played a vital role in advancing U.S. foreign policy.

Learn more about some of the resilient women who have made a great impact by reading about their stories here: https://diplomacy.state.gov/stories-of-diplomacy/her-diplomacy/

Celebrate and honor women who have made vital contributions to our nation, but whose stories remain largely unknown. Her Diplomacy honors these trailblazing women and brings their stories to the public.

05/30/2024

During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. From diverse cultures to rich traditions, generations have enriched our nation. Millions of AAPI individuals call the U.S. home, including many dedicated members of the Department of State and other government agencies.
In 2021, the White House took action to combat racism and combat anti-Asian violence, xenophobia, and bias. At FSI, we are grateful for the AAPI community and firmly committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse space where everyone can thrive.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/wNwA50S2tIS

05/21/2024

At FSI, we believe in the power of experiential learning. As Ann Keller-Lally, Associate Dean for Instruction at the School of Language Studies (SLS), puts it, "What that means is essentially learning a language by doing."

Read more in this Washington Post article to see how successful our graduates are!

One of five common questions for jobseekers looking for a job in the federal government- which agencies need people who speak more than one language?

05/17/2024

The rain didn't stop FSI from closing out Public Service Recognition Week with a picnic filled with lively activities, from singing to dancing! If you look closely, you might see someone you know singing their heart out!
The gathering was a fantastic opportunity to appreciate each other's contributions and remind us that regardless of your specific job title or responsibilities, we all contribute to fulfilling the mission of FSI.

05/10/2024

FSI was pleased to host the Director General from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for an insightful conversation on diplomatic training. The discussion covered fostering a learning culture, incorporating technology in training, and building essential skills for future diplomats.

Excited for the ongoing partnership!



French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

05/09/2024

🌻FSI is proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative!
The FSI DEIA Council hosted a virtual training with insights from Director Polaschik and FSI staff sharing their experiences with non-apparent disabilities.

Let's work towards a more inclusive environment!

05/08/2024

Our health and the environment depend on clean air!
Take action this to reduce pollution. The impact of simple steps like carpooling, using public transportation, preventing leaf burning, and planting more trees can be profound!

Check your local air quality index here: https://www.airnow.gov/

05/07/2024

The Department of State is thrilled to announce one of the nominees for Sammie Awards--the Oscars of public service.
🎉 A special congratulations to Sammie Tafoya, a foreign service officer assigned to Haiti, who has been nominated for the Emerging Leaders award for her outstanding contributions to peace and stability in Haiti!

U.S. Department of State

A glimpse at who might, eventually, be dubbed Federal Employee of the Year.

05/05/2024

🎉 Congratulations to Toby Wolf, our talented Foreign Service Officer at FSI, for winning first place in AFSA’s Foreign Service Centennial Essay Contest!

Read Toby's insightful essay below.



The Foreign Service Journal

To honor the 100th birthday of the U.S. Foreign Service—and AFSA’s role as the “Voice of the Foreign Service”—the Journal held a writing competition for members with cash prizes. The topic: Looking ahead to the next century, describe the ideal Foreign Service, as an institution and a profe...

05/03/2024

FSI welcomed 100 “junior diplomats” for Take Your Child to Work Day! The kids had a blast with hands-on activities like Studio Takeover, Radio Scavenger Hunt, Mock Embassy, and more.

What a great way for the next generation to experience the world of diplomacy!

05/01/2024

State Department interns experienced foreign policy in action at FSI with a tour of our training facility. We look forward to welcoming them back as future Foreign Service professionals!

04/29/2024

04/28/2024

FSI recently welcomed a delegation from Mozambique as part of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). FSI leadership shared insights on diplomacy training and career development at FSI as part of its support to collaborative diplomatic relations.



International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

04/26/2024

FSI was honored to host Bahraini counterparts to discuss recruitment, training, and tech integration in diplomatic education. Sharing best practices strengthens both countries' diplomatic corps and global diplomacy.

04/23/2024

https://shorturl.at/iyHP4

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day! 🌍 Taking care of our precious planet is a shared responsibility. Consider taking a few simple steps like reducing waste, saving energy, or planting a tree. Together, we can make a huge difference!

04/11/2024

Climate and the environment are critical topics in modern U.S. diplomacy.

FSI is proud to offer U.S. foreign affairs professionals a number of courses, trainings, and resources covering climate diplomacy. Environmental issues are also key components of core diplomatic and foreign affairs training and courses at FSI.

04/09/2024

FSI is growing – and we are !

Come help us modernize American diplomacy by working in our new Office of the Provost and be at the forefront of reorganizing FSI to provide high-quality, innovative training for U.S. foreign affairs professionals. Check out these six Education Program Officer positions on USAJOBS.

✅Educational Technology and Innovation Division: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785679600

✅Learning Design and Development Division: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785679900

✅Vice Provost: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785680400

✅Evaluation and Analytics Division: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785681200

✅Professional Development Division: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785682200

✅Learning Strategy and Partnerships Unit: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/785682500

03/29/2024

Ambassador Joan Polaschik has led an impactful career of diplomacy and service to her country.

Ambassador Polaschik was appointed as Director of FSI in May 2022. In that capacity, she leads efforts to modernize the Institute and build a culture of career-long learning at the U.S. Department of State. Her favorite part of the role? “Being part of a community that is constantly learning, innovating, and developing ways to better prepare the foreign affairs community to advance U.S. interests in a rapidly changing world.”

Prior to her time at FSI, Polaschik’s expertise in Middle East and North African affairs led her to serve as Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs from 2017 to 2019 and U.S. Ambassador to Algeria from 2014 to 2017. As Ambassador, she recalls that some of her proudest moments include fully normalizing Embassy operations in Algiers after two decades as a high-threat post and securing approvals and funding to open an American school there.

She also served as Director of the State Department’s Office of Egypt and Levant Affairs, Director of the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Mission/Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, where she led the mission’s safe evacuation and suspension of operations in 2011. Other assignments include Azerbaijan, Tunisia, and Uzbekistan as well as Washington-based assignments in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.

Ambassador Polaschik earned a BA from the University of Virginia and an MSFS from Georgetown University. She was a Senior State Department Fellow at Georgetown’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Follow FSI on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay abreast of all the exciting initiatives to modernize American diplomacy taking place under Director Polaschik’s leadership!

03/13/2024

President Carter’s administration faced unique global challenges as the 1970’s came to a close.

The U.S. Department of State's Office of the Historian, part of the Foreign Service Institute, released Foreign Relations of the United States, Volume IV, 1977-1980, National Security Policy. It explores President Carter’s efforts to modernize U.S. nuclear and conventional forces, assess the global balance of power, sustain the NATO alliance, preserve telecommunications security, and beyond.

Read more: https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1977-80v04

03/08/2024

The U.S. Department of State and FSI have been fortunate to have impactful women leaders.

From Secretaries of State to women codebreakers helping secure an Allied victory, from FSI directors who’ve modernized our diplomatic training to Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission who’ve strengthened our alliances and America’s standing in the world. They have led – and are leading – by example.

Stay connected with FSI’s social media channels for more spotlights on inspiring women who have served their country.

03/07/2024

Diplomacy is at the center of U.S. foreign policy. And partnerships are at the center of diplomacy.

Last week, FSI Director Joan Polaschik spoke at Meridian International Center for their annual Welcome to Washington reception for newly arrived Chiefs of Mission who are serving in the U.S. In her remarks, Director Polaschik highlighted the importance of international alliances and the Department’s commitment to modernization.

Director Polaschik emphasized Secretary Blinken’s vision of a U.S. Department of State that works to deepen, broaden, and align partnerships in new ways to meet the complex challenges of this era. She highlighted how FSI is revitalizing and reimagining how it conducts diplomatic training, and how partnerships are a key part of that process.

Director Polaschik also highlighted the Centennial of the U.S. Foreign Service, which is being celebrated this year.

03/06/2024

FSI is proud of Shelby Smith-Wilson's inspiring career in service to our nation.

As a member of the Senior Foreign Service, Smith-Wilson served FSI as Deputy Director from 2022 to 2024. She has been instrumental in helping build a culture of career-long learning at the U.S. Department of State.

Her career has led her to serve overseas in Madrid, Panama, Bogota, Santo Domingo, and Nairobi. She has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Smith-Wilson says she’s very proud of several accomplishments. One of these was during her first tour in Nairobi, Kenya, at a time when the HIV/AIDS pandemic was spreading throughout sub-Saharan Africa and garnering a large stigma. “One of my goals when I worked in the Public Affairs section was to reduce that stigma around HIV,” says Smith-Wilson. She worked to establish a speaker program where HIV positive individuals addressed members of civil society, academia, and the health sector to break stereotypes around the disease. The initiative had positive effects for communities in Kenya. “It shows the power of diplomacy to help people.”

Another proud achievement is how, as Deputy Director for “the Watch” in the Department’s Operations Center, she managed her team during the height of COVID-19 in 2020. More than 80% of the Department had to shut down or work remotely, but the Ops Center had to continue functioning. Smith-Wilson continued supervising her team in person to, as she describes it, “facilitate diplomacy on multiple levels for multiple people.” She navigated proper health protocols while ensuring the Center continued serving as the first responder team for the Department’s “first responders.” Smith-Wilson and her team staffed the Center from three locations for more than one year, delivering for the American people at a time of uncertainty.

In her next role, she will serve as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau.

03/01/2024

It’s Women’s History Month! We’re spotlighting women leaders who have positively impacted the U.S. Department of State, FSI, and our country.

Who better to kick things off with than Madeleine Albright? Albright was a trailblazer who served as the first female U.S. Secretary of State and set a standard for excellence and dedication in public service.

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, her family emigrated to the United States in the wake of political upheaval, instilling in her a profound appreciation for democracy and freedom, values that defined her career. Albright earned a B.A. in political science from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in Public Law and Government from Columbia University.

She began her public service career as a Legislative aide in the U.S. Senate and became a White House staff member for President Carter. In 1982, Albright was appointed as a Research Professor of International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where she also directed the Women in Foreign Service Program. This position underscored her commitment to advancing women’s roles in diplomacy.

In 1993, she was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations which set the stage for her historic nomination as Secretary of State in 1996. Throughout her tenure as Secretary, she expanded NATO, promoted nuclear non-proliferation, and addressed global challenges like the Kosovo conflict. Known for her unique “pin” diplomacy, Albright utilized brooches to convey diplomatic messages which became a hallmark of her communications style.

Her ethos “Your reputation is your resume,” resonates with FSI’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Albright’s legacy inspires us to lead with integrity and purpose.

Read more about Secretary Albright’s legacy: https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/albright-madeleine-korbel