Tips For Taking The FSOT | How To Work For The State Department (Part 2)

In this video, tips for taking the Foreign Service Officer Exam (FSOT) are discussed. If you want to become a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department, this is one of the first steps in your journey. I talk about when and where you can take the FSOT, the importance of taking practice tests, how you can prepare for the FSOT, among other topics. If you are interested in diplomacy this video is for you!
Many of you have asked for this video so this one is for you! The FSOT can be a challenging test, but it's one of many steps that can be taken to become a Foreign Service Officer, better known as a Diplomat. In this video, I share a few tips, that will help you become better prepared for your FSOT experience. I also share a bit of my personal experience.
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#HeyMsTraveler #FSOT #Diplomacy

[@Char2805Live]

I passed the test thanks in part to your videos. Any recommendations going forward for me?

[@heymstraveler]

I love to hear this! Go You!!!! Congratulations! Please check out this: careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Foreign-Service-Officer-Oral-Assessment-Information-Guide.pdf Also, I briefly talk about the orals here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYbGaaaVhNicq8k Talk with a diplomat in residence! careers.state.gov/connect/dir/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqSvo4etoc6YY6c

[@MsTommyP]

Thank you. That "just take the test" advice was something I really needed to hear.

[@heymstraveler]

Glad this was helpful! Cheering you on!

[@DivineLightFitness]

Thank you for creating this video! I am preparing for the FSOT and today is Day 1!

[@heymstraveler]

Cheering you on!

[@riya17200]

I absolutely love you channel! I decided to go into the foreign service a couple of months ago and I could only find your youtube channel! Every upload makes me more excited and motivated to start this journey!! thank you so much :)

[@heymstraveler]

This is so wonderful to hear! I am glad that you enjoy this channel. I wish you all the best in your journey!! :-)

[@riya17200]

@@heymstraveler thank you so muchh :))

[@RobJoswiak]

I have been asked to make this video and did today. As usual, yours are way better!

[@heymstraveler]

Your videos are great! I look forward to watching it!

[@Taco-jitsu]

This video was jam packed with useful info! Thanks!

[@heymstraveler]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@Kebson-pb7ut]

Thank you so much for the tips! Much appreciated😊

[@heymstraveler]

Great! I am glad the video was useful! Thank you for watching.

[@jeremiasdremoniz4284]

Thank you so much! Wonderful and positive light to a stressful time of preparation. Appreciating people like you these days!

[@heymstraveler]

Thanks so much!!! Cheering you on.

[@jeremiasdremoniz4284]

@@heymstraveler Thank you thank you!

[@heymstraveler]

@@jeremiasdremoniz4284 Your welcome 🙂

[@berradakarima76]

Your smile and attitude are contagious. Thanks for all the tips

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Thank you for watching! And thank you! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@1511satine]

Thank you so much for the advice, you actually boost my confidence.

[@heymstraveler]

Great! I'm glad! Cheering you on :-)

[@TravelswithStef]

I'm taking my test in 2 hours. I'm a bit nervous but I think this will be great. I feel encouraged and I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for all these wonderful videos!

[@heymstraveler]

You are quite welcome! I hope the videos are helpful. And I hope you did well. Thank you so much for stopping by.

[@TravelswithStef]

@@heymstraveler I passed! I'm going for Spanish CFPT. I hope to be in the ranks within the next decade. Who knows I may end up being a part of one of your future teams. This is all very exciting.

[@gg8723]

@@TravelswithStef how did it go?

[@brennaaa]

@@TravelswithStefhows it going?

[@reaganb2261]

Thanks for providing so much information! 🥰

[@heymstraveler]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@andrewmontenegroe3296]

Thank you for the advice!!!

[@heymstraveler]

You are so welcome!

[@rubenegoyan7855]

This is great! Thank you so much. I just decided to start my preparation for the FSOT, and found your video. It’s amazing how 2 years since you posted this video, it’s still very useful and helpful. I subscribed and will follow you 😊

[@jecoliahboye-ellison6627]

How is studies going?

[@venusiangirl]

What are you using exactly to study please?

[@sophiapatriot112]

Love your charisma & positive energy 💝

[@heymstraveler]

Thanks!

[@shaynah2012]

you always have really informative videos. i learned a lot. great channel 👍

[@heymstraveler]

Thank you for watching! I am happy to make content that will help people learn more about this amazing career and other travel jobs!

[@GrandMasterMan1]

I feel like taking the test right now!!Thanks you!

[@heymstraveler]

That's great! Wishing you all the best!

[@tritonplayz1020]

thank god i found this i just emailed my diplomat in residence this very question!!!! you're a god send

[@heymstraveler]

Aww thanks! Wishing you all the best!

[@joeymartins9622]

Thank you for giving me the push I need to take the FSOT!!! I am taking it in June! I am gonna get some studying in and do the practice one next week!!! Thank you for all the content you have been putting out there to make it easier for us!

[@heymstraveler]

Hi Joey, thank you for commenting. I wish you all the best!!

[@Sobe1989]

Did ya pass?. I will do it this June 2024. Supee nervous!. I speak 3 languages, but that is not enough.

[@joeymartins9622]

@@Sobe1989 : Not sure! I took it earlier in the month at the very beginning and they look at the application holistically from what I understand. It did not state whether or not I passed or failed. Fingers crossed though! Best of luck to you!

[@Sobe1989]

Thank you. So you have to do the test and just move on with your life if they dont let you know anything?. 🥲

[@joeymartins9622]

@@Sobe1989: for now at least they go through your narratives and look at the application as a whole but what's entailed. Guess we will see.

[@phebe9549]

Let's travel with our dreams together yes! So accurate😩❤️

[@heymstraveler]

Yes! I mean it!! Thank you for commenting!

[@jnkbdg]

Another great video :)

[@heymstraveler]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@2110ADRI]

Thank you for this video, it is very inspiring! If you have any suggestions/tips on how to tackled the Personal Narratives, that would be great 😊!!

[@heymstraveler]

Thank you! I'm glad the video was inspiring. For official guidance on the Personal Narratives, please see careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Submit-Personal-Narratives.pdf Thanks!

[@KO-wu2og]

Thanks!

[@heymstraveler]

Welcome!

[@Makingdifference100]

Quick question: as you go from post to post overseas, how do you keep up with your personal belongings, like cars, furniture, and other things? Are you able to ship your belongings outside the country? Is there a cost associated with that as a diplomat?

[@someoneelse9743]

Thank you very much for the video, I am barely starting my journey to take the test and I would like to ask if there is a certain App that I can practice on. Thank you gain

[@venusiangirl]

Please could you share what we should read to prepare

[@melanird222]

What books do you recommend to practice? Learn?

[@jeremiahjaimes3051]

Hello. Your videos are super helpful thanks!! I have a question outside of reading newspapers are there any books or material from the recommended list that YOU would recommend?? Thanks!

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Rising to Globalism

[@zenzenyokunai]

Thank you so much for this. I am fresh out of college, majored in languages/linguistics and want to take the FSOT. I speak German at near-native fluency and Japanese at an upper intermediate level. Both these languages apparently can get you extra points on the exam, so I am hopeful. I have to say though, I am kind of confused by the list of languages the State Department assigns extra points for. German and Japanese I kind of understand given their turbulent history but Dutch, Swedish and Danish really surprised me. Languages with hundreds of millions of speakers like French and Spanish didn't even make an appearance on the list, which also really surprised me. Anyway, I have spent the last eleven years living outside of the US and seven of those eleven in countries where my primary language wasn't English, and am somewhat worried I might do really badly on the part of the exam about American culture and history. T.T I hope it will be okay.

[@paulinac3769]

i wonder if it's because they might have no need for more French/ Spanish speakers since it's a common language that people learn whereas it's harder to find someone that studied Swedish/Danish

[@heymstraveler]

Hey! Thanks for commenting and sharing your opinion! Cheering you on!!

[@xavierbeckles1176]

I'm taking the OMST this Friday and I was wondering if that test is similar to the FSOT? I barely have found any test preps for the OMST so any advice would be helpful. Thank you

[@rohankumar4093]

How should I study for the situational judgement portion?

[@steakismeat177]

I have a minor seizure condition for which I take medication. Would the medical clearance disqualify me?

[@Yawar1986]

Hi, quick question after you pass everything and accept the job offer, I know you have to attend to the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington VA. Is this a residential campus? Or you need to move to the area and pay all your rent and other expenses? What happens if you have yous spouse and kids? Is there any kind of allowance? Thanks, so much in advance

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Thanks for your question. It depends. If you’re a local, you may just commute. If you live far enough there may be housing and some sort of allowance. Hope this helps!

[@djenekaba3298]

Hey, I just found your page and I’m loving it. I am looking for a mentor that is a diplomat. I graduate with a bachelor degree in International Studies and would love some guidance since it’s always been a dream of mine to be a diplomat.

[@heymstraveler]

Hi Djene, I am glad you find the page helpful! What are some of your questions?

[@samiraeg7583]

Thank you for the video Is the CFPT material are the same as FSOT?

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Not sure. Please contact a diplomat in residence. Thanks!

[@jamaalharmon6305]

This is a good goal but I am a terrible test taker. Even with a master's degree. I can go foreign service or foreign service information management route. Anyway, if i don't pass, I'll just travel the world anyway. I want to serve my country.

[@michaelwashington6749]

Hello, I wanted to ask, what’s the difference between a regular diplomat and the ambassador (like the main representer) and how to get to that position.

[@heymstraveler]

Hello Michael! Thank you for your question. I have a video coming out Monday that will address this question!

[@heymstraveler]

Hello, I just made this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHTNn3isipp7hKs

[@alonshalit5778]

Would one’s exam pass results ever expire? Fabulous channel Thanks.

[@Daveortiz693]

They dont call it cones anymore, its just career tracks, correct?

[@Sardiatae]

how many times did you take the test?

[@kojuo180]

Hey! I just made the decision that this is the path I’d like to go down, im going into getting my Political Science and International Relations degree. But I haven’t gotten it yet, where should I even begin?

[@heymstraveler]

Hello Kojuo, thanks for commenting! Have you checked this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foSToYCfZ7mmmas ?

[@diam2434]

Hello There, I have several questions to start of the topic about majoring in political science. I actually don’t know anything political, and I don’t understand what is happening in the current world, I hate reading and I am okay with writing. I love social studies, do you think this major would work with someone like me ??? What jobs will I have after majoring in political science? And what is a diplomat ? And what is an ambassador, what does he do? Lastly, I want to major in something that has a balance between social life / fun and work, studying. I will take a expedition to study in America, so is political science a good major for a person like me ?

[@zgirlowner]

Political Science major requires a LOT of reading- more than most fields. You can work for your countries government, go into specialized fields of law, or be a professor if you majored in political science.

[@diam2434]

@@zgirlowner Thank you sara 🙏🙏🙏

[@sji6397]

How did you guys study for the FSOT? Did you guys buy the study guide online? if yes, which one did u guys use?

[@marwanm7976]

Is there a limited amount of times the FSOT can be taken if failed? Also, when applying do they see that you failed the FSOT before and will that lower the possibility of getting accepted?

[@heymstraveler]

Hello nope. Also have you heard of the new changes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ3XiKSLfd5ghq8&t ?

[@samuraialfredo]

Hi there! Would you happen to know if I can be a foreign service officer with a kidney transplant? I heard that there's a health screening that I need to pass in order to proceed. Also, do you know of any good resources to prepare? I haven't found anything of use yet. Thank you for your time. 🙏

[@heymstraveler]

Hi! Not sure. There is a medical clearance, but I would ask a diplomat in residence for more information. For resources, I like the Rise of Globalism, AP study guides, and take tons of practice tests to focus on your weaknesses. Also there is a suggested reading guide here: careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Suggested-Reading-List-Aug2013.pdf

[@Stillgulley]

Do you have content on parenting or co-parenting in the field???

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! I don't at the moment. But in the next few weeks I'll be coming out with some relationship videos. Parenting just in general? I don't have any kids at the moment, but perhaps I can interview someone. Thanks for the comment!

[@14ls98]

I would like to be a Passport Specialist.

[@heymstraveler]

Great! Pursue your dreams!! Thank you for commenting!

[@ozmarie]

Hi! Does an OMS need to take FSOT test?

[@heymstraveler]

Hi! For the OMS position, check out this link below! careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/

[@Dendrite20]

Would you say this is the best path to start toward wanting to become the Secretary of State?

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Here is an excellent list of previous secretaries of state. It shows how each person became one: www.state.gov/former-secretaries-of-state/. Hope this helps!

[@jennifersantisteban9302]

Are there any books available to study for the exam?

[@heymstraveler]

Yes! The State Department has a suggested reading list that is helpful!

[@Maldi805]

lol i couldn’t take the test because the first two minutes they give you to agree the terms and conditions the time passed quickly and couldn’t read the question on time so it kick me out 😂😅🤦‍♂️😅😅😅😂😂😭😭

[@drunkenboxersays]

You made a good video but back ground music is annoying.

[@heymstraveler]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Sardiatae]

Is it true you can only take the FSOT once a year?

[@heymstraveler]

Hello! Once every 12 months. For more information, please visit: www.pearsonvue.com/fsot/faqs.asp#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20limit%20on,i.e.%20once%20every%2012%20months. Thanks!

[@Sardiatae]

@@heymstraveler so when you hear people taking the test five times they did it over five years? Wow

[@Sobe1989]

I am studying for the test in June, but I am too nervous that I won't pass. 😢

[@heymstraveler]

You got this!

[@samchahadeh1255]

Hello my test is in 10 hours, any extra tips?

[@heymstraveler]

At this point, breathe and get a good night's rest. Eat a good breakfast. Cheering you on!