The Foreign Service Journal, December 2015

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2015 67 Leah Wallace, a Foreign Service spouse, served as education and youth officer in the Family Liaison Office for five years. She has an M.A. in special education and has taught in Fairfax County, Virginia, as well as at the American Embassy School in New Delhi. Her two children grew up overseas, attending international schools before going to U.S. colleges. 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 L EAH WAL LACE N ot too long ago, I spoke with a new Foreign Service officer who had stopped by the Family Liaison Office to talk about all the changes he saw ahead for his family. While excited about his decision to join the Service, his feelings were accompanied by the litany of questions that frequently arise for new members of the Foreign Service: What have I gotten my family into? Where can my family live while I’m in training? What will our lives be like? How can we navigate this new lifestyle? Foreign Service parents have the wonderful opportunity to offer their children the chance to learn about and explore cultures around the world. For example, children may pick up one or more languages while living in other countries. Indeed, many consider the possibility of their children becoming “global citizens” a major benefit of the Foreign Service lifestyle. The diverse experiences our children will have living and learning abroad will give them a leg up in the college application process, as many colleges consider students who have grown up globally a valuable asset to their student communities. However, these perks are also accom- panied by challenges. In fact, a primary bidding concern for most Foreign Service families is the education of their children. Fortunately, the State Depart- ment—believing that Foreign Service families should have educational oppor- tunities as equal as possible to what they would have in the United States—offers an array of schooling options and allow- ances for families serving overseas. This article will provide a brief over- view of these options, as well as tips on how to manage the transition back to the United States and what to do if your post is evacuated. The Scholastic Smorgasbord International schools are a popular option for many Foreign Service families. These schools are independent institutions and have their own admissions policies. Often there are several to choose from. Most parents enroll their children in the international schools with an American curriculum because they believe this may positively impact their students’ transitions over time. Nevertheless, there are frequently British, French and local schools that some families find to be attractive options. Parents should be aware that it is their responsibility to contact schools directly about their impending arrival at post. They must also complete the schools’ application processes. The com- munity liaison office (CLO) may have information on the schools where post’s families currently send their children or have sent them in the past. CLO offices EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT