Foreign Service

Chair, Department of Politics

Many departments and agencies of the U.S. government offer a variety of overseas employment, both in career positions and in staff support work. Applicants may be secured through general entrance examinations for the public service, through special recruiting (as is generally the case for the intelligence services, the Peace Corps, and aid and technical assistance programs), or by special examinations, as is the case for the Diplomatic Service and the Consular Service of the Department of State and the Information Service of the U.S. Information Agency.

No special set of courses is recommended, but demonstrated aptitude in foreign language study, history, and politics generally is essential for overseas career positions. Information on recruitment