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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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Washington, DC
Program Concludes
Washington, DC
Meals
10 ( 4B, 3L, 3D )
Activity Level
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.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy frank and forthcoming conversations with retired and active-duty diplomats — 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
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Gayle Felix has been a Road Scholar group leader since 2015. She grew up and raised her family outside of Boston and now resides in Hingham, Massachusetts. With a history/American studies degree from Boston University, she enjoys sharing the history of Boston and surrounding areas. Gayle has led programs in New England; Washington, DC; and other areas in the United States. Gayle enjoys being with her family and friends, biking, kayaking, golfing, and hiking. She especially enjoys traveling and meeting new people.
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.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking and standing; must be able to get on/off bus.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.