Diplomats are often portrayed in movies and on television as rude, obnoxious individuals with low moral standards who consistently break laws and get off without consequence by claiming “diplomatic immunity.” In reality this is far from the truth and being a Foreign Service Officer – the official name of American diplomats – is actually about being a positive public service representative in a host country, promoting peace and foreign policy, and providing assistance to Americans in need overseas 미국 아포스티유.
A Foreign Service Officer will usually work overseas in an embassy and help to formulate policy and assist in its implementation. The hiring process is very competitive and includes a written exam, and oral exam and a security assessment before they can even be considered. The Foreign Service Officer Test is widely considered one of the most challenging exams around.
Working as a diplomat can be rewarding, challenging and at times even dangerous as embassy buildings can become targets or terrorist attacks and other crimes. Foreign Service Officers have died in the line of duty, but fortunately such incidents are rare due to appropriate security and training undertaken in preparation for international assignments.
The most misunderstood “perk” of being a diplomat is “diplomatic immunity.” Diplomatic Immunity means that a diplomat cannot be arrested or prosecuted in their host country for breaking local laws. The idea is to promote good will and welcome diplomats from a variety of places into hostile countries. This can lead to diplomats taking advantage of diplomatic immunity to get out of traffic tickets and being generally pains in the rears at times. However, it does not allow individuals to go about committing violent criminal acts without retribution either.
First of all, a diplomat can be kicked out of the host country for their behavior. The host country will declare them a “persona non grata,” or “person no longer welcome.” If they do not leave they can then be arrested just the same as anyone else. Secondly, the diplomat is still obligated to follow the laws of their own country and can be prosecuted by their own country as well for crimes committed in their host country.
Diplomatic immunity is not a simple “get out of jail free card”, as often portrayed on television. It is serious business, and while vital to international diplomacy, isn’t a privilege that allows diplomats to run rampant, either in the United States or other countries.
All in all being a Foreign Service Officer has its pros and cons and you should give careful consideration to the job at hand if you are thinking of signing up.