Success Story

Gladys Smith, a 72-year-old retired schoolteacher in Arlington, VA attended her first Elderhostel program on the U.S. Foreign Service, sponsored by the Fund for American Diplomacy. This week-long seminar focused on the Middle East and included presentations by U.S. diplomats using real life examples of life at US Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; a tour of the State Department and Foreign Service training institute; and a visit to the Syrian and Jordanian embassies in Washington, D.C. "This seminar opened my eyes on how the Foreign Service works for America and the commitment and professionalism of this unique group of people who strive to make a difference in the world," say Ms. Smith. She further adds, "It was one of the most informative programs I have ever attended."