Foreign Service Officers

High School

Those who work for the Foreign Service will need to call on a great deal of general knowledge about the world and its history. Take courses such as social studies, history, American government, and English literature. English composition will help you develop writing and communication skills. Any foreign language courses will give you a good foundation in language study—and good foreign language skills can help in getting a job with the Foreign Service and make you eligible for a higher starting salary. Take a journalism course in which you'll follow current events and world news, as well as develop your writing and editing skills. Accounting, math, business, and economics classes will give you a good background for dealing with foreign trade issues.