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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Connect with FLO

The Family Liaison Office (FLO) has two LinkedIn groups for Foreign Affairs family members. The FLO Global Employment Initiative (GEI) group focuses on practical job search resources and tips from Global Employment Advisors around the world.

The FLO Telework Connection group serves family members interested in telework opportunities and is a first step in a pilot project to connect talented family members with potential employers.

Also, the FLO Weekly e-newsletter can be delivered each week to your email inbox. Just email FLOPublications@state.gov to be added to the distribution list. And don’t forget to check out our website, www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo, which houses over 90% of our information and resources.

Did you know?

That 17% of all family members work outside the mission? EFMs are permitted to work in countries with which the U.S. has a Bilateral Work Agreement or De facto work arrangement. Before accepting a position outside the mission, EFMs must secure approval from the Chief of Mission. Family members can use the new Chief of Mission Approval Memo template, or check with post to learn if they have their own post-specific template. For any family member employment related questions, email FLOAskEmployment@state.gov.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Career Transition Center

Are you more than ten years away from retirement eligibility and in the early-to-mid stages of your career? This two-day future-oriented financial and legal seminar is for you!

Course Dates
November 9 – 10, 2015
January 12 – 13, 2016
May 3 - 4, 2016
June 8 – 9, 2016


Do you have fewer than ten years until retirement? Don't wait! Prepare by attending the four-day seminar as soon as possible.

Course Dates
July 27 – 30, 2015 (space is available!)
September 28 – October 1, 2015
November 30 – December 3, 2015
March 1 – 4, 2016
April 11 – 14, 2016
June 20 – 23, 2016
July 25 – 28, 2016
September 26 – 29, 2016

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Overseas Briefing Center


Get Your Post Info to Go!


Are you looking for your next post? Do you need more details about life at post? Post Info To Go from the Overseas Briefing Center (FSI/TC/OBC) offers you a wide array of insights and knowledge from posts worldwide. Don't have access to the State intranet? 

Email the OBC for assistance and additional information about using Post Info To Go no matter where you are.


There are also a variety of supplemental resources that have been compiled on our publicly accessible site at

Allowances at each post (TIP! This information is available in a compiled format in Post Info To Go and you can compare up to three countries side-by-side!)

Travel warnings and consular information sheets

Links to Foreign Service Life Skills Training information

List of Foreign Affairs Offices and organizations

Don't know where to start? Contact the Overseas Briefing Center to discuss your questions and find answers for your next move to post!


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Resources For Children To Help Cope With Separation


Children's Resources for Unaccompanied Tours families:

Children's age appropriate workbooks designed to help your children cope with separation.  To request one for your child, email us at FLOaskUT@state.gov.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Brown bag lunch with the Career Development

 Resource center team

The Bureau of Human Resources

Career Development Resource Center

Presents:

Brown bag lunch with the
Career Development Resource center team

Date:
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Time:
Noon to 1 p.m.
Place:
CDRC Library; SA-1, Room L-321
Overview
  •   To eat – bring your own lunch
  •   To network and discuss engaging career topics with one of the topnotch career counselors of the CDRC – Mary Santulli.  Come prepared with questions on topics including resumes, networking, interviewing, success on the job, career branding, etc.


This workshop is open to all employees of the Department of State:  Civil Service, Foreign Service, Interns, Fellows, and Eligible Family Members. Reservations are not required.

The Career Development Resource Center (CDRC) is located in Columbia Plaza (SA-1) in room L-321. Civil Service employees, Foreign Service employees, fellows and Foreign Service Eligible Family Members of the U.S. Department of State may call 202-663-3042 to schedule an appointment with a Senior Career Counselor to discuss individual career development needs including resume review, Individual Development Plans, long-term career planning and goals, accomplishment statements, and networking. All Department of State employees may visit the CDRC to pick up handouts or borrow career development resources from the library.