Review Resources For The Foreign Service Officer Examinations - Philippines

8/17/2020

Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

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Subreddit Wiki Posted by u/fakeviking public servant 2 years ago 

Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations I would preface this with a disclaimer: this is a guide, not a definitive source for the FSOEs. But here are the things that I used and read when I was reviewing for the exams. You do not have to read everything (I didn't). Before you dive deep into international relations, I suggest you start reviewing for the qualifying test first because that is where most applicants fail. The [Ateneo European Studies site] (https://ateneo.edu/ls/soss/european-studies/foreign-serviceexamination-review) has summarized the topics that you should read about nicely: FSO Career System and Supervision of Its Operation Philippine History Philippine Culture Key Issues on Philippine Economic Development Competition Policy and Philippine Competition Law Asian History Western History Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Application Global Politics: Peace, Security and Conflict Political Geography and Comparative Politics Geopolitics and Contemporary Issues/Cases Diplomatic and Consular Theory and Practice Transnational Trends and Challenges: Migration, Transnational Crimes, Health Issues Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law/ Assistance, and the International Criminal Court Foreign Policy of Major Powers: China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, UK and US The Philippine Constitution and Government https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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Philippine Politics, Governance and Public Administration Search Philippine Foreign Policy: Its Evolution and Contemporary Formulation and Implementation International Organizations and Regional Arrangements, i.e. ASEAN, OIC, ARAB LEAGUE International Trade Theory and Policy Philippine Trade Policy, WTO and Regional Blocs Climate Change and Environmental Challenges Environmental Diplomacy Public International Law and Treaties Private International Law and Assistance to Nationals Public Diplomacy and Diplomatic Correspondence Protocol and Social Graces Here are the useful links: DFA Links https://dfa.gov.ph/fsoexams https://dfa.gov.ph/what-is-an-fso-and-fsoe https://dfa.gov.ph/about/phl-foreign-policy https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate http://www.fsi.gov.ph/cirss-commentaries/ The official YouTube channel of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines RA 7157 Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991 Scholarly materials https://think-asia.org/discover?scope=%2F&query=philippines Other government sites of interest https://ppp.gov.ph/ http://www.neda.gov.ph/ http://www.neda.gov.ph/infrastructure-flagship-projects/ http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/ http://2040.neda.gov.ph/ http://www.neda.gov.ph/2017/01/24/2017-2022-public-investment-program/ http://www.ph.undp.org/content/philippines/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html Wikipedia Resources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Philippines https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_Philippines Search https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_relations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopolitics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realpolitik Check Wikipedia by date to give you an overview of the events of the year. Example below: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_in_the_Philippines https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018 The world’s leading open access website for students and scholars of international politics http://www.e-ir.info/ http://www.e-ir.info/publications/ (these ebooks are free to download) Crash Course Videos in YouTube World History 1 World History 2 Sociology Philosophy US Government and Politics Economics Other Playlists on YouTube Diplomacy International Law MOOC by Louvain Stratfor Geographic Challenges Council on Foreign Relations The Economist Foreign Affairs Center for Strategic & International Studies Chicago Council on Global Affairs The Economist Intelligence Unit The School of Life - Western Philosophy Playlist The School of Life - Political Theory Playlist Macat Analysis Videos - Introductions to the World's Greatest Ideas https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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Macat - The Most Important Books in Politics Search Diplomacy - Compiled by a YouTube user Wendover Productions Online Magazines/Organizations *The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. *The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. *The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Established in Washington, D.C., over 50 years ago, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help decisionmakers chart a course toward a better world. *The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a unique global network of policy research centers in Russia, China, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the United States. Foreign Policy The ThoughtCo. Coursera classes International Relations Theory Changing Global Order United Nations Geopolitics of Europe Diplomacy International Migrations International Leadership and Organizational Behavior Political Governance and Public Policy in Russia Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes International Cyber Conflicts International Organizations Management Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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Understanding International Relations Theory Search Moral Foundations of Politics International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague edx Classes International Law Understanding Political Concepts The EU and Human Rights Global Politics Contemporary Issues in World Politics Global Media, War, and Technology Religion, Conflict and Peace Human Rights Theory and Philosophy Good luck guys. Feel free to ask questions. Edited: Formatting Edited 6/23: Additional Online Courses Edited 6/25: Added Stratfor Playlist and other YouTube channels Edited 7/3: Added two YT playlists and foreign policy/affairs resources/magazines Edited 8/10: Added Wendover Productions Edited 10/09: Added DFA YouTube site

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ShrikePH You want to **** 2B, don't you? 5 points · 2 years ago

Thank you very much for the resources. The subject matter itself seems very useful not just for the purpose of being an FSO. A bit offtopic but I'm curious as to what your answer will be if asked regarding the recent issues between China and the Philippines. Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant  8 points · 2 years ago  The recent issuesSearch are not the sum of our relationship with China and we are committed to a strong and fruitful relationship together despite the challenges Share

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pinkpugita 2 points · 2 years ago

Thank you so much for this! I saved this thread.😍 This narrows down my reading list and will allow me to focus on certain topics. Give Award

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haroldareyou LA Represent! 2 points · 2 years ago

Really appreciate your effort and time for this :) Thank you! Give Award

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vardonir mingmingming 2 points · 2 years ago

Your bulleted lists are broken. Thanks! Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago  Yeah sorry i can't format well Share

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 vardonir mingmingming 2 points · 2 years ago  They putting an empty space between each line. something something Like this: * something (empty space) * something Share

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 fakeviking  salamat! Share

public servant  2 points · 2 years ago

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Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

mmimbulus 2 points · 2Search years ago

Wow!! Thank you! Give Award

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[deleted] 2 points · 2 years ago

Heyo!!! Many thanks for this. Share

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Hiraya_Manawari Glasses lover 2 points · 2 years ago

Formatted the list of topics para sa iba: FSO Career System and Supervision of Its Operation Philippine History * Philippine Culture Key Issues on Philippine Economic Development Competition Policy and Philippine Competition Law Asian History Western History Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Application Global Politics: Peace, Security and Conflict Political Geography and Comparative Politics Geopolitics and Contemporary Issues/Cases Diplomatic and Consular Theory and Practice Transnational Trends and Challenges: Migration, Transnational Crimes, Health Issues Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law/ Assistance, and the International Criminal Court Foreign Policy of Major Powers: China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, UK and US The Philippine Constitution and Government Philippine Politics, Governance and Public Administration Philippine Foreign Policy: Its Evolution and Contemporary Formulation and Implementation International Organizations and Regional Arrangements, i.e. ASEAN, OIC, ARAB LEAGUE International Trade Theory and Policy Philippine Trade Policy, WTO and Regional Blocs Climate Change and Environmental Challenges Environmental Diplomacy Public International Law and Treaties Private International Law and Assistance to Nationals

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Public Diplomacy and Diplomatic Correspondence Search Protocol and Social Graces Give Award

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aldaruna pichi-picheese 2 points · 2 years ago

Salamat, OP! Congrats for passing and best of luck in your career as FSO. Give Award

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sevendropper 2 points · 2 years ago

Forgive my ignorance, but what's your career trajectory as an FSO? I'm quite privy to how the exam's mortality rate is lower than the Bar Exams or heck even Harvard's freshman intake on any given year so ofc people who pass the exam automatically are the cream of the crop. I'm just at a loss that a person who clearly has the mental fortitude and EQ to pass the FSOE can easily land a career that pays significantly higher if they want to. Not being condescending at all, so please enlighten me! Does it have to do with passion in IR? Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant   Here's the ranking:

1 point · 2 years ago

A chief of mission shall be assigned as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to head a diplomatic mission, or as deputy head of mission or as consul general to head a consular establishment. A career minister shall be assigned as career minister in a diplomatic mission or as consul general to head a consular establishment. A foreign service officer, class I, shall be assigned as first secretary in a diplomatic mission or consul in a consular establishment. A foreign service officer, class II, shall be assigned as second secretary in a diplomatic mission or consul in a consular establishment. A foreign service officer, class III, shall be assigned as third secretary in a diplomatic mission or vice-consul in a consular establishment. A foreign service officer, class IV, shall be assigned as third secretary in a diplomatic mission or vice-consul in a consular establishment. This is where we start* Learn More Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991 Share

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 sevendropper 2 points · 2 years ago  Thoughts on the second part of my question? https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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 fakeviking public servant  5 points · 2 years ago  Well, I would definitely get a pay cut when I join the DFA... But as soon as I am assigned abroad, the allowances will be generous. I am joining because I want to serve my country, not because of the prestige (ok, the prestige is amazing). You have to have a passion for public service, and the burning hope that you can help improve the position of our country in the world even in a small way. Share

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thirdworldpcgamer Imeprial Manila 2 points · 2 years ago

Thank you very much /u/fakeviking , na inspire tuloy ulit ako :) Give Award

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Arpacasum 2 points · 2 years ago

You're the best! Many Thanks!!! :) Give Award

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ubejam Siomai+Puso 2 points · 2 years ago

World History 1 Link playlist is wrong :( Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant   Gugel nyo na lang Share

1 point · 2 years ago

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 ubejam Siomai+Puso 2 points · 2 years ago  Ive seen it thou before kasi world history “nerd” daw haha. Pero I hope you can edit it for the other peeps and thank you for these resources and that AMA! Learned new things :) Share

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 fakeviking public servant   I edited the link! Share

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1 point · 2 years ago

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SongstressInDistress r/BPOinPH 2 points · 2 years ago

Are there any educational background requirements before taking the FSOE? Gi

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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 2 years ago  You must be a graduate of a 4 year course Share

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 ranchstarimix1985 1 point · 2 years ago  with a mental Caliber of a law graduate, public speaking and confidence of a top salesman I guess.

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laurylory 2 points · 1 year ago

Good day. IR isn't my degree and college and now I'm at a brink of dropping out of law school. Do you think I can catch up with the whole international relations topics before the 2020 exams? Thank you very much po. Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 1 year ago  You should actually take the exams now. I didn't have any IR background, I just reviewed on my own. But I made it. Share

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 laurylory 3 points · 1 year ago  Thank you very much sir. I still need 6 months to qualify with the work experience and/or further studies. Before po kasi akala ko lawyers lang ang pwede maging foreign service officer kaya I heeding to the dream of my mom of becoming a lawyer hehe. Sobrang laking tulong po ng post nyo. Maraming salamat po. Share

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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 1 year ago  I am a Miss. Lol. There's a lot of lawyers who join but there's a lot of us din na nonlawyers. Good luck! This list is pretty exhaustive and if you go through everything, there's no reason for you not to pass. Ateneo also has a review session, if you can spare the expense, take it. I heard it was good. Share

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 laurylory 2 points · 1 year ago  Thank you very much po! Mam, may I ask how long was your review/preparations? Yes po I saw Ateneo's post, but tapos na po. I'll wait for further announcement. Share

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fakeviking public servant  1 point · 1 year ago

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 I started reviewing when I applied for the exams. I was kinda lucky, I guess. Search

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 laurylory 2 points · 1 year ago  Thank you very much po for all the answers. Sobrang laking tulong po. Share

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pulsephaze22 ah yeah, i like that 1 point · 2 years ago

Thanks a lot! Give Award

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AdditionalExcitement embrace solutions not excuses 1 point · 2 years ago · edited 2 years ago

Whats the monthly pay, to see if its worth the trouble. For the demanding test, i would imagine 150k plus a month? But sometimes philippines jobs pay low, i think an airline pilot only gets like 80k a month Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago  How much is the salary of a FSO IV? A FSO IV has a salary grade of 24. As per Executive Order No. 201, s. 2016, a FSO IV’s basic salary will amount to PHP 73,299 effective January 01, 2018, and will increase to PHP 83,406 effective January 01, 2019. As for benefits, Section 63 of RA 7157 allows for provision of allowances and medical insurance to foreign service personnel. Allowances (overseas, living quarters, representation and family allowance) Share

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 AdditionalExcitement embrace solutions not excuses 2 points · 2 years ago  Ouch thats sort of low considering the requirements. Share

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 fakeviking public servant   Check the allowances :) Share

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5 points · 2 years ago

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HeightenedStates1 1 point · 2 years ago

Thank you for this. I sent you a private message as well. I hope you don't mind. :) Give Award

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Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

haeinj 1 point · 2 years ago

Search Thank you for this, OP! I am part of the batch taking the present round of exams and I guess the difficult thing about it (apart from taking the tests itself) is the length of time spent waiting for the results of every stage. How did you keep yourself sane through all the waiting? Ngl I have been getting nightmares due to anxiety lol Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant   You're welcome.

2 points · 2 years ago

Well since it is a problem that is out of my control, I thought of other things to distract myself. I also studied for the other steps of the process for the meantime. Like right now, while waiting for the presidential appointment, I am reading books on politics and international trade. I allowed myself to be annoyed and go crazy sometimes, just to vent and keep myself sane. I would go shopping or eat a lot. Lol. But ultimately, I have no say in the process so I just keep myself busy with work and studying. Good luck. I hope you make it. Share

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 haeinj 1 point · 2 years ago  Thank you for the reply! It is rather unfortunate that there are no support groups for people taking the FSOE, unlike the bar or medical professional exams. Most of the FSO test takers have to rely on themselves since not a lot of people even know that there is such an exam to begin with. I wish you all the best with this exciting albeit challenging career, and I hope to see you in the service in the very near future! Share

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 fakeviking public servant   I hope you made it! Share

2 points · 2 years ago

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 haeinj 2 points · 2 years ago  Yes, I did! Thank you so much for remembering. Is it alright to seek for your advice regarding the psychological exam? I know there is no way to prepare for it, but I would appreciate if you can share with us how the exam is like and what stuff they asked you to do. :) Share

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Searchpublic servant  2 points · 2 years ago  fakeviking  Yeah sure no problem. If you wanna get coffee I'm just at BGC. Share

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 haeinj 1 point · 2 years ago  PM sent! :) Share

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 reinwillreign 1 point · 1 year ago  Hi! Did you pass the Psychological Test? Share

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago  the FSOEs isnt that popular to command a following. I hope that you make it! Share

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 [deleted] 1 point · 1 year ago  Hi! I'm thinking of taking the FSOE this coming January 2019. I'm just a bit hesitant due to the reviews I have read online of how grueling the exam can be. I am a Registered Nurse, but am very interested to try my like with this exam.

Any pointers you can give? I will appreciate it so much. Thank you! Share

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chrcmj 1 point · 1 year ago

Hi! My undergrad course is BSNursing and a recent bar exam passer (barely passed it). I just started reading stuff outside law school (ie news, articles) after passing the bar. I am not really into politics, and only fond of Korean drama and the like. and also... I think I have an average IQ. Do you think I have a chance of passing the FSOE? Give Award

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 1 year ago  If you study yes. Everyone who tries have better chances than those who don't. https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/8gxi4v/review_resources_for_the_foreign_service_officer/

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