Welcome to our unaccompanied tours (UT) blog, Foggy Bottom Rambles! We can share information, programs, and resources quickly with you and since blogs are a two way street, we (and the other readers) can hear from you. What's in a name you say? This blog reflects how we (back here in DC, Foggy Bottom area) provide information (rambles) to you. Find websites and information, upcoming webinars, programs and events. FLO does not endorse organizations or companies linked-to in this blog, the views they express, or the products/services they offer. Let us know what you think: contribute to the blog or email us at FLOAskUT@state.gov.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014



2014 Expanded Professional Associates Program Open Season




The Family Liaison Office announces 
the 2014 open season for EPAP has begun.

The EPAP provides professional level Foreign Service full-time positions, to all eligibile AEFMs serving overseas. 


All AEFMs interested in participating in EPAP are encouraged to apply for qualification to the program during this open season.  

Positions may become available between open seasons so having a pool of qualified candidates allows for vacant positions to be filled immediately. 

There are two steps to apply for qualification to the program:

Step 1 - Complete and pass an online Business Writing Test administered by ACT, Inc. Register before February 21.
Step 2 - Submit a completed application package, including required documents via USAJobs.gov (a vacancy announcement will be issued in early March).

For details on the program, including eligibility requirements, and application procedures, visit FLO’s EPAP Internet page: http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c41174.htm.  For additional questions, please contact FLOaskEPAP@state.gov.


Note: Individuals who applied in previous EPAP open seasons and were found eligible do not need to retake the Business Writing Test or re-apply for qualification; however those who wish to request qualification in additional areas or were previously found not qualified and have additional work or educational experience and wish to be re-evaluated, would need to submit an application for EPAP.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014


FS Youth, It’s Time to Get Creative!


Announcing the 
2014 FSYF Art Contest
2014 Theme:   My World of Wonders

Rules & Eligibility:
                                          Open to all U.S. Foreign Service youth, ages 5—18
                                          Entry is free to FSYF members, $20 for non-members
                                          One entry per person
                                          Flat art forms only
                                          Any medium (pastel, watercolor, oil, pencil , crayon, digital, etc)
                                          Maximum Size: 22” x 28”

Age Categories:
5—8 years old 
9—12 years old 
13—18 years old

Prizes in Each Category:
1st place: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100

How to Enter:
Go to FSYF for complete Guidelines & Entry Form.
Complete Entry Form. Attach Artwork and Mail to FSYF.
Deadline for Entry: April 15, 2014

Thanks to our sponsor 

Friday, January 17, 2014

About Town....


The AAFSW begins the year with a delightful and fascinating lecture:




 “The Sound of Broadway and Popular Song": How Arrangers and Orchestrators; Transform the Songs We Hear, presented by Mark Eden Horowitz, senior music specialist in the Music Division of the Library of Congress.

On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 12:00-1:00pm at The Library of Congress, one of the world’s best venues, inside one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings... with the world’s largest music collection as a guide.

We will meet no later than 11.45 a.m. at the Carriage Entrance at the Whittall Pavilion of the Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE in Washington, DC (Please RSVP no later than Saturday, January 25 Please contact our office@aafsw.org.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014




Nominate your Child, your Student, your Friend or Yourself for the

2014


Community Service Award

Honoring Foreign Service Youth who have Demonstrated Outstanding
Volunteer Efforts at Home or Abroad

Prizes:
Two Winners will each receive $1,000

Winners will be honored at the 
Department of State Youth Awards Ceremony,
 Summer 2014

To Enter:
Go to FSYF.org

Eligibility:
All U.S. Foreign Service Youth are eligible
Entry is free to FSYF members
Fee is $20 for non-members

Deadline:
April 15, 2014

Funding for this award is made possible by


Thursday, January 9, 2014

  Announcing the FSYF
2014 Essay Contest




Topic Question Middle School:
“Describe what you can see from your window in your current or former residence. How does it affect your sense of self as an American Foreign Service youth?”

Topic Question High School:
"Using examples from your own experience, describe how growing up as a Foreign Service youth has influenced your perspective on life and the world."

Deadline for Entry:
April 15, 2014

Prizes:
                                      High School             Middle School
1st place:                      $800                    $500
2nd place:                    $500                    $300
3rd place:                     $300                    $150

Eligibility:
                                     Open to all U.S. Foreign Service Middle and High School Students.
                                       Entry is free to FSYF Members; $20 Entry fee for non-members.

How to Enter:
Essays must be accompanied by an Entry Form.
For more information and entry forms, go to FSYF.org

Sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Services


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
January 7, 2014


The December snow-storm may have closed down DC but it was not going to 
squash the holiday spirit of our UT families and friends.   








Re-scheduled for January, dressed in their finest holiday attire, the UT families turned out in force, as they were honored by the Secretary of State for their resilience, their dedication and sacrifice while their loved ones are serving the nation from afar.








The New Year was rung in
as our guests arrived downstairs.




.  


But quickly discoved upstairs,
this Holiday Season 
was still in full swing











The finest had been laid out,


leaving nothing to spare, 

this was true appreciation to show how much we care


Treats abound at each turn
 so hard to decide.....







Frosty, so happy to be in from the cold,
danced a little jig



So as the jingles played on...






.  

This UT Holiday Season will long be remembered
as the one that just kept on giving.

Thanks to all of our UT families and friends.  And a special thanks to Secretary of State Kerry for his personal recognition of the sacrifices made by the men, women, families and friends of those serving on an unaccompanied tour.





FSYF is proud to announce the

2014 Academic Merit Award Awards

Eligibility: High School seniors and gap-year dependents who plan to attend college in the Fall 2014 are invited to apply.

 First Place: $4,000 Sponsored by GEICO
Second Place: $2,000 Sponsored by FSYF

Deadline: February 10, 2014

Click information and application or visit their site at www.fsyf.org

FSYF membership is required
Membership:
1 year: $20; 3 years: $50; Lifetime Membership: $150
Join at www.fsyf.org/joindonate

About FSYF:
The Foreign Service Youth Foundation
seeks to encourage, support and
celebrate American Foreign Service youth worldwide.
FSYF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Thank You to our Sponsor

Contact Us: fsyf@fsyf.org; 703-731-2960; www.fsyf.org