The Foreign Service Journal, June 2006

70 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 6 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT Africa gives diplomatic status to unmarried children of diplomats as long as the dependent is under the age of 21. South Africa also recog- nizes foreign representatives’ depen- dent unmarried children between the ages of 21 and 23 who are enrolled full time in an educational institution and form a part of the household dur- ing a term of duty. It’s also important to consider the State Department’s regulations about dependents when planning a gap year. The Family Liaison Office explains: “A family member who turns 21 is no longer eligible for any allowances (except educational travel described below), coverage under the health unit, or medical or emergency evacuations. … “If the employee is assigned to the United States, the family member will not be included on orders for the next post. When an employee is heading to a new post (on Permanent Change of Station orders), a child approaching the age of 21 may be included on the transfer orders. However, return travel to the U. S. can only be authorized if the child actually traveled to post under the transfer orders prior to reaching age 21. … “There are a few exceptions if the family member is still in undergradu- ate college in the U.S. (or in an affili- ated ‘junior year abroad’ program), or has served in the military. In the first case, the family member will contin- ue to receive the educational travel allowance until he/she turns 23 or graduates from undergraduate stud- ies” (http://www.state.gov/mdghr/flo/ rsrcs/pubs/4598.htm). Foreign Service families should also think about health insurance when planning a gap year. Federal health insurance coverage stops for children when they turn 22. At that point, the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program has a Temporary Continuation of Coverage program for up to three years after the change in status is reported (for additional details, see Family Liaison Office publications at the previously men- It’s important to consider the State Department’s regulations about dependents when planning a gap year. Continued on page 74 T h e K i n g G e o r g e S c h o o l S u t t o n , V T . A d m i s s i o n s : ( 8 0 0 ) 2 1 8 - 5 1 2 2 W W W . K i n g G e o r g e S c h o o l . C o m Come, join an innovative visual and performing arts school located in the serenity of the Vermont coun- tryside. Where artists and learners are free to find their true per- sonal, academic, and artistic potential. “ABridge to Artistic, Academic and Personal Growth” Develop insight and integrity Learn accountability Create your place in the world.