LE STAFF Training Program Procedures
(CT:FSIH-53; 02-21-2025)
(Office of Origin: FSI)
13 FAH-1 H-521 Application for Training
13 FAH-1 H-521.1 Classroom-Based Training
(CT:FSIH-39; 09-02-2022)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
a. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) normally announces training courses that are exclusively for Locally Employed Staff (LE Staff) and associated deadlines for acceptance of nominations by cable, email to the field, and update of the course catalog. Posts then forward nominations to FSI per instructions in the solicitation cable and applicable instructions in the course catalog. If post nominates more than one LE Staff for a particular course session, they must rank-order the nominees. Post managers should not make commitments to LE Staff 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), makes selections on the basis of regional priorities, fair distribution, date of receipt exigent Mission priorities, and/or other appropriate factors. Posts and bureaus should ensure that LE Staff 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 targeted towards LE Staff for which LE Staff may be eligible. LE Staff are included under “Audience” in course descriptions in the FSI Course Catalog, and more information can be found on the FSI LE Staff Training Website. To apply for these courses, follow procedures in 13 FAH-1 H-142.
13 FAH-1 H-521.2 Distance Learning Training
(CT:FSIH-39; 09-02-2022)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
a. Distance learning courses are publicized in the FSI Course Catalog; applications are accepted on an on-going basis. LE Staff 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 LE Staff employees may sign up for FSI distance learning self-study courses via online enrollment through the FSI Course Catalog.
c. LE Staff 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 agency’s administrative official who is authorized to commit funds for this purpose.
13 FAH-1 H-522 Selection and Notification
(CT:FSIH-39; 09-02-2022)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
a. Distance learning self-study: LE Staff employee enrolled in a FSI distance learning course is notified via email and provided instructions, log-on IDs, and passwords as necessary.
b. Regional Training or Workshops: LE Staff employee selected to participate in a FSI regional training or workshop is notified via email and provided further instructions and information, reporting dates, etc.
c. Training or Workshops in the United States: LE Staff employee selected to participate in FSI training or workshops 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 foreign travel
13 FAH-1 H-523.1 Pre-departure Preparations
(CT:FSIH-53; 02-21-2025)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff 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 traveler’s itinerary.
c. Post should make every effort to provide the traveler with 100 percent 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 employee’s 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 LE Staff employee's salary during his/her absence to his/her 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 LE Staff employee 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 FSI’s policies (see 13 FAH-1 H-121).
f. Post management must ensure that LE Staff employees 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 (GTM/OE).
g. The participant should obtain all immunizations required for travel into the United States or other location.
13 FAH-1 H-523.2 Pre-departure Orientation
(CT:FSIH-53; 02-21-2025)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
a. Post managers should provide appropriate orientation to prepare LE Staff employees for their travel and training. This can include the following:
(1) A copy of the applicable FAM/FAH sections on LE Staff training, travel orders, travel advance, cables, or emails 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 host country 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) Suggested reading material that might help the participant prepare for the visit;
(5) Thorough briefing on host country currency; and
(6) Reminder to participants that accompanying family members and/or guests are the sole responsibility of the participant and should not distract the participant from full participation in the program. If the LE Staff employee plans to have someone travel with him/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) He/she will not be met on arrival at the training location and should take a taxi or other public transportation directly to the hotel/lodging where he/she will be staying;
(2) He/she is entitled to the standard subsistence rate authorized for the duration of his/her 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 and/or other posts. Post managers should thoroughly review travel regulations and voucher requirements with all participants;
(3) He/she 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) He/she should bring or be prepared to purchase on arrival suitable clothing for the season; and
(5) He/she must complete and submit final travel vouchers within five days after his/her return to post.
13 FAH-1 H-524 THROUGH H-529 UNASSIGNED