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Washington, D.C.

Inside American Diplomacy With the Foreign Service

Program No. 18260RJ
Discuss foreign policy with diplomats, attend international briefings and go behind the scenes of key diplomatic institutions as you gain special access to the U.S. Foreign Service.

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Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Special Offer

OFFER EXTENDED! Enroll by Jan. 31, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

Apr 13 - Apr 17, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Special Offer

Enroll by Feb. 25, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

Sep 7 - Sep 11, 2025
Starting at
1,749
Special Offer

Enroll by Feb. 28, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
2,339
Special Offer

OFFER EXTENDED! Enroll by Jan. 31, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

Apr 13 - Apr 17, 2025
Starting at
2,339
Special Offer

Enroll by Feb. 25, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

Sep 7 - Sep 11, 2025
Starting at
2,339
Special Offer

Enroll by Feb. 28, 2025 to take $100 off the price shown!

This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

What do U.S. diplomats in the Foreign Service do? Their mission is manifold: to promote peace, support national security goals, advance U.S. business and agricultural interests and protect American citizens. Gain in-depth, behind-the-scenes knowledge of work and life in the Foreign Service from active and retired officers and ambassadors who share their personal experiences firsthand. Examine U.S. foreign policy issues in action — enhanced by Q&A sessions — to better understand what tomorrow may bring.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking and standing; must be able to get on/off bus.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy frank and forthcoming engagement with retired and active-duty diplomats from across the foreign affairs agencies who are experts in the field of foreign policy and diplomacy.
  • Visit some of the key diplomacy institutions and explore U.S. diplomatic history.
  • Delve into Washington’s diplomatic community on a narrated field trip to “Embassy Row.”

General Notes

Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ira Deutsch
Ira Deutsch was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. At age 20, he moved to Israel and joined the Israeli military, retiring with the rank of LTC after 26 years of military service. His service included international affairs, coordinating relationships with multiple countries including the United States military. Ira’s last assignment before retiring was as a Foreign Liaison Officer to the U.S. National Guard and FEMA, stationed in Washington, DC. His coordinating experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as a Group Leader.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ira Deutsch
Ira Deutsch View biography
Ira Deutsch was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. At age 20, he moved to Israel and joined the Israeli military, retiring with the rank of LTC after 26 years of military service. His service included international affairs, coordinating relationships with multiple countries including the United States military. Ira’s last assignment before retiring was as a Foreign Liaison Officer to the U.S. National Guard and FEMA, stationed in Washington, DC. His coordinating experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as a Group Leader.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
10 meals ( 4B, 3L, 3D )
7 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check in is available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
Dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. AFSA’s programs for Road Scholar provide unparalleled opportunities to learn directly from American foreign service professionals who were “there” in person. Guest speakers for Road Scholar AFSA (American Foreign Service Association) programs are active or retired diplomats who are experts in their fields. Please note that the speakers are not finalized until just before the start of the program; the final list of speakers will be included in the materials distributed at the start of the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll begin our program with an introductory film on the American Foreign Service. From the U.S. Department of State website: “As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State represents the United States at more than 270 diplomatic locations around the world, including embassies, consulates, and missions to international organizations.” AFSA began working with Road Scholar in 1996. The goal was and is to educate participants about the work of the U.S. Foreign Service. AFSA programs for Road Scholar have reached some 10,000 participants in Washington, DC and elsewhere around the country. These educational programs feature retired and active diplomats and focus on learning more about the important and varied work of the US Foreign Service, to include presentations by diplomats from across six foreign affairs agencies as well as a discussion of current hot topics.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will attend two lectures this morning at the hotel with a short break in-between. The mission of U.S. diplomats in the Foreign Service is manifold: to promote peace, support national security goals, advance U.S. business and agricultural interests, and protect American citizens. As we examine U.S. foreign policy issues in action, gain in-depth, behind-the-scenes knowledge of life in the Foreign Service from active and retired officers and ambassadors who will share their personal experiences firsthand. Lectures are enhanced by Q&A sessions.
Lunch:
In the hotel.
Afternoon:
We’ll enjoy one more stimulating presentation on another aspect of the U.S. Foreign Service. Participants will then have some free time following the afternoon lecture.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
AFSA will provide a screening of a movie related to the theme of diplomacy and the Foreign Service.
Activity Note
Walking short distances. Getting on/off the motorcoach. Standing for up to 1 hour at a time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Our first field trip this morning takes us to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), the Federal government's primary training institution for officers and support personnel of the U.S. foreign affairs community. The FSI is part of the State Department’s campus known as the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center. Led by an expert, we will learn more about the FSI and its work preparing American diplomats and other professionals to advance U.S. foreign affairs interests. The FSI provides more than 600 courses, including 70 foreign languages, to more than 100,000 enrollees a year. We’ll then transfer to the historic DACOR Bacon House in downtown Washington for lunch.
Lunch:
At DACOR Bacon House. This unique private organization for foreign affairs professionals fosters professional and social networking and provides opportunities for candid dialogue in the trusted environment of a stunning historic mansion (built in 1825) just two blocks from the White House.
Afternoon:
Next, we will board a motorcoach and explore our nation’s capital with expert commentary on board as we drive through and learn about the history of “Embassy Row”— in and around a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue — and more. There are more than 170 foreign embassies in Washington. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to go out and see more of the city on your own, spend time with new Road Scholar friends, or simply relax.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the motorcoach. Standing for up to 1 hour at a time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
In two expert-led presentations this morning gain more in-depth information about the program theme and hear from diplomatic staff about their personal experiences.
Lunch:
At the hotel
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will depart the hotel via motorcoach for a field trip to the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, which has been preparing students for foreign service since World War I. During our visit we'll explore the school with Georgetown staff and experience a day in the life of a foreign service major with an orientation and a mini-lecture straight from the school's curriculum.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will attend an after-dinner lecture to continue learning various aspects of the US Foreign Service and American diplomacy.
Activity Note
Hotel check out is by 12:00 Noon. Bags may be left at the front desk until departure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll have one wrap up session in the morning with AFSA staff. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
10 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
  • Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
  • Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
  • Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
4 nights
Location: Washington
A modern hotel within walking distance to some of the world’s most famous museums, memorials, and landmarks.
4 nights
Location: Washington
A modern hotel within walking distance to some of the world’s most famous museums, memorials, and landmarks.
4 nights
Location: Washington
A modern hotel within walking distance to some of the world’s most famous museums, memorials, and landmarks.
Participant Reviews
4.61
Based on 20 Reviews
Sort By:
Dazimae | Harrisburg, PA
Broke my wrist and foot 5 days prior to the program. Glad I went.
— Review left September 18, 2024
Giles | Lakewood Ranch, FL
Very interesting program on the Foreign Service in our Nations Capital. Only suggestion would be to try another hotel - perhaps in Rosslyn, VA.
— Review left September 16, 2024
Marlene – Class of 2004 | Silver Spring, MD
educational programs are necessary considetiqn older age participants. The variety of subjects offers everyone ability to increase knowledge
— Review left September 13, 2024
Arthur – Class of 2000 | Rockingham, VA
I learned that our Foreign Service personnel are well trained and not our problem of making poor decisions of whom to back. We don't seem to learn from experience. We backed wrong leaders in China, Iran, Argentina, Viet Nam, Phillipines and the list goes on.
— Review left September 13, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Wayne – Class of 2021 | Houston, TX
Excellent set of lectures and very accommodating group, Gayle was an outstanding leader and went overboard in helping with practical issues. The hotel had elevator problems, and I wished we could have attended some embassies as had a friend when she took the trip a couple of years ago. The food was just so-so and Carmines for the last meal was a very mediocre place with heavy food. The hotel keeps The. hold in a deposit for up to a week after departure and that was surprising. Overall though quite well organized.
— Review left April 19, 2024
Jack – Class of 2012 | Newberry, FL
I have participated in many Road Scholar programs and this is one of the best. The educational content was tops.
— Review left April 2, 2024
Beth – Class of 2019 | Olalla, WA
Inside American Diplomacy with the Foreign Service was an excellent experience. I learned information I could not have accessed through any other means. The partnership that Roads Scholar has developed with the American Foreign Service Association to provide expert lectures was incredible.
— Review left April 2, 2024
Deborah – Class of 2024 | Canandaigua, NY
Impressive roster of speakers who shared their personal experiences with enthusiasm and insight. Informed participants who asked excellent questions enhanced our experience. Outstanding tour guide. Hotel location very convenient for free time. Large comfortable rooms. Average food.
— Review left March 29, 2024
James – Class of 2018 | North Canton, OH
This program was a comprehensive and compelling presentation of the role of our diplomats deployed all over the world.
— Review left March 28, 2024
Jean | Fort Collins, CO
I really enjoyed the subject matter. Some of the items that were covered made what I heard and read on the radio, television and in the newspaper more alive!
— Review left May 5, 2023
Jane – Class of 1988 | West Grove, PA
If you want to know how US Foreign Policy gets transmitted from the Administration to the rest of the world, participating in Road Scholar's programs on Diplomacy in the Foreign Service is the place to go.
— Review left April 23, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Regina – Class of 2012 | Gorham, ME
Lecturers were well informed, professional and interesting. For me, there was not enough physical activity and that combined with the heat of DC, I became ill and left a day early.
— Review left March 1, 2023
Patricia – Class of 2014 | Norfolk, VA
The quality of speakers is outstanding. Hearing of peoples' personal experiences in many foreign countries was informative and helpful in understanding the work of the Foreign Service.
— Review left September 15, 2022
George – Class of 2000 | Crestview Hills, KY
I found this to be an especially enlightening, inspiring and thought-provoking program. I most certainly came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for all the work the U.S. Foreign Service employees do in our national interest. The instructors were superb.
— Review left April 22, 2022
Alice – Class of 2005 | Gwynedd, PA
We never would have heard speakers like this without Road Scholar and the Foreign Service Assoc. The presenters were all excellent and inspiring. However, there were at least three speakers who were using outdated slide decks and then read them to us. Also, many speakers had altogether too much info on each slIde...could not read them. Audio system first day was a disaster. Could not hear speakers. Speakers on first day need coaching on how to present. Room much too small for 39 people. Could hardly move our chairs and move in and our of seating properly. A hazard given the age of people in the group. While the education was very good, the hotel and food were a big disappointment. In particular, Carmine's was awful. For RS to take a group of senior citizens in to a space that could hold hundreds of people, is to court disaster in this time of Covid. And, Covid is not over. We are exhorted to use good judgment. Masks indoors are still mandated by DC authorities, except when eating. We should not have been subjected Carmine's. And, the food was minimally acceptable.FYI, this was our Farewell DINNER...NOT SPECIAL AT ALL.
— Review left April 6, 2022
Floyd – Class of 2021 | O Fallon, MO
Very educational and rewarding experience. Intend to participate in many more RS programs.
— Review left March 31, 2022
Linda – Class of 2005 | Branchburg, NJ
Several years ago, I had attended the program Spies, Lies, and Intelligence: The World of International Espionage and became highly interested in Political Science as a result. American Diplomacy intrigued me and was something I hardly understood. Inside American Diplomacy with the Foreign Service presented a rare opportunity to hear first hand about the wide ranging and vital role played by our diplomats here and abroad. Most speakers had held ambassador positions in countries with challenging political issues and living conditions. Their experiences and the knowledge they shared are vitally important in gaining a clearer understanding of today's world. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 24, 2021
George – Class of 2000 | Crestview Hills, KY
Excellent program! This program was intellectually disruptive as far as I was concerned; i.e., I found many of my notions and opinions relative to the topics discussed needed to be revisited or adjusted base of the information present by our speakers. I can away with a greatly enhanced appreciation of the significant contributions made by our nation's Foreign Service personnel and their level of dedication to our security and well-being.
— Review left September 17, 2021
Patricia – Class of 2016 | Lawrence, KS
This is a great way to learn in comfort about US diplomacy from career foreign service people with first-hand experience living in the countries the program covers.
— Review left September 28, 2019
Elaine – Class of 1997 | Tigard, OR
This program was well organized, informative and much was learned by my wife and I during the 4 days in DC.
— Review left May 23, 2019





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