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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.
Participant Reviews
4.65
Based on 22 Reviews
SHOWING
John – Class of 1998 | Evansville, IN
This program, American Diplomacy, was so informative and added so much understanding to today's political environment .
— Review left April 17, 2025
Manuel – Class of 2014 | Ventura, CA
We signed up for the Road Scholar Diplomacy Program in mid-2024, well before the outcome of the presidential election was known. After November 5th, I considered cancelling the program as I could not see how it could be honest about the role of diplomacy with an administration led by a pathological liar and convicted criminal who has torn apart beloved institutions in a matter of weeks. However, in the end, I was glad I attended. The speakers were mostly terrific and the field trips were enlightening. I enjoyed meeting some of my fellow Participants who were interested in engaging in serious conversations about the state of diplomacy and international assistance in this current climate of America First attitude where our allies are treated like enemies and our enemies like friends. The world has been turned upside down and it helps to know that America's better angels still prize the values of a post-World War II democracy which until January 17, 2025, had provided a beacon of hope in an unsteady world.
— Review left March 30, 2025
Dazimae – Class of 2023 | 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 Nation's Capital. Only suggestion would be to try another hotel - perhaps in Rosslyn, VA.
— Review left September 16, 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
Marlene – Class of 2004 | Olney, MD
educational programs are necessary considetiqn older age participants. The variety of subjects offers everyone ability to increase knowledge
— 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
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
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
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 | 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