Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America

by Shawn Dorman (Editor)

Who works in an embassy? What do diplomats actually do? "Inside a U.S. Embassy" offers an up-close and personal look into the lives of the diplomats and specialists who make up the U.S. Foreign Service, taking readers inside embassies and consulates in over 50 countries, providing detailed descriptions of Foreign Service jobs and first-hand accounts of diplomacy in action. Gain a sense of the key role played by each member of an embassy team from Paris to Kabul, from Bogota to Beijing, and places in between. Travel into the rainforests of Thailand with an environmental affairs officer, face rampaging militias with a political officer in East Timor, and join an ambassador on a midnight trip into a Macedonian refugee camp to quell a riot. The book includes profiles of diplomats and specialists around the world serving in Foreign Service positions -- from the ambassador to the security officer, the consular officer to the IT specialist. Also included is a selection of day-in-the-life accounts from 17 different countries, each describing an actual day on the job. The story section includes 26 tales from the field that give a sense of the extraordinary: the coups, the evacuations, the civil wars, the hardships and rewards of representing America to the world. "Inside a U.S. Embassy" was published by the American Foreign Service Association in 2003, and updated and revised in 2005. Over 70,000 copies have sold.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, International Affairs, Government, Political Science, Reference

136 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I bought at the behest of the Foreign Service. I don't know how useful it will prove in actually passing the exam, but it was a fascinating read and gave a good comprehensive picture of what to expect in any given capacity in the Foreign Service. I wouldn't say it was the best edited book I've ever read, but there were a lot of moving stories from different people, and I enjoyed reading it. It's just a quick 130 pages or so. I would recommend it to anyone interested in international study/international policy. It's worth the small investment of time.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the foreign service and the extraordinary things diplomats are called upon to do.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful if you're applying to the Foreign Service. I read it and passed, although I wouldn't say it was due to this book. Still, it made me feel more comfortable during the oral, and was useful as background to determine if you really want to work for the FS or not. Compelling bits are the 'day in the life' section, but if you want to work for State, its worth thumbing through.

[Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best over view of the foreign service I've read so far. I think this books greatest value is in the "Day in the Life" section which details the actual schedules of foreign service workers in all cones in all corners of the world and in all kinds of situations.

[Jason Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty informative. A little bit superfluous at times.

[Adam Rabiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Peace Corps publishes stories written by volunteers of country of service life. Usually the stories are well written and informative but the books are produced inexpensively, softbound with grainy black and white photos, and they're typically handed out free of charge at recruiting events to applicants. This book is very much the same thing but for the Foreign Service rather than the Peace Corps. In fact, about 5 years ago I believe this book was in fact a freebie. No longer. Even so, I would still recommend this book if only to those who are applying for the Foreign Service or considering it as a career. It is a good companion piece to the more academic Career Diplomacy. Read this book for real life stories about a day in the life.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for my job interview with the U.S. Department of State. It turned out to be very helpful, and I recommend it to anyone making the attempt to become a Foreign Service Officer, but I also heartily recommend it to anyone who is curious about what it is like working for the State Department and how the Foreign Service protects the United States at home and abroad. Especially interesting and touching are the "Tales from the Field," stories about unsung heroes who have stood up for what is right and helped and saved the lives of millions of people throughout the world.

[Gulo · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those with no experience regarding what actually goes on in an embassy, this book establishes a fantastic base of knowledge by walking through the typical positions and the duties of each. Examples of a “day in the life of” an embassy worker as well as special cases where the embassy’s effect was pivotal make up the last half of the book. There are few introductory books in any field at this level of quality.

[Enrique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an ok read based on the information given, but lacks any real depth. A basic overview of the jobs in the Embassy with only positive aspects noted.

I would suggest reading some of the individual stories towards the end if you just want something quick. "One Riot, One Ambassador" and "Assassination of an Ambassador" will both strike chords with some readers.

[Bimus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cool stuff is in part three. Read this because it was available and I was interested in USAID. It's generally a quickie read and a glimmer of what happens in the world. Could be useful if you're interested in what the State Department does.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very dry read even though it is only 130 pages. It took me days to get through. However, it is worth the investment. I am taking the FSOT and I am not sure if I am going to pass it but this book solidified my want to be an FSO. Worth the dry moments.

[Brian Quistorff]

I learned how much of the FS is dedicated to helping business interests abroad. And I thought money was enough to drive that:)

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only to be read if you are interested in a career in the foreign service. Useful descriptions of what it is they do.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Answers a lot of questions about how foreign service life affects the spouse (even women who bring spouses).

[Chris Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books is clearly US propaganda however, it is very useful if you are planning to study to become an FSO.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real-life accounts of Foreign Service Officers. Gives a great glimpse into the lives of the Foreign Service officers and how they serve our country.

[Yuri Andreev]

Shawn have you been in Kyrgyzstan

[Alison Gates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that great as study material, but if you are interested in the lives of FSOs and have nothing else to read, the short sections are intriguing.

[Michael Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I recommend it to any who wants to join the foreign service. This book will show you how diplomacy in America works