The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.

Family life abroad can be a very exciting journey, filled with enriching cultural experiences. As a member of the Foreign Service, your family is welcome to travel to your post with you—except on unaccompanied tours or in cases where there is imminent danger or civil unrest. As a member of the Foreign Service, you and your spouse can expect government-paid housing. As far as education is concerned, there are usually government-rated schools near the post, which your children can attend.

And while the Foreign Service does not guarantee your spouse or partner employment, they play a very active role in helping to acclimate them to the job market of the post to which you are posted.

Overall, the U.S. Department of State does everything possible to make sure that you and your family has as comfortable a life abroad as possible. In fact, we’ve even established a Family Liaison Office to make the transition easier. Still need more answers? Click here to visit the Family Liaison Office blog.