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.

Monday, February 26, 2018





For those who are transitioning back to DC and have children who may be attending Fairfax Public Schools, the first grade Immersion registration deadline is March 1 at 4:00 p.m. Fairfax County Public Schools ðŸ¤¸‍♂️🤸‍♀️

Thursday, February 22, 2018

EPAP News: 2018 Spring/Summer Lists of Positions Are Online


The lists of the 2018 Spring/Summer positions for the Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP) are now on FLO’s website (www.state.gov/flo/epap on the “How to Apply” page). Email FLOAskEPAP@state.gov with questions.

Notes
  • Medical positions for all bureaus outside of NEA and SCA will be added soon.
  • Position lists are subject to change; check back often for updates.
  • More positions than are available are advertised to give maximum flexibility to applicants and bureaus.
  • The USAJOBS.gov vacancy announcement is coming soon.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018



The Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP) provides eligible spouses with        employment opportunities in key positions at missions abroad. EPAP is distinguished from other family member employment opportunities in that it has portfolios similar to Foreign Service entry-level positions. Additionally, EPAP positions are centrally funded by the Department of State and are administered by the appropriate Washington regional or functional bureau.


The regional bureaus have been authorized a total of 400 EPAP positions, and the Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM) has been authorized 50. In addition to these 450 positions, individual posts have the option of creating post-funded ICASS positions with prior approval from their bureau. EPAP positions include the following specialties: Construction Engineer, Economics, Facilities Management, Financial Management, General Services, Human Resources, Information Management, Medical, Management, Office Management, Political, and Public Diplomacy.

For more information and eligibility requirements, please click here:


Monday, February 12, 2018



Functional Training for Foreign Service Family Members (US-based)
The Department of State is authorized to provide functional training to family members of U.S. Government direct-hire personnel anticipating an overseas assignment (section 704 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980). Functional training for anticipated prospective employment is offered to family members on a space available basis. To be eligible for most functional training, a family member must be a U.S. citizen whose spouse has been paneled for an overseas assignment. Email FLOAskTraining@state.gov for more information.


Monday, February 5, 2018


FLO Global Webinar on February 7

FLO’s Global Employment Initiative (GEI) invites you to watch the webinar, Qualify on Paper: How to Demonstrate Your Qualifications on a Federal Resume.

Whether applying for a job at post or through USAJOBS.gov for a Civil Service or Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP) position, this webinar will help family members create resumes that best match their qualifications to a vacancy announcement.

When: Wednesday, February 7 at 9:00am ET.

RSVP by email to GEI@state.gov with your name, current post/country and we will email you the link.


Applying for a Federal Job: Demonstrating Qualifications on Paper

Part One: What is the difference between a federal resume and a private sector resume?
  • A private sector resume provides a brief overview of your qualifications for a position (e.g., education, experience, etc.) whereas a federal resume must explicitly demonstrate that you meet or exceed ALL of the required qualifications for a position.
  • A private sector resume is typically no more than two pages in length, whereas a federal resume is much longer as it must include your entire work history and requires specific details on each position held.
  • Both private sector resumes and federal resumes should target the specific position for which you are applying.
  • Resources


2018 KidVid Contest

Hosted by the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF), the 23rd annual worldwide KidVid Contest is now open. Children between the ages of 10-18 can submit videos that depict life for Foreign Service youth at their post. Winners will be awarded cash prizes.

View the Prezi tutorial for tips and an interview from a previous winner, and review the full contest rules online. Email questions to FSIOBCInfoCenter@state.gov. The deadline is April 16, 2018.


FSI Webinars: Tax Seminar Series

Open to employees and family members from all Foreign Affairs agencies, this series will cover common tax challenges for U.S. government employees living overseas. The two-part series is presented by a Foreign Affairs family member who is a CPA, CFP, and a Managing Member of a CPA firm specializing in expatriate tax and financial planning.
  • Part One, February 14, 7:00am—8:15am and 1:00pm—2:15pm: A variety of tax topics including domicile vs. residence, foreign earned income, and state tax issues
  • Part Two, Thursday, February 15, 7:00am—8:15am and 1:00pm - 2:15pm: Rental property tax complexities and more