Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work, All-New, Third Edition of the Essential Guide to the Foreign Service

by Shawn Dorman

"Inside a U.S. Embassy" is widely recognized as the essential guide to the Foreign Service. This all-new third edition takes readers to more than fifty U.S. missions around the world, introducing Foreign Service professionals and providing detailed descriptions of their jobs and firsthand accounts of diplomacy in action. In addition to profiles of diplomats and specialists around the world from the ambassador to the consular officer, the public diplomacy officer to the security specialist is a selection from more than twenty countries of day-in-the-life accounts, each describing an actual day on the job. Personal reports from the field give a sense of the extraordinary challenges the coups, the natural disasters, the civil wars and rewards of representing America to the world."Inside a U.S. Embassy" includes new chapters on the highly competitive Foreign Service entrance process, Foreign Service life outside the embassy, and briefings on topics such as handling high-level visits and service in war zones.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Travel, History, International Relations, International Affairs

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRST OFF, I'M SO SORRY
I MOSTLY FINISHED IT.... EXCEPT FOR A LITTLE BIT AT THE END I NEVER GOT AROUND TO

That being said, I think this book is really good information-wise, but aside from that it's a slow (and rather boring) read. I liked the end where they tell you how to register for the FS and tips...
As for notes, the only substantial thing I wrote down was, again, this:

Ambassador: Enjolras (ofc)
Deputy Chief of Mission: OMG it's Combeferre!
Consul General: Courfeyrac?? YES
Consular Officer: Marius
Regional Security Officer: Bahorel
Refugee Coordinator: Cosette
Regional Environmental Officer: Jehan <3
Medical Officer: Joly LOL
Diplomatic Courier: Feuilly :0
Commercial Officer: Bousset, perhaps?
Office Management Specialist: Musichetta :D
Locally Employed Staff: Ep, Parnasse and R :))

someone write and AU pLEASE

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great and concise description of the Foreign Service. The amount of people that actually work in the embassies and consulates and the various positions really showed how people with different backgrounds, skill sets and lifestyles can truly blend into such a well run organization.I look forward to the day that I am sitting in my A-100 class with other fellow foreign service officers, but until that day, I'll keep learning everything I can about this amazing wing of our government. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the basic job functions and how foreign service officers adapt to life abroad. There are helpful suggestions in the back for applying to the FS and internships at the State Department.

[Chey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This edition is very out of date and the writing isn’t gripping but it’s very thorough and gives a broad to specific overview of foreign service.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative and really paints a picture of what day-to-day foreign service life is like through daily accounts with FSO in just about every position out there.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2013, during my first FSO candidacy, I read "Career Diplomacy" while waiting for the results of my FSO Test and PNQ (didn't pass the PNQ stage). That book was interesting in its own right because it was like a "personal narrative" of two former US diplomats.

It's 2016 and here I am again - just submitted my PNQ answers and just finished reading another book about work and life in the foreign service. This book was broader in its scope, in that interviews were done with likely more than 100 FSOs and FSSes in nearly every position that exists. There are personal "day in the life" journal entries, job and career descriptions, post experiences, and a section that is helpful in explaining the process on how to become an FSO or an FSS.

I've read a lot about the foreign service in the last three years, so the process is more or less painfully clear to me. I used this book as a motivator while studying for the FSOT and while preparing my PNQ answers. I enjoyed reading stories about how US diplomats are working in all corners of the planet and doing things to help people, which might sound naive, but maybe that's what I needed at this time while evaluating my own candidacy and what I want for my future. I'd certainly love to be an FSO one day, and I'd recommend this book for anyone looking to digest an "FSO Chicken Soup" book while waiting for their test results.

[Jacquelyn Patching · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most boring exam study material. Considering This was published over 10 years ago, some of the information is out of date. The subcontractor administering the main FSOT seems to have changed, and there is now an at home version. Such changes can be expected of material like this though. I also did not get much info about How would you proceed based on the scenario form of practice question, but I guess that is what happens when I read a general study guide, in search a very specific health.

[Brian Weisz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're wondering what goes on in a US embassy, this is the book for you. The book details many of the people employed in the Foreign Service, daily life overseas, a day in the life of the various positions, and extraordinary "Tales from the Field". A section near the end details the process of joining the Foreign Service, which will be useful to nearly everyone reading the book.

[Kaleb Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is entirely contingent on one's desire to become a Foreign Service Officer, and more specifically an FSO Generalist.

Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work has a lot of useful information for those who desire to be an FSO. I am currently preparing for the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA), and read this book to prepare. I wish I had read it sooner, however, as I learned many things about a career as an FSO that I did not know beforehand. I do find, however, that many of the stories, particularly those at the end, will be useful when answering the "Hypotheticals" section of the structured interview during my assessment.

For other aspects of the Foreign Service, the book becomes less useful. Though there is a good amount of information pertaining to other careers inside the embassy (Diplomatic Security Service, USAID, etc.) the book definitely seems like it was written with FSO Generalists in mind.

Moreover, if one is not personally interested in joining the Foreign Service, there are better books that strictly outline stories of American diplomatic work. Another book that I've been working on, American Diplomats, comes to mind.

[Abi Olvera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to us, as a group of young future foreign service officers. It was very helpful in giving a comprehensive view of the depth and variety of the many possible positions of work at embassies and in the foreign service. It had several testimonies from current officers, including memorable events they lived through and a typical day in the shoes. It explains the hiring process for the different types of foreign service jobs, and more information about each of these agencies. Overall, a very good informative book to get one started in their career search, so as to know what to expect. It was a bit dry at times, but it also had some very powerful moments which both intimidate and excite.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely 5 stars for anybody interested in the U.S. Foreign Service or diplomacy/politics of any kind. It gives an on-the-ground look at what a diplomatic life entails, and tells some truly inspiring stories of the power of diplomacy. It also clearly walks through how the Department of State works and how one goes about becoming an employee of it. It is a must-read for anyone considering life in that arena. One note: It is long and sometimes hard to get through. As you can see, it took me a full two months to get through it. However, I am notoriously bad at reading nonfiction. Be prepared to settle in for the long haul, though, because it's worth reading from start to finish!

[Ted Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and descriptive. This book provided numerous snapshots and cross-sections of the varied work that U.S. diplomats undertake. You'll glimpse the life of ambassadors, senior foreign service officers, political officers, public diplomacy officers, commercial officers, entry-level consular officers, and everything in-between. I also enjoyed seeing the profiles of locally-employed staff and spouses. Getting these varied perspectives shows the important work everyone undertakes to make American diplomacy happen.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to what it is like to work in the foreign service. Very much directed toward those who are thinking about a career in the foreign service, it even has a chapter on the hiring process. Overall, though, a boring read for the casual reader. It was only interesting when it had people's stories from memorable activities in their country or job.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic for preparing for the Foreign Service Oral Exam! Basically everything you need to know about how embassies work.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written and thoughtful, I did not find this book exceptionally useful to understand the Foreign Service and more specifically, how an embassy runs. It read like a general reference, which might have been the intent. The real detractor is that this book is dated, last updated in 2011 when State had more resources and the United States was far more involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The book itself is broken into five parts. Short 1-2 page summaries of what it's like to be a Foreign Service Officer compose the first and third parts of the book. Although the stories are personal, I found the information on the Department of State's website more informative. Part 2 adequately described particular aspects of foreign service life. Part four was the most interesting as it was a series of short narratives dealing with actions in the field. Each description described a situation and the steps taken to deal with it. This is good fodder for those thinking through their personal narratives in their application process. The last part is a guide to join the foreign service and is too general and dated to be useful. The process has changed since publication.

While this review seems largely negative, there are some good take-aways. Aspiring Foreign Service Officers can tease out the responsibilities of any prospective track they are interested in with concrete examples. The stories also describe a group with great responsibility and autonomy on the front lines of U.S. policy. Foreign Service Officers don't receive the allocates the military does but do a job that just as important to U.S. national security.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good overview of embassy careers and the lived experiences of active members of the US foreign service. The organization of this book was very well done, divided into essential descriptions, day-in-the-life chapters (my favorite section because it really highlights the type of work and lifestyle led by these officials), and memoir-style accounts of important events during a career. Overall, it was informative and useful. The "want to join" section is a bit outdated however, given that this book was published nine years ago and much has changed in the hiring process since that time.

Rating stems from the outdated nature of the book and the fact that it is more of a reference guide, than a sit-down-and-read-for-fun. Two stars means I would read it again, but only when necessary. Still, this provides a decent overview of various embassy positions and the lifestyle involved.

[Mayeen Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough and interesting overview of life in the Foreign Service. I especially enjoyed the "A Day in the Life" section. The anecdotes were riveting and exemplify the highly varied work-life of the average FSO. Was always drawn to the United Nations more than the State Department but this book has got me thinking... Overall, excellent read and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to better understand the lifestyle of an American diplomat!

[Modern Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very slow read, but informative overall. I gained a lot in reading this book by discovering there are several pathways to joining the Foreign Service. I enjoyed reading the stories of acting Officers, as well as the tidbits on other agencies (Millennium Corp., USAID, USDA, and the Foreign Commercial Service) that also offer paths into the field. It would be nice if the author published an updated copy of the book being that some testing process have changed in the last several years.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars if I had to rate it. I definitely think there could be another updated edition but this is the book that broke down what it means to be a foreign service officer the most to me, ranging from on-job duties to how to become an officer.

[Tiffani Diggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truthful look inside an Embassy.

[Flor Cita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with the perfect insight of what life as a Foreign Service Officer is all about.

[Elizabeth Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Josh Ridgway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at what it takes to become part of the foreign service and how your life will change after being accepted. A must for anyone considering this career change or option.

[Kierkegaard Fan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Decent". --Foreign Service brat.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and practical reading that gives a clear understanding of the inner workings of the Foreign Service.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear cut guide to what it means to be in the foreign service and how to get there. Even though it has only been about 10 years, it definitely could use an update!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re like me and this is mandatory reading, it’s not as bad as some of the other mandatory reading. Short day-in-the-life chapters that go on forever. But easy to consume and cute

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is extremely out of date, and I have the edition that was printed this year. The most recent things referenced in here were from 2011/2012.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some interesting info but it's way outdated and Reddit seems like a more relevant resource these days.

[TOM ARMBRUSTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out the chapter on Vladivostok!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful, concise. Loved the day in the life bits! Really did a good job laying everything out, who everyone is, the flexibility of the life