The model for an international career is the Foreign Service, the diplomatic arm of the U.S. government. The Department of State has more than 3,000 foreign service officers (FSOs) who serve abroad as diplomatic and consular officials in more than 260 embassies and as consuls in more than 130 countries.

A career in the Foreign Service requires high motivation and a strong commitment to public service. FSOs can expect to spend 60 percent of their careers abroad, moving at two- to four-year intervals. There are, however, considerable rewards: representing the United States abroad; working in an important, demanding, competitive, action-oriented profession; contact with American and foreign colleagues in government, business, and the press; and the enriching cultural and social experience of living in a foreign environment.

Appointment to the Foreign Service is made on a very competitive basis. You must first pass a written examination (offered once a year) and then a full-day oral examination. To qualify, you must be a citizen of the United States between the ages of 20 and 59.

Although there are no specific educational or course requirements for appointment to the Foreign Service, the written and oral examinations are difficult and require a broad knowledge of U.S. and world affairs.

The Department of State believes that to represent the United States overseas, an officer should be well-versed in American government, politics, history, economics, and culture, as well as in U.S. foreign policy, international relations, comparative politics, and current events. The ability to write and speak effectively is also essential since communication skills are vital to the work of the foreign service.

The same examination is given to applicants for positions in the United States Information Agency (USIA) and for the Foreign Commercial Service of the Department of Commerce. At Ohio University, you can obtain information about the examinations and application forms from the foreign service advisor in the Department of Political Science or from the Office of Career Services.

A number of other career opportunities are available to those interested in world affairs or jobs abroad:

United States Government. Department of Commerce, Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Agency of International Development, Peace Corps, F.B.I., Customs Service, Drug Enforcement Agency, International Trade Commission, Foreign Agriculture Service.

International Organizations. United Nations specialized agencies, UNESCO, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank.

Regional International Organizations. Organization of American States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, North Atlantic Assembly.

International Business. International corporations, import-export businesses, joint ventures in other nations.

International Nongovernmental Organizations. International Red Cross, CARE, Amnesty International, Americas Watch, Greenpeace, International Chamber of Commerce.

International Journalism. International press agencies such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and the European Press Agency; newspapers and magazines with extensive foreign coverage, such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Time, and Newsweek; radio and television broadcasting networks.

To prepare for a career in the Foreign Service or international affairs, you are encouraged to take courses in international relations, comparative politics, and (because work abroad often involves representing the United States) American politics. The following list is a sampling of political science offerings in those areas.

International Relations

U.S. in World Affairs

International Relations

Current International Problems

International Organizations

International Law

Arms Control and Disarmament

American Foreign Policy

Formulation of American Foreign Policy

Russian Foreign Policy

Japanese Foreign Policy

The United States and Africa

Africa and the OAU

Comparative Politics

Comparative Politics

Politics in Western Europe

Politics of Developing Areas

Politics in Russia

Politics in France

Government and Politics of Germany

Government and Politics of Japan

Government and Politics of China

Government and Politics of Latin America

Government and Politics of Africa

Government and Politics of Southeast Asia

American Politics

Issues in American Politics

American Constitutional Law

The American Presidency

American Political Parties

Legislative Process

Elections and Campaigns

Public Policy Analysis

Lisa Aubrey, Ph.D., Ohio State University Africa, U.S. and Africa

Richard H. Bald, Ph.D., University of Michigan Arms control and disarmament, Germany

James F. Barnes, Ph.D., Ohio State University West Europe, France, and Francophone Africa

Gary Hawes, Ph.D., University of Hawaii Southeast Asia

Sung Ho Kim, Ph.D., Columbia University International law and organization

Harold Molineu, Ph.D., American University American foreign policy

Takaaki Suzuki, Ph.D. Columbia University Japan, Japanese foreign policy, East Asia

Thomas W. Walker, Ph.D., University of New Mexico, Latin America

Patricia Weitsman, Ph.D., Columbia University National security policy, causes of war

David L. Williams, Ph.D., Columbia University Russia, the former Soviet republics, Eastern Europe

For more information regarding preparation for the Foreign Service or a career in international affairs, contact: