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December 2015

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider's perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The December issue focuses on the International Visitor Leadership Program.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

FOCUS ON THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Soft Power, High Impact

America’s premier exchange program is 75 this year. In this selection of personal experiences, participants offer insight into its unique effectiveness.

BY ROBERT ZIMMERMAN

Looking to the Future

IVLP’s partners and stakeholders are examining the challenges ahead and exploring ways to renew the program to ensure continuing success.

BY JENNIFER CLINTON AND JELENA PUTRE

FEATURE

The Usefulness of Cookie-Pushing

Retired Chicago Tribune foreign correspondent Richard C. Longworth discusses his 1977 “Primer for Diplomats,” a concise and still timely survey of the duties of diplomats and the importance of diplomacy.

BY CECILE SHEA

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

FAFSA Reform: What Does It Mean for You?

Improvements in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid are slated for the 2017-2018 academic year.

BY SHANNON MIZZI

Options for Educating Foreign Service Kids

For most Foreign Service families, the education of their children is a primary bidding concern. Here is an overview of the many options.

BY LEAH WALLACE

COLUMNS

President's Views

Refining Our Message

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Proving Public Diplomacy Programs Work

BY JAMES RIDER

Reflections

Would You Like a Cup of Tea?

BY JOSH GLAZEROFF