What are /r/foreignservice's favorite Products & Services?

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Harry Kopp's book Career Diplomacy: Life and Work in the US Foreign Service has some interesting thoughts about the balance between taking direction and taking initiative (or reporting and running programs, if you prefer that lens). If you're considering a career in the Foreign Service, it's well worth reading.

Short answer? Meetup.com. Make some friends outside of the office.

As a young person working overseas in the private sector, depending on your workplace to function as your social circle is a recipe for toxicity. I truly believe the secret to being happy as an expat is having friends outside of work who share your interests and whom you enjoy spending time with.

In an expat city, if you look for it, you will always be able to find people who share your values and are interested in the same things you are (whether that is getting smashed every weekend, CrossFit, literary fiction, your faith community, Premier League football, whatever).

I lived in Dubai for several years when I was your age. If you want camaraderie there, you can find it, but you need to put the work in to look outside your office.
Also, finances and lifestyle-wise, the 'expat package' is dying. You need to check your expectations against what is available to you in 2019.

Not to me, but I loved the questions on the app the State Dept:

IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doscareers/id580287301?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.metrostarsystems.fsc.android&hl=en

The Ugly American. It's old, and set in the Vietnam War era, but I think many of the criticisms are still valid. (And no, the movie is not a good substitute since it flips the hero/protagonist.)

Amazon link

I use a router from StrongVPN. I use all my U.S. appliances through a transformer, except anything that heats up (like a toaster).

Post will probably provide a few transformers if you need them, but the number varies post to post, so I bought four of my own. They're heavy as hell, but worth the weight.

The 220v appliance game gets to be a bit of a pain; I bought a couple of 220v appliances and sold them at the last post I went to before I moved back to the U.S. A lot of things are dual-voltage, like computers and televisions.

Oh, and -- sometimes apartments come with a landlord-provided microwave. Post won't provide one. I would buy a local one in that case.

Your office will have one. For your personal devices, the Department does not provide one. Officers in China pay for their own VPNs which may come to close to $100/yr. Popular services include StrongVPN, Astrill, Witopia, PandaPow. There are several others.

As usual, I'll be the contrarian. I think FAST committees can do good stuff, but I think the FAST program overall is almost always less about professional development and more about a DCM or Principal Officer checking the "mentors ELOs" box.

The things I found most helpful as a FAST officer were actually the things criticized below -- meeting and talking with visiting high-level officials and advice from mid- and senior-level FSOs about EERs and bidding. I haven't ever worked at a post large enough that networking was necessary -- and I'm not all that certain how valuable it is in the long run. What drove me nuts (especially as a second-tour officer working in-cone) were the "checklists" of "professional development" activities. A colleague of mine on her second tour in a political section ended up really annoyed about the FAST program because she was constantly having her work hijacked to provide a "professional development" opportunity for someone else. She would be preparing to deliver a demarche to a contact she knew well and suddenly be told an ELO from the consular section was going to do it because it was on the FAST program checklist. Or she'd prepare a bunch of stuff for one of the ambassador's meetings and be pulled off it at the last minute to let an assistant GSO attend. I watched it happen from econ and it was bonkers.

The only other actually innovative and helpful thing I've seen a FAST committee do is organize a leadership/professional development happy hour among FAST officers once a month. Every month they chose a leadership book or memoir (like Colin Powell's It Worked for Me or even The Power of Habit) and got together after work at a local bar to discuss it over drinks. We're doing something similar among the mid-level officers at my current post -- because, as you'll discover, once you're not a FAST officer everyone forgets about your professional development :).

Read The Elements of Style. It has a good mix of grammar and writing style. Also, this website is awesome for getting down and dirty with grammar rules: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/5/

How did the essay go for you?

Did you speed through it? When I took practice exams I found I could always spot my mistakes immediately when I reviewed them afterwards. You may find that slowing down and familiarizing yourself with the format will be enough to boost your score. If you need a refresher, The Elements of Style is the classic go-to guide.

Avoid hard-sided luggage! Get soft-sided so you can pack it up to 49.9 lbs (though we always keep it a bit lower in case the airport scales are off).

I failed to mention a luggage scale. They are small but it helps you know where you are when packing.

Another option is hard plastic bins (like this: https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-27-Gallon-Storage-Containers-Stackable/dp/B089KR521Q/ref=sr_1_21?crid=G8HXCQZAW8UT&keywords=plastic+bins&qid=1668843909&sprefix=plastic+bins%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-21). We have some in place of the luggage. Now it does take some planning and prepping. We know the empty weight of the bin, so. we have to pack accordingly. But they are awesome for putting odd size stuff in. We drilled holes into the sides/lids and run zip-ties through it. On the inside of the lid, my wife tapes more zip ties and a note to the TSA to please use zip ties if they open it up for inspection.

You want heavy-duty bins. Don't get the cheap thin ones or they won't survive your flight. Check the size to make sure it doesn't exceed the luggage size requirement but we have yet to run into any issues using these in our years traveling with them for PCS.

I don't think is right. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which in turn is owned by some Israeli billionaire. I even reviewed Kape's shareholders list and didn't see any apparent links to China, nor any news articles to that effect.

I still have an ExpressVPN account and haven't noticed that, but maybe that's just me. At least upshot with Netflix is that it's available in a ton of countries (unlike Hulu or Amazon Prime). Not to mention local Netflix sometimes has a better catalog than its US counterpart.

All the big name PAID ones will usually work well. If it's free, you aren't the customer, you're the product. Don't trust it, even if you're only planning to use it for streaming.

I've used several across the years. Currently using Unlocator as my primary because it has both VPN and SmartDNS capabilities. My router is setup for the DNS features, and then I use the VPN as needed.

Most streaming services don't actually need a VPN, but rather just the SmartDNS provider. Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and several others can be set to a region through the SmartDNS instead of the VPN. If you're in a country with low bandwidth, using the SmartDNS can eliminate the added data usage that a VPN introduces. Most of my streaming is done on the SmartDNS with that set to the US, and then only things I want protected are run over the VPN.

It may vary by country. I served in an authoritarian country, and we needed to have multiple (paid) VPNs, as any one might not work at a time. Popular ones included Astrill, Express, Strong, and Nord. We always assumed our internet traffic was surveilled, VPN or not.

It may vary by country. I served in China, and we needed to have multiple (paid) VPNs, as any one might be blocked at a time. Popular ones included Astrill, Express, Strong, and Nord. We always assumed our internet traffic was surveilled, VPN or not.

Netflix only shows you programs that are licensed in the source country. Some people are stationed in countries without Netflix service. They need a VPN. I was even in a country that YouTube didn't work without the VPN.

I used Astrill when in China. They allowed a personal IP address for an extra $5/month. The personal IP means it's less likely to be blocked by the services.

Word of warning about ExpressVPN. It has been linked to Chinese ownership now I believe, and any USG employee should be wary of using their service. Unless you're really only using it for streaming (not personal banking, finances, etc) something like Nord or Strong would be better options.

Yours on Amazon for the bargain price of $85 https://www.amazon.com/Foreign-Service-Girl-Robin-McKown/dp/B000OO87M0

Embassy Girl is a little more affordable https://www.amazon.com/Embassy-Girl-Emily-Thorne/dp/B000FLFSKQ/

It sounds like a TV movie plot, because it reads like a Hemingway short story— The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.

There are small differences, of course. But as a person of culture you might like it!

For US and World History I watched Crash Course on YouTube. Entertaining so doesn’t feel like studying.

For a little economy knowledge I read Economix by Michael Goodwin https://www.amazon.com/Economix-Economy-Works-Doesnt-Pictures/dp/0810988399

For management style refresher I just searched management styles online.

I answered questions on the FSOT app

I read the US Constitution for a refresher

I remember years ago there was an academic debate surrounding Dead Aid, a book by the economist Dambisa Moyo. She argued that over the years, aid money actually had a detrimental effect on the countries it was given to. Ms. Moyo wasn't the first to criticize foreign aid, but she was the first prominent African economist to do so. The book made a big splash, followed by fierce backlash from prominent aid advocates.

You might enjoy reading up on the different perspectives. Neither side was blind to the flaws inherent to foreign aid programs, and I think everybody recognizes that it's an imperfect tool. That said, using imperfect tools to promote American interests is what public service is all about.

The APC Pro models are dual frequency: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Back-UPS-Battery-Protector-BR700G/dp/B002RCNX8K/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=M4bE7&pf_rd_p=a654ad73-af1c-40d7-8dbb-00cce9c459f1&pf_rd_r=WBMXD1K9AGQS38BHHBX7&pd_rd_r=e2a55ab9-6006-430d-8550-dc268534b22b&pd_rd_wg=035ee&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m&th=1

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But yes, I apologize for a blanket statement. But APC does make a series that is dual frequency and I've been using them overseas close to 10 years.

I ordered a countertop dishwasher via DPO. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Can't recommend it highly enough. Also hooks straight up to the faucet.

AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03 Portable Countertop Dishwasher, Compact Mini Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank and Air-Dry Function, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Glass & Fruit Wash-White/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N6WV3HX/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_FX5K2AYAWFGX6SKE2A2N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I put together a short webinar to help people writing their PNQs. I'm the spouse of an FSO. No insider info or anything, just helpful tips as a writing teacher who has guided several friends through the process. If you're feeling stuck, it might help. https://calendly.com/globalnomadenglish/writing-pnq

Also, roundtabling with other applicants is a great idea! If they're bored, then you know what you've written isn't working.

Thanks for the post (questions) I can offer new service https://proofy.io/ -- for email list verification and please provide feedback on the draft (proofy.io) (for feedback -- it's very important)

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" <strong>Matthew Arthur</strong>  ·  3 days ago

Having worked in US embassies around the world for a decade, I would gladly dismantle nearly the entire at-best ineffective, expensive, almost-certainly counterproductive apparatus filled with whining sinecured FSOs with little to no local knowledge living rent-free around the globe."

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... Yikes

have tried these before the test?

• FSO Practice Test - Careers (state.gov)
• DOS Careers - Apps on Google Play

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask this, but regarding FSOT prep (in addition to sample questions, reading list, etc.) , I was curious if anyone had any input about the different prep books you can find on Amazon, online, etc. and if any of them are beneficial or worth picking up. Thanks!
Just to clarify I'm talking about these kind of texts:
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-FSOT-Study-Guide-Preparation-ebook/dp/B01BB4YC70

China Hands by James Liley

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https://www.amazon.com/China-Hands-Adventure-Espionage-Diplomacy-ebook/dp/B001IDZM9W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=old+china+hands+james+lilley&amp;qid=1603425639&amp;sr=8-1

I recall when I was preparing for the OA, I listened to the Audio version of Career Diplomacy. I think it was one of the recommendations from the Yahoo group. https://www.amazon.com/Career-Diplomacy-Foreign-Service-Second/dp/1589017404.

I remember thinking the description of Consular work would make for an interesting career path. Because it wasn't the cone I chose, you'll forgive that I didn't commit it to memory - but it's a resource to check out.

This study guide has practice SJ questions and explanations of why the best and worst options are what they are. I’m sure there’s a newer version out now but thought I’d share. FSOT Study Guide Review: Test Prep & Practice Test Questions for the Written Exam & Oral Assessment on the Foreign Service Officer Test https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628454911/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_65ddFb8V92V76

What I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EEJZRGA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I recently bought this under the seat Samsonite bag and love it. It's also affordable on a government salary. I have been thinking about the pros and cons of 1 vs 2 pieces of checked luggage.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Wheeled-Underseater-Small-Black/dp/B00F9KE5UC/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;ref=yo_pop_d_yo_pop_d_pd_t2

Yes do! Meditations by Marcus Aurelius or the Handbook (Enchiridion) by Epictetus are the best places to start. (The Handbook is shorter fyi)

Portuguese is such a beautiful language! You will be able to serve in so many different kinds of countries if you get up to L3. I'm thinking of taking up Spanish again at some point since right now I'm doing Korean and Turkish haha.

Rise to Globalism is probably my favorite too - helped me a LOT on the test and was an interesting read.

Career Diplomacy is pretty good if you're just starting down the FSO path and want a crash course on State lingo, culture, testing procedures, etc. If you've been reading up on it for a while though, there's not much new info but might still interest you

I bought Getting to Yes a few months ago but still haven't read it.

Currently reading American Ambassadors: The Past, Present, and Future of America’s Diplomats and also suggest a unique one in Foreign Circus.

i would do a search on amazon and your local library for study guides. this is the one I bought and i got several more at the lib i found the practice tests really helpful

If you are interested in how U.S. Embassies work, then I would suggest reading |

Inside a U.S. Embassy

I read this whole book. It was very boring, but I learned the vocab I needed.

http://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Behavior-Managing-People-Organizations/dp/1133626696/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1442932724&amp;sr=1-14&amp;keywords=organizational+behavior

Sorry for the late reply. I actually ended up buying a management textbook and reading the whole thing. It was soooooo boring, but it got me familiar enough with the terminology I didn't even need to look at it when I took the test for the 2nd time and still received basically 100% on the job knowledge section. Here's the book: http://www.amazon.com/Organizational-Behavior-Managing-People-Organizations/dp/1133626696/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1442932724&amp;sr=1-14&amp;keywords=organizational+behavior