13 FAH-1 H-520

FSN Training Program Procedures

(CT:FSIH-06; 04-17-2012)
(Office of Origin: FSI)

13 FAH-1 H-521 Application for Training

13 FAH-1 H-521.1 Classroom-Based Training

(CT:FSIH-01; 12-20-2007)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) normally announces its Foreign Service National (FSN) training courses and the deadline for acceptance of nominations by telegram to the field. Posts then forward nominations to FSI per instructions in the solicitation cable. If post nominates more than one FSN for a particular course session, they must rank-order the nominees. Post managers should not make commitments to FSNs prior to receipt of their acceptance in the course by FSI.

b. The appropriate FSI program office reviews all applications received by the deadline date and, in consultation with the regional bureaus (as needed), make selections on the basis of regional priorities, fair distribution, date of receipt and/or other factors deemed appropriate. Posts and bureaus should ensure that FSN applicants understand that generally there are more nominations than there are class slots available.

c. After selections are made, all applicants and their posts are notified of the decision.

d. There are other FSI courses not specifically geared towards the FSN population for which FSNs may be eligible (as described under Audience in course descriptions in the FSI Schedule of Courses) and apply for enrollment. To apply for these courses, follow procedures in 13 FAH-1 H-142.

13 FAH-1 H-521.2 Distance Learning Training

(CT:FSIH-06; 04-17-2012)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. Distance learning courses are publicized through FSIs annual Schedule of Courses which can be accessed online via its OpenNet Web site; applications are accepted on an on-going basis. FSNs are also eligible to participate in FSI Internet- and Intranet-based programs (unless specifically precluded).

b. With U.S. citizen supervisory clearance and/or approval, State FSN employees may sign up for FSI distance learning self-study courses via online enrollment through the FSI OpenNet Web site.

c. FSNs employed by other U.S. Government agencies must apply for FSI courses using Form SF-182, Authorization, Agreement and Certification of Training, (or acceptable substitute), including appropriate fiscal and billing information, and obtain supervisory approval and the approval of the agencys administrative official who is authorized to commit funds for this purpose.

13 FAH-1 H-522 Selection and Notification

(CT:FSIH-06; 04-17-2012)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. Distance learning self-study: An FSN employee enrolled in a FSI distance learning course, is notified via email and provided instructions, log-on IDs, and passwords as necessary.

b. Regional workshops: An FSN employee selected to participate in a FSI regional workshop is notified via email and provided further instructions and information, reporting dates, etc.

c. Training in the United States: An FSN employee selected to participate in FSI training in the United States is notified via email and provided further instructions and information, reporting dates, etc.

13 FAH-1 H-523 Pre-departure Preparations for Washington, DC Programs

13 FAH-1 H-523.1 Pre-departure Physical Examination

(CT:FSIH-01; 12-20-2007)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. Post management should ensure that nominees for training do not suffer from chronic medical conditions likely to require treatment during training. A pre-departure medical examination is strongly recommended. Information on health insurance must be provided in the nomination telegram or e-mail.

b. The participant should obtain all required immunizations.

13 FAH-1 H-523.2 Other Pre-departure Preparations

(CT:FSIH-01; 12-20-2007)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. The participant is responsible for obtaining any necessary visa(s), and must have a passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the initial start date of training. Passport and/or visa fees are reimbursable as determined by post management.

b. Post should provide FSI with the travelers itinerary.

c. Post should make every effort to provide the traveler with 100% of the authorized travel advance. The travel advance is intended to cover expenses incurred during training and must be vouchered upon return to post. Training-related cultural expenses which are authorized in an employees travel orders must also be vouchered upon return to post and certified by the post certifying officer.

d. If employees do not have automated payroll deposit, post management should accept applications for allotments of the FSNs salary during their absence to their dependents or other agents in accordance with 4 FAH-3 H-556, or at his or her option, arrange to forward salary checks to the FSN in Washington.

e. If participants are authorized to take annual leave while on travel status, preceding or following training, FSI should be advised of the number of days authorized. Post managers must approve annual leave; FSI cannot. Annual leave should never be authorized during the period of FSI training, as it may result in a no-show or incomplete status for which post may be assessed a penalty in line with FSIs policies (see 13 FAH-1 H-121).

f. Post management should ensure that FSNs traveling to the United States and/or to other posts are covered by appropriate health insurance. Information regarding insurance companies is available from the Office of Overseas Employment (HR/OE).

13 FAH-1 H-523.3 Pre-departure Orientation

(CT:FSIH-06; 04-17-2012)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/BBG/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Nationals Only)

a. Post managers should provide appropriate orientation to prepare FSNs for their travel and training. This can include the following:

(1) A copy of the applicable FAM/FAH sections on FSN training, travel orders, travels advance, telegrams, or e-mails related to the course;

(2) Discussion of the goals and objectives of the training program. Participants must understand that they will be in a work status and are expected to keep all appointments, and fulfill all assignments given. They should understand thoroughly any specific projects or consultations that the post wishes them to undertake during the training;

(3) Discussion of those aspects of U.S. life that should be understood in order to avoid difficulty or embarrassment, such as social amenities, climate and dress, etc. The cost of living and the necessity for careful budgeting of per diem or actual subsistence funds are important considerations;

(4) Suggest reading material that might help the participant prepare for the visit;

(5) A thorough briefing on U.S. currency; and

(6) A reminder to participants that accompanying family members and/or guests are the sole responsibility of the trainee, and should not distract the trainee from full participation in the program. If the FSN employee plans to have someone travel with him or her, the manager at post should notify the Department two weeks before arrival in Washington and obtain approval from the appropriate FSI program office sponsoring the training.

b. Post management should inform the participant that:

(1) They will not be met on arrival in Washington, DC, but should take a taxi or other public transportation directly to the hotel/lodging where they will be staying;

(2) They are entitled to the standard subsistence rate authorized for the duration of their training, except for time spent on leave, and the per diem authorized by the Foreign Service Travel Regulations (14 FAM 570) while traveling between the post and the United States. Post managers should thoroughly review travel regulations and voucher requirements with all participants;

(3) They may use the following mailing address while in the United States c/o:

U.S. Department of State

The Foreign Service Institute

c/o Office of the Registrar

Rm. F1245

Washington, D.C. 20522-4201 Attn: Student Mail

(4) They should bring or be prepared to purchase on arrival suitable clothing for the season; and

(5) They must complete and submit final travel vouchers within five days after their return to post.

13 FAH-1 H-524 THROUGH H-529 UNASSIGNED