The DipNotes

Congrats John.. I think you'll enjoy working IT all over the world with us.

Peter

Hi John.

Please let us know where you are in the process, and what career you have entered, that is, are you a specialist (if so, which one) or a generalist (officer).

Language training is usually several months, so if that is required you would be in the area for quite some time.  The three weeks is just Foreign Service Orientation – which everyone takes.  Then you will enter training for your specific career.  This, combined with language training will determine if you want to get an apartment or stay in a hotel, or the contract apartments at the Oakwood.

As far as rent – the State Department will pay for lodging up to a point, and then only for a specific length of time.  Here's the guidelines that applied to a new-hire in the summer of 2008.  Values may be different today.

LOCALITY (PER DIEM) RATES AND LODGING

Students who are hired from outside of a 50-mile radius of the Washington area will be eligible for per diem payments up to $154 for lodging and $64 for meals, and incidental expenses, per day, for the first 60 days of training in Washington.  After the first 60 days, Per Diem is reimbursed at 50% of the applicable rate, and after 120 days, at 25% of the applicable rate.  See this http://www.gsa.gov/ webpage for information on the most current Washington Per Diem rates, and note the seasonal rate changes.

You are responsible for locating your own housing while in Orientation training.  Given the wide variety in the nature and location of accommodations available in the Washington area, most incoming employees rely on the input of previous class members in selecting lodging that is both convenient to FSI and suitable to their individual needs. 

A limited number of residential accommodations are available at the Oakwood Apartments under a State Department long-term lodging contract for one- or two-bedroom accommodation for the duration of your training in Washington.   To use this contract you must first confirm availability with the Oakwood Apartments, make reservations, and then coordinate the revision of your travel orders to reflect your use of the contract.  Please refer to the website http://www.oakwood.com/cms/gov…..state.html for further information on this program.