Several people have likened the experience of A-100 to going off to college. It sounds like a funny comparison, but it's really true. The difference is that what in college felt childish and 'basic' has now been significantly upgraded. Among other similarities:
- The Foreign Service Institute has a rather pretty, bucolic campus right outside a major city. With a cafeteria! And shuttles to take you back and forth
- A gift shop full of swag with our logo on it (hoodies, shot glasses, bumper stickers etc.)
- choosing your post assignments instead of class assignments.
- the humble meal plan has transformed into the per diem
- Pre-assigned housing (luxury apartments instead of dorms)
- Lots of drinking (legal this time; mostly at happy hours)
- Constantly introducing yourself to new people (and wearing of name tags). Except instead of high schoolers you're meeting former military officers, lawyers, professors and more of the intimidatingly accomplished.
Go Diplomats!
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