New Resources Available for Trailing Partners at FSI Transition Center

There are a few new online resources for trailing partners in the FSI Transition Center that look to be just as helpful for people considering this career as those who have started training. Since this blog has received several comments from trailing spouses in the process of joining the foreign service, I thought they were interesting to share.

Spouse and Partner Guide to the Foreign Service
Acronyms and Jargon
Thriving as a Foreign Service Spouse article
Spouse/Partner Orientation: agenda and now an online option if you cannot be there in person

The Spouse and Partner Guide to the Foreign Service has a Self Test: What Did You Know or Think Was True When You Signed Up?

Choose "Fact" or "Fiction:"

1. The Embassy/Consulate will find you (the trailing partner) a job which matches your qualifications.

2. Your housing will be paid for overseas.

3. The U.S. Government gives you an allowance to choose your own house overseas.

4. The house comes with a maid, paid for by the U.S. government.

5. Your partner, fiancé, or parent can go with you to post and have the same benefits as a spouse and children. (in the document is the old answer, but recently this has changed somewhat! See post Specific Benefits for Same-Sex Domestic Partners of Foreign Service Employees Serving Overseas)

6. American schools overseas will have the same curriculum as U.S. public schools.

7. Since you are with the Embassy, your children are guaranteed a place at the U.S. government sponsored school.

8. If you have a special needs child, you will be sent only to where there is an adequate educational program.

9. You will be included in the same language and area studies programs as the employee so you are adequately prepared.

10. If the situation is unstable at post, the U.S. government will always evacuate you right away.

11. The U.S. Government pays to transport your pets to/from post, regardless of the number or type.

12. You are entitled to Rest and Recuperation (R&R) and Home Leave trips.

13. R&R and Home Leave include both travel and per diem.

14. The Embassy or Consulate provides a concierge/tour director who will take care of your needs and wishes.

Answers in Spouse and Partner Guide to the Foreign Service.

Let me know if you found any big surprises!

Previous posts on other resources:
Diving into Informational Resources
Learning New Languages