While AFSA does its best to maintain information on all that may concern the Foreign Service community, we readily admit that we are not always the best resource for each and any issue. To supplement our information, we are happy to provide a constantly-increasing list of excellent online resources for a variety of subjects.

Housing Information

• Extended Stay Housing Guide
  If you are living in the DC area for an extended period of time, follow this link to find several high quality lodging options and per diem usage rules in DC.
• Property Management Guide
  If you are in need of Property Management or Real Estate services in DC, Maryland or Virginia, here is a list of great companies.
• The Foreign Service Clause
  A summary of the Foreign Service Clause, which is a Real Estate clause that helps members of the Foreign Service change their housing situation in the event of a work-related change.

Life in the Foreign Service

• Embassies and Consulates Around the World - Embassy-WorldWide.com
  A list of all embassies in the world
• Foreign Service Know-How (from The Foreign Service Journal)
  An archive of the Foreign Service Journal’s columns featuring advice, information and experiences specific to life in the Foreign Service.
• Tales from a Small Planet
  A collection of stories from people who have lived overseas for extended periods of time
• FSHub - resources for the Foreign Service community
  A website with helpful resources for those in the Foreign Service. Help full information can be found concerning travel, life at post, family resources, and transitioning back to the USA
• Overseas Briefing Center
  A State Department page built to help Government employees and their families prepare for an overseas assignment.
• Center for Disease Control’s Travel Health Information
  Government website with information about vaccines and health notices by country
• Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO)
  A branch of the State Department, which serves to improve the quality of life for the families and individuals of the Foreign Service.
• Country Information/Bidding Resources
  A database of information to help individuals learn more about specific countries and make informed decisions during the bidding process
• Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now?
  The Foreign Service Assignment Notebook (FSAN) offers invaluable information and guidance on all aspects of preparing for an international move and includes a Preparing to Go Overseas checklist.
• Coming Back to the U.S. (includes info on schools and housing)
  State Department website dedicated to helping those coming from overseas posts make a successful transition back to the US. Plenty of helpful information about the DC area.
• Office of Allowances
  Website of the Office of Allowances, which “administers the government-wide allowances and benefits program abroad under the Department of State Standardized Regulations:
• ADST Oral History Collection
  A collection of interviews with former participants in the U.S. foreign affairs process. A great collection of first-hand accounts of U.S. diplomatic history shared via oral histories, book publication, and an active set of social media tools.
• Livelines - AAFSW's Online Discussion Group for Questions and Tips on Life in the Foreign Service
  An email discussion group with over 4,500 subscribers that provides answers to questions about life in the Foreign Service.
• State Department WorkLife4You
  A program to assist with the wellbeing of State Department employees. The program is an agency-paid benefit designed to help you and your dependents better manage your daily responsibilities and life events. The program is connected through the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO)."
• USAID Staff Care Center
  A program that ensures the wellbeing of USAID employees. The program offers helpful initiatives ranging from child-care subsidies to advice on living a healthy life-style
• Kids Travel Books - a Book Resource for Parents on the Move
  A collection of children’s books for countries around the world. The website also hosts a blog about children in Foreign Service families
• Navigating Finances as an American Expat
  An overview of financial considerations for Americans living abroad

Podcasts

• American Diplomat
• The General and The Ambassador
• Let’s Talk About This Offline
• Modern American Diplomacy

Foreign Service-Related Organizations

• The Senior Living Foundation of the American Foreign Service
  An organization that aims to provide support to retired Foreign Service employees and their spouses. On the basis of need, the foundation also helps with the costs associated with senior services
• Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW)
  AAFSW is an advocacy group for the American diplomatic community. AAFSW offers membership to all foreign affairs agencies.
• DACOR, An Organization of Foreign Affairs Professionals
  DACOR is private organization for foreign affairs professionals. It supports the community through research talks, communications, and philanthropy.
• American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD)
  An advocacy group for US diplomacy that highlights past achievements in foreign policy and future possibilities. Membership is granted to government officials who have served with distinction in international affairs.
• Association of Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST)
  An organization dedicated to preserving the diplomatic history of the United States.
• Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF)
  The only nonprofit dedicated entirely to the support of children of the US Foreign Affairs agencies. FSYF provides publications, outreach, workshops, and scholarships for children.
• American Diplomacy
  An online publication with articles about international issues and in support of the American Foreign Service.
• Tales from a Small Planet
  A collection of stories from people who have lived overseas for extended periods of time
• The Una Chapman Cox Foundation
  An organization that supports recruitment, professional development, and public awareness concerning the US Foreign Service.
• National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD)
  Museum and education center dedicated to U.S. diplomacy. Attached to the Harry S Truman Department of State building
• USAID Alumni Association
  Association of former Foreign Affairs agency workers in support of effective US foreign assistance abroad.
• Veterans @ State
• Federal Employee Emergency Assistance Fund (FEEA)
  Nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance and scholarships to federal employees and their families.

Pets and the Foreign Service (click for separate page)

Ethics Issues (click for separate page)

Foreign Service Blogs (click for separate page)

International Foreign Affairs Associations

• Spain: Asociacion de Diplomaticos Espanoles
  A Spanish language site for diplomats of the Spanish government. The ADE pursues the interests and advancement of members of the Diplomatic Service.
• Canada: Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers
  PAFSO is the Canadian bargaining agent and professional association for the Canadian Foreign Service Officers.
• Italy: Sindicato del Servicio Exterior Italianio
  The Syndicate strives to protect the interests of the employees of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Government-Related Sites

• Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS)
  DS is responsible for ensuring safety in US foreign policy. DS personnel protect the Secretary of State and important foreign dignitaries visiting the US.
• Contacting the 118th Congress
  This website links to other sites that provide contact information for elected officials of the United States on all levels (Federal, State, and Local)
• House Foreign Affairs Committee
  The House Committee on Foreign Affairs considers legislation that impacts the diplomatic community. This website has information on all of the members and actions of the committee. The committee chair during the 118th Congress is Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas).
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  The Senate Foreign Relations Committee considers legislation that impacts the diplomatic community and is charged with oversight of all nominations to foreign affairs agencies and Ambassadorships. This website has information on all of the members and actions of the committee. The committee chair is Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).
• The White House
  The official website of the White House, this site lays out information about the current administration and its policies on issues.
• U.S. Embassies
  This website allows you to find every U.S. Embassy, Consulate, and Diplomatic Mission in any country.

Of Professional Interest

• Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM)
  A website containing handbooks for the State Department’s structure, policies, and procedures. Codified information in these manuals helps employees carry out their responsibilities.
• USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS)
  A website containing guides that outline USAID’s structure, policies, and procedures. The website contains 6 different guides, each covering a different topic.
• The Ralph Bunche Library at the Department of State
  A State Department only online library; learn more about the Ralph Bunche Library here.
• Study: Congressional Attitudes on the Foreign Service (2013)
  Links to a study carried out by AFSA that gauged the attitude of 28 congressional staff members towards the Foreign Service and State Department.
• FEDmanager
  FEDmanager is a news site and free weekly newsletter that provides federal managers, executives, and HR representatives the federal workforce.
• National Security Archive
  Founded journalists and scholars to check rising government secrecy, the National Security Archive is a global advocate for government transparency and conducts research to help their cause.
• Public Diplomacy
  An alumni community with members that have worked across many programs used in US diplomacy.
• Forging a 21st Century Diplomatic Service [Short Version] [Full Version]
  A plan created by the American Academy of Diplomacy to prioritize diplomacy in the United States. This educational plan calls for increased funding and implementation of new guidelines.
• Best Places to Work in Government
  A website that ranks US Federal agencies in terms of quality of employment and employee satisfaction
• Sign-Up Form for Department of State Email Updates
  A link that allows you to sign up for updates from the State Department regarding foreign policy announcements and initiatives.
• Foreign Service Statistics
  An AFSA-curated collection of statistics, reports, and analysis pertaining to the United States Foreign Service.

Think Tanks and Other Organizations

• Brookings Institution
  A public policy organization in DC with the mission of conducting in-depth research that creates solutions to local, national, and global issues.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies
  A bipartisan policy research organization that provides strategic insight and policy solutions to decision-makers in DC
• Foreign Policy Association
  An association that aims to increase awareness and participation of American citizens in the foreign policy process.
• InterAction
  A collection of nongovernmental organizations working around the world to help improve life conditions for the world’s poor. InterAction is the convener and voice of the NGO community.
• National Peace Corps Association
  NPCA is the voice of the Peace Corps. NPCA helps members thrive through various programs and advocacy efforts.
• Global Ties U.S. (formerly NCIV)
  Global Ties US strengthens international relationships by improving global exchange programs. Global Ties US provides its members with connections, leadership development and professional resources.

Please let us know if you think we should add other links to this page!