Training
-
Learning my first hard language: Lao
The State Department organizes languages in four categories: category I (romance), II, III (hard), and IV (super hard). I am required to learn a hard language for my first diplomatic assignment overseas. Typically, for a hard language like Lao, State Department requires diplomats to spend 44 weeks in language training. Yet, since I am an…
-
Joining the Foreign Service: A-100 and Flag Day
I am excited to join the 6% of Latix Diplomats in the U.S. Foreign Service! I officially joined the State Department on July 20, 2020 – in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, my introduction to the Foreign Service was abnormal. I was part of the second ever virtual orientation for U.S. Diplomats. We…
-
Interning at a U.S. Embassy for the First Time
The summer of 2019, I had the opportunity to intern at U.S. Embassy Bogota and have my first experience inside a U.S. Embassy! Embassy Bogota is one of the top 10 largest U.S. Embassies, so I was exposed to many aspects of the foreign service. This experience also helped me decide my future cone – Public Diplomacy.…
-
State Department Fellowship
Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree, I explored avenues in the private and public sectors, specifically in retail, education, and social care. After my second year of working full-time, I thought more in-depth about my “dream career.” I concluded that throughout my personal and professional experiences, I have made public service to others a core…
A Latina Diplomat's Journey 