FS Blogs

When you first become interested in the Foreign Service, you do a lot of research. And to be honest - I think the research aspect never really stops.

The State Department website has some great information and some great tools about becoming a Foreign Service Officer.

But in addition to that - there are the FS Blogs. They are wonderful and a source of so much information. There are blogs written by both male and female FSOs; blogs written by both male and female partners of FSOs; blogs written by straight people; blogs written by gay people; even some blogs written by children of FSOs.

This blog (which is a favorite of mine) has a list of all the FS blogs. There are brief descriptions. Digger also does a welcoming blog post when a new set of bloggers start their A100 class.

This blog (another fav) has organized a weekly round-up where individual bloggers can volunteer to host a round-up and share what's going on across the FS blogosphere. She also has a map of where bloggers are around the world.

The FS blogging community is incredibly rich and supportive. Everyone may not be in the same physical space, but we all share the commonality of this lifestyle. When some has a momentous occurrence - people reach out and are very supportive. It's nice to know you're not alone.

Here are some more if my favorites:

This and this are anonymous blogs that provide rich and cutting commentary and pose great questions and points to ponder.

This is written by a FSO who's also a mom with small kids. I love reading about her experiences - I figure I'm getting a bit of a preview if what's to come.

This blog is funny and poignant and very insightful.

This one is written by the male partner of an FSO. It's important to always remember the sacrifices our partners make to go on this journey with us.

This, this, this, this & this are written by my fellow classmates. I look forward to getting to know them in person.

Check them out. Theres something for everyone.