Council of American Ambassadors > faqs > Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS


>	Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What is the role of an Ambassador?
The US Government has diplomatic relations with about 180 countries. In most of these countries, the US maintains an embassy, which usually is located in the capital. The Ambassador is the President's personal representative in a foreign country and leads the Embassy. More

Who is the current US Ambassador in a particular country?
An alphabetical listing of Chiefs of Mission by country can be found on the Department of State's Web site. To search, click here.

Who was the US Ambassador in a country in a specific year?
For the Department of State's historical diplomatic listing, click here.

How do I write, fax or call a United States Ambassador or a United States Embassy?
For information on how to contact United States Embassies around the world, click here.

How can I contact a Council member?
Visit the Member Section on our Web site. If the member has given permission, his/her email and biography are posted.

PASSPORT/VISA

When do I need a visa to travel? How can I get a visa?
Traveling abroad doesn't have to be confusing if you know the right things before you go. Click here for information and links to pages containing background and requirements for Americans traveling abroad as well as information on passports, visas, immunizations, medical information and additional fees.

How can I renew my United States passport?
For all information regarding passports including issuance and renewal, please visit the Department of State's Web page http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

CAREER/EDUCATION

How can I apply for the Council's Fellowship?
The Council of American Ambassadors Fellowships Program enables four to ten undergraduate students per year to come to Washington, D.C. and participate in a summer Fellowship in International Affairs at a private institution, a government agency or a Congressional Committee. Mounted in cooperation with the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES), which is sponsored by The Fund for American Studies, the program features academic credit at Georgetown University, mentoring by former United States Ambassadors and an internship at a prestigious foreign affairs agency in Washington, D.C. To apply, click here.

I'm interested in joining the Foreign Service. How can I learn more about career opportunities?
The US Department of State is the lead US foreign affairs agency. The Department hires Foreign Service, Civil Service and Student employees to work in Washington, D.C. at the agency's offices in the United States and at nearly 265 posts abroad. To learn more, please visit http://careers.state.gov/index.html

How can I become an Ambassador?
The traditional path that one follows to become an Ambassador is to join the United States Foreign Service. In order to enter the Foreign Service, an individual must have a strong, well-rounded education. He/She must pass the oral and written sections of the Foreign Service Exam, administered by the US Department of State. Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 59 to take the exam. For further information, please click http://careers.state.gov/index.html.