Whether for the first time or the tenth, moving overseas can be a daunting and stressful experience. Traveling with children (and pets) poses additional and important concerns. But you'll find that the Foreign Service community is supportive and full of helpful advice to make the transition proceed more smoothly.
Resources - Online
Preparing to Go Overseas
FSI's Overseas Briefing Center pulls together all the documents and timelines you'll need at this site.
FSI Transition Center offers a wide variety of worthwhile classes. Take advantage of what's on offer. Youth-related programming is posted on our Calendar but you can also explore their other seminars at the Transition Center website: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/fslstraining/
Realities of Foreign Service Life (MQ803)
This course is designed to inform participants of the structure and characteristics of U.S. missions and overseas communities and discuss what it is like to be part of the diplomatic community overseas. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the advantages and challenges of the Foreign Service lifestyle.
Going Overseas for Families (MQ 210)
This morning workshop is dedicated to better preparing family units for an upcoming international move. Children in grades 2-12 can attend this class along with their parents. Throughout the workshop, families will be asked to express their concerns and excitement around their coming move and how they plan to prepare. Specific sessions will focus on making transitions and dealing with stress.
Going Overseas: Logistics for Children (MQ230)
During the afternoon session children in grades 2-12 will be introduced to the logistics necessary to make an international move. The children will be asked to think about what possessions are important to them and what they would like to take with them. Furthermore, they will be asked to think about their new post and research it in the Overseas Briefing Center.
Young Diplomats Overseas Preparation (MQ250)
In this two-day course, foreign affairs agency family members in Grades 2–12 will be introduced to the world of diplomacy and the realities of living overseas as an American. Furthermore, they will explore safety and security threats they might face in an overseas environment and identify resources to protect themselves. This course is highly interactive. Children are divided by age and all information is shared using age appropriate activities and details.
