US Foreign Policy Educational Travel | Road Scholar

Erin – Class of 2018 | Rochester, NY

Excellent

— Review left November 8, 2025

Rosalind – Class of 1991 | Eastampton Township, NJ

The Foreign Policy in Chautauqua Program with former U.S.Ambassadors and Diplomats is very engaging and topical as the current U.S. administration continues to disengage from international service policies.

— Review left October 3, 2025

Lauren – Class of 2019 | Ballwin, MO

I think this program would be of interest to anyone with a political bent who wants to hear how things really happen from people were there.

— Review left September 30, 2025

Charlotte – Class of 2016 | Livonia, NY

Thank you for this informative program.

— Review left September 26, 2025

Sandra – Class of 2014 | Huntington Woods, MI

This program is well organized to accommodate all physical levels of participants. The six presenters were knowledgeable professionals. I learned more than expected.

— Review left June 24, 2025

This participant did not give a star rating.

Leslie – Class of 2020 | Foxborough, MA

This was an informative and well organized experience. All the presenters were Knowledgeable in their field and presented in easy to understand method as well as answering questions and clarifying for any participant who had a question as we went along.

— Review left June 19, 2025

This participant did not give a star rating.

Steven – Class of 2023 | Geneseo, NY

Excellent course: lectures, lecturers, fellow-students, and facilities. Chautauqua off-season was lovely. Only complaint was projector failures at start of several of the lectures (in 2025?!?) Thanks for offering this course.

— Review left June 11, 2025

Mary Lou – Class of 2025 | New Paltz, NY

It has been a lifelong dream to attend a Road Scholar program. This was so well done that I hope to continue pursuing other interests through RS.

— Review left June 8, 2025

This participant did not give a star rating.

Michele – Class of 2013 | Athens, PA

This was one of the best Road Scholar programs I have attended.

— Review left December 7, 2024

Donna – Class of 2022 | Horseheads, NY

This is a good program. It would have been helpful to know the topics of the lectures before the beginning of the week. I felt that several lectures on Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East was not needed. Along with taking away the free afternoon. The hotel needed to work on improving the food, especially the temperature of the food, that is served.

— Review left October 11, 2024

Carol Ann – Class of 2024 | Chapel Hill, NC

This was the most educational, informative program I have attended in many years. I learned so much about my government and how it presents abroad. It was extremely worthwhile.

— Review left October 7, 2024

Caroline | Asheville, NC

Very well-done program!

— Review left October 7, 2024

David – Class of 2011 | Lebanon, PA

As a former military advisor, the program helped me to better understand what the "other side of the house" was doing and how their role affected my mission(s). Those of us at the tip of the spear are not often read into the background factors prompting our mission. If you want to know more about the "hows and whys," you need to attend this program that will give you a much better perspective.

— Review left September 28, 2024

Sidney – Class of 2011 | Pasadena, MD

One of the best educational programs that I have ever attended!!!

— Review left September 28, 2024

This participant did not give a star rating.

Susan – Class of 2019 | Minneapolis, MN

A very worthwhile review of current foreign policy issues by well informed retired foreign service officers. Hard to cover everything going on in the world but I was surprised there were no sessions on China, Brazil or India. That said, I have already signed up for the session on the Middle East next summer!

— Review left September 28, 2024

Tom – Class of 2020 | Ellicott City, MD

A highly worthwhile experience- first-rate lecturers, a beautiful setting, friendly and helpful staff and participants, and good food. What's not to like?

— Review left September 27, 2024

Joseph – Class of 2024 | Needham, MA

A wonderful experience -- exhilarating, informative and thoroughly enjoyable.

— Review left June 17, 2024

Gudy – Class of 2021 | Greenwood Vlg, CO

Overall, I enjoyed the program and got good information. Met some interesting people. Did not care for the venue.

— Review left June 11, 2024

This participant did not give a star rating.

Natallie – Class of 2023 | Rockledge, FL

Fabulous education. Great presenters. Enjoyed very much. Hotel had beautiful grounds and views. Food was good, not great. Due to a very bad back, beds were not comfortable; but that’s me more than hotel. Hotel staff were very good. Main thing about hotel I did not like: carpets in my room were filthy!!!! Unpleasant. Also on 2 separate occasions I had bugs crawling on me at night. I get hotel is old, but pest control needed. Also, not sure what arrangement was for cleaning room, but I would come at day’s end to find bed made, but garbage not emptied. Or, fresh towels, but bed not made. Maybe that was intended. Most of all, I enjoyed the very nice people I met. The program was interesting and I learned a lot. Everyone did a great job in organizing, transporting, and listening to my needs. Enjoyed!

— Review left June 11, 2024

Paul – Class of 2018 | Naples, FL

The word "Chautauqua" caught my eye as I was browsing Road Scholar materials. It brought back fond memories from my childhood when we would go swimming and boating at Chautauqua Lake, just an hour from where we lived. Although I was familiar with the lake, I knew nothing about the Chautauqua Institution. When I discovered the Road Scholar program about the U.S. Foreign Service, in partnership with the Chautauqua Institution, I knew it would be a perfect fit for my interests. I am an avid follower of history and political science lectures on "The Great Courses" and use the online geography program Seterra to learn about the countries of the world. These interests, combined with the recommended reading of the book "Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work," provided excellent background for the program. Although not everyone read the book, it was their loss, as it added significant depth to the experience. However, even without this background, I believe anyone interested in America's role in the world would benefit from the program. The week-long program included three interactive sessions daily, designed to delve into the intricacies of the U.S. Foreign Service as experienced by the retired Foreign Service officers. Road Scholar and The Chautauqua Institution also provided meals and nightly entertainment. The presenters from the Foreign Service had decades—if not a lifetime—of experience. Two of them had served as ambassadors. They generously shared their insights into U.S. foreign policy, their personal roles, and how the field has evolved over time. Spending a week with such a knowledgeable and experienced group was an incredible opportunity.

— Review left June 8, 2024

Mary – Class of 2019 | North Chesterfield, VA

Chautauqua, the gift that keeps on giving, stirs the mind, enervates the body, calms the Soul. I felt all of these and more this week, and made a few new friends. The weather was mostly sunny, cool breezes, an abundance of walking paths, lush greenery and flowers and glorious HUGH trees, with view of the lake. The historic Atheneum Hotel with beautiful antiques or reproductions were an extra bonus for me. The Lecturers were well prepared, knowledgeable, personable, accessible everyday and at meals or public spaces throughout the program. I gained new insights, slept well and the FOOD at every meal was amazing!

— Review left June 8, 2024

Kenneth – Class of 2016 | Oakland, CA

Worst Road Scholar trip. Advertised as “foreign policy” one thing I learned is that American diplomats are proud to be apolitical - and policy is politics which they strongly refuse to discuss. This trip rather than discussing foreign policy became war stories from clever, personable, successful 30 year apolitical bureaucrats. 80% of presentations avoided discussions of policy entirely. A D grade.

— Review left June 8, 2024

Reply from Road Scholar

Dear Ken, We apologize that the program you recently attended did not meet your expectations. The instructors are from the American Foreign Service Association, and are former diplomats. The focus of the program is about the experiences and topics of 21st century American foreign policy. There were also current events such as Israel and Palestine, as well as, a discussion on Vladimir Putin as the New Tsar, that took place. That being said we would be happy to see if additional discussions can be added during the week that can cover more current events. We hope you consider another Road Scholar adventure sometime in the near future. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Carlynn – Class of 2009 | Mesa, AZ

The Foreign Policy program was interesting, informative, and there was a lot of fun moments. I would really recommend this program, the presenters were so down to earth, and the discussions were so varied. The program and the presenters were exceptional.

— Review left October 5, 2023

Irene – Class of 2000 | Covina, CA

The Athenaeum in Chautuagua, a beautiful, grand old hotel to explore. The program about U.S. foreign service is informative and fascinating. The presenters are experienced employees of the state department.

— Review left October 5, 2023

Mark – Class of 2023 | Pikesville, MD

I was a very worthwhile educational experience. Fantastic speakers.

— Review left September 30, 2023

This participant did not give a star rating.

Susan – Class of 2023 | Pasadena, CA

I learned in a personal way about the responsibilities and additional activities of our diplomats, for our presenters were available and open to conversations throughout each day. Our visiting diplomats acknowledged often our knowledge and life experiences. I felt almost like one if them. Learning the personal qualities required to become a diplomat increased my respectful iurforeign service speakers. Addutionaly, the Road Scholar staff was always available and interacted with us as friends and colleagues. Extra learning activities and literature, and resources at the Chautauqua Institutes were unplanned and unexpected gifts. I am considering registering for the program again.

— Review left June 22, 2023

Sandra – Class of 2003 | Sagamore Hills, OH

This was the 4th time I have attended the Foreign Policy program at Chautauqua. It did not disappoint! The speakers generously shared their varied experiences and perspectives through their presentations and informal conversations at meals and downtimes. As usual, the attendees asked great questions and were interested in each other as well. I look forward to continuing interactions with my new friends.

— Review left October 17, 2022

Virginia – Class of 1992 | Silver Spring, MD

I've been to three pf these Foreign Service programs over the years, so it is obvious I like them. I also like Chautauqua.

— Review left October 3, 2022

Cheryl – Class of 2004 | Kennett Sq, PA

My knowledge and appreciation of the Foreign Service has increased exponentially as a result of attending the fall program at Chautauqua Institution. The setting is beautiful, the hotel is old but comfortable, the food above average, and the service quite good. Well worth the money!

— Review left October 1, 2022

Christine – Class of 2011 | Rochester, NY

I loved learning from the people who have personally worked to implement US foreign policy and have in-depth knowledge of what's happening in other countries. It now have high esteem for our foreign service workers. This program was so good I would attend it again in a few years to learn what's new.

— Review left June 20, 2022

Patricia – Class of 2016 | South Pasadena, FL

An enlightening experience in a beautiful setting.

— Review left June 11, 2022

Ruth – Class of 2010 | Center Sandwich, NH

Exercise your brain in an idyllic setting. Foreign Policy's complexity juxtaposed with the tranquility of Chautauqua. What more can one ask?

— Review left June 11, 2022

Dean – Class of 2019 | Parkville, MD

This was my first Road Scholar program. It far exceeded my expectations. The speakers were leaders in their field with a ton of experience. I felt pampered!

— Review left June 10, 2022

C – Class of 2021 | Las Vegas, NV

Chautauqua is a unique learning environment. The program was well organized and provided many opportunities to both learn on your own and participate in guided learning sessions. For me, this program is unforgettable.

— Review left October 6, 2021

Doris – Class of 2013 | Fort Edward, NY

This is an enormously informative trip. I enjoyed very much learning about US foreign policy from experienced Foreign Service officers.

— Review left October 5, 2021

Patricia – Class of 2005 | Bellaire, TX

This was our third Road Scholar/Chautauqua experience and there will be attending more in the future!

— Review left October 3, 2021

Toni – Class of 2008 | Chicago, IL

The Chautauqua pre-season program with former Foreign Service Officers was a delight. Chautauqua is a great experience in itself and the ability to mingle informally with people who are well traveled, knowledgeable about foreign affairs and intellectually curious was stimulating.

— Review left June 8, 2019

Foreign Policy in Chautauqua With the American Foreign Service