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This is an unofficial guide based on student experiences. For the most authoritative, up-to-date information, see the official orientation website.
Orientation Unpacked
Orientation Unpacked
An Unofficial Guide to Foreign Service Orientation
Dear members of the April 2025 Foreign Service Orientation Class,
On behalf of the January 2025 class, welcome and congratulations!
We understand that you may have several questions as you prepare for this next chapter in your life and career. To help you better navigate the Foreign Service orientation, we present Orientation Unpacked: An Unofficial Guide to Foreign Service Orientation. We hope the information shared within — informed by our personal experiences and those of our predecessors — will help facilitate an easy transition into Foreign Service life.
Best wishes,
The January 2025 Welcome Committee
Note: Department regulations and orientation practices are constantly changing. If the information in this unofficial guide conflicts with Global Talent Management (GTM) or orientation staff guidance, please defer to the latter.
DRESS CODE
All in-person and virtual plenary sessions are business formal (jacket required).
Mission group meetings are business casual.
Orientation staff will let you know what is the correct dress code for each day/occasion.
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