Training Opportunities for Foreign Service Family Members

Functional Training for Foreign Service Family Members - http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/rsrcs/pubs/2077.htm
The Department of State is authorized to provide functional training to family members of U.S. Government direct-hire personnel anticipating an overseas assignment (section 704 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980). This training, which is offered on a space available basis to family members, is coordinated by the Family Liaison Office Employment Program staff. To be eligible for functional training, a family member must be a U.S. citizen whose spouse has been paneled for an overseas assignment.  Email: FLOAskEmployment@state.gov for more information.

Foreign Service Institute Transition Center Training Course List - http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c6951.htm
A variety of courses for eligible family members in the areas of Foreign Service Life, Personal and Financial Planning, Foreign Service Families, Going Overseas, Expanding Employment Options, Returning to Washington, and Security Overseas. Registration Information

Foreign Service Institute FasTrac Distance Learning Program - The FasTrac Distance Learning Program offers a comprehensive library of Internet-based, self-directed courses that can be accessed from home or work. Course topics address a vast range of business, computer technology, leadership and management, and professional development skills. All Department of State Foreign Service and Civil Service Employees, Foreign Service Nationals, Personal Services Contractors, and Eligible Family Members (on their sponsor's overseas orders) are eligible to participate free of charge in the FasTrac program. A single FasTrac Logon ID/Password (that's just one DS-755 completed online!) allows a student access to thousands of courses. All FasTrac completions will be added to the student's official FSI training record.

FasTrac learners have the ability to obtain college credit and CEUs for these courses. Preparation for professional IT certification exams is available. Courses take from two to eight hours to complete, and training can be achieved in as little as 15-minute increments.  Click here for listing of FasTrac courses.

Supervisory approval is required and logons are renewable on an annual basis.  Please direct any questions to the Distance Learning Coordinator, FSI Office of the Registrar at FSI-DLReg@state.gov.

Many government agencies participate in distance learning programs.  Each agency has its own group of available courses. Non-State spouses need to check with their agency to see what similar programs are available.

Teacher Training - http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/2001.htm
Information also available from the Office of Overseas Schools - http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/c1703.htm

Language Courses at the Foreign Service Institute - Enrollment of family members in language training and area studies is coordinated through the Bureau of Human Resources/Career Development and Assignments.  The Department of State employee should contact his/her Assignments Officer for further information about enrolling a spouse in language training.

Distance Learning Language Courses for Foreign Service family members thru FSI - The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) currently offers a limited number of language courses online in German, Greek, Korean, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Email: onlinelanguage@state.gov.

Distance Learning Programs, Colleges and Universities, Adult Education Opportunities - See the Family Liaison Office's Adult Education paper at  http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/rsrcs/pubs/2035.htm.

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office
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