Job Discussion Forums

[HystericalHoosier]

Some of you have already accepted positions with the Georgetown English Language Fellowship program. Others are considering accepting posts in the program. There are many different opportunities and people�s experiences will vary greatly. However, based on my past experience in the program, I would strongly recommend that you not only find out about the details of the job you will be doing but also find out as much as you can about the embassy you will be dealing with.

I worked in Laos and was shocked by the lack of professionalism and basic competency exhibited by the embassy staff. Embassy personal could not be bothered to show up on time for meetings or to show up at all. Once I worked months preparing a seminar for teachers only to have it canceled with no notice or explanation. Carrying out their basic contract obligations such as obtaining a work visa was beyond them and on one occasion my visa expired while my passport was in the embassy�s possession due to their inattentiveness. They were very good at attending conferences and handing out taxpayers� money but not much more.

I would advise you not to rely solely on your predecessor at the post who may not feel free to speak. If I would have spoken to more expats in Vientiane, I would at least had known how low the opinion of the embassy was among the general public. Again my experiences may not be indicative of the situation in other countries and your experience will not only depend on your relationship with the embassy. However, it will be an important part of it.