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Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide


FS Clips: An Oral History Project Supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation


In FS Clips, we interview Foreign Service family members around the world to capture stories of Foreign Service life as told by those who live it. The series differs from traditional oral histories in that these interviews feature discussions and insights on topics specific to Foreign Service life.

Some of the topics include Foreign Born Spouses, Third Culture Kids, EFM Careers, LGBQTI, and Singles in the Foreign Service, with the goal to expand and add additional topics. You can scroll down to explore the individual transcripts listed below. This oral history project is supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.



It was just about trying to spin it into an exciting adventure. And there was always a sense that our family was going on adventures together.

Layla Murphy

Student and “Third Culture Kid”


For us foreign-born spouses, it is a little different than if you are just coming from the U.S. to another post. We have one advantage, and that is that we are already outside of our country…So, we are adaptable.

Jenny Kocher, AAFSW Foreign Born Spouses co-chair


We’re all important and valuable no matter what we, what our family looks like. I think that’s very important, that to be a good employer, and to be a good agency, we have to be willing to accept that families look very different. And yet all of them add value to our community.

Naureen Nalia, Foreign Service Officer


With the right tools and the right people, anything is achievable.

Louay Azar
EFM and entrepreneur



Click the links to read individual interview transcripts.

Foreign Born Spouses

Experiences of being a foreign born spouse in the Foreign Service.

Jenny Kocher

Kay Soe

Ratna Cary

Louay Azar

Filippo Tattoni-Marcozzi

Group interview (FBS)


Third Culture Kids

The unique benefits and challenges of raising children overseas.

Stephanie Sexton (parent)

Laurie Reed (parent)

Jennifer Linton (parent)

Virginia Blaser (parent)

Layla Murphy (student)

Isabella Lozano (student)

TCK Resources

Group interview (TCK)


LGBTQI

Navigating life overseas.

Eric Nelson

Christopher Hoh


Singles in the Foreign Service

Going the Foreign Service life solo.

Naureen Nalia




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