Foreign Policy in Chautauqua With the American Foreign Service

This is a good program. It would have been helpful to know the topics of the lectures before the beginning of the week. I felt that several lectures on Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East was not needed. Along with taking away the free afternoon. The hotel needed to work on improving the food, especially the temperature of the food, that is served.

This was the most educational, informative program I have attended in many years. I learned so much about my government and how it presents abroad. It was extremely worthwhile.

Very well-done program!

As a former military advisor, the program helped me to better understand what the "other side of the house" was doing and how their role affected my mission(s). Those of us at the tip of the spear are not often read into the background factors prompting our mission. If you want to know more about the "hows and whys," you need to attend this program that will give you a much better perspective.

One of the best educational programs that I have ever attended!!!

A very worthwhile review of current foreign policy issues by well informed retired foreign service officers. Hard to cover everything going on in the world but I was surprised there were no sessions on China, Brazil or India. That said, I have already signed up for the session on the Middle East next summer!

A highly worthwhile experience- first-rate lecturers, a beautiful setting, friendly and helpful staff and participants, and good food. What's not to like?

A wonderful experience -- exhilarating, informative and thoroughly enjoyable.

Fabulous education. Great presenters. Enjoyed very much. Hotel had beautiful grounds and views. Food was good, not great. Due to a very bad back, beds were not comfortable; but that’s me more than hotel. Hotel staff were very good. Main thing about hotel I did not like: carpets in my room were filthy!!!! Unpleasant. Also on 2 separate occasions I had bugs crawling on me at night. I get hotel is old, but pest control needed. Also, not sure what arrangement was for cleaning room, but I would come at day’s end to find bed made, but garbage not emptied. Or, fresh towels, but bed not made. Maybe that was intended. Most of all, I enjoyed the very nice people I met. The program was interesting and I learned a lot. Everyone did a great job in organizing, transporting, and listening to my needs. Enjoyed!

Overall, I enjoyed the program and got good information. Met some interesting people. Did not care for the venue.

The word "Chautauqua" caught my eye as I was browsing Road Scholar materials. It brought back fond memories from my childhood when we would go swimming and boating at Chautauqua Lake, just an hour from where we lived. Although I was familiar with the lake, I knew nothing about the Chautauqua Institution. When I discovered the Road Scholar program about the U.S. Foreign Service, in partnership with the Chautauqua Institution, I knew it would be a perfect fit for my interests. I am an avid follower of history and political science lectures on "The Great Courses" and use the online geography program Seterra to learn about the countries of the world. These interests, combined with the recommended reading of the book "Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work," provided excellent background for the program. Although not everyone read the book, it was their loss, as it added significant depth to the experience. However, even without this background, I believe anyone interested in America's role in the world would benefit from the program. The week-long program included three interactive sessions daily, designed to delve into the intricacies of the U.S. Foreign Service as experienced by the retired Foreign Service officers. Road Scholar and The Chautauqua Institution also provided meals and nightly entertainment. The presenters from the Foreign Service had decades—if not a lifetime—of experience. Two of them had served as ambassadors. They generously shared their insights into U.S. foreign policy, their personal roles, and how the field has evolved over time. Spending a week with such a knowledgeable and experienced group was an incredible opportunity.

Worst Road Scholar trip. Advertised as “foreign policy” one thing I learned is that American diplomats are proud to be apolitical - and policy is politics which they strongly refuse to discuss. This trip rather than discussing foreign policy became war stories from clever, personable, successful 30 year apolitical bureaucrats. 80% of presentations avoided discussions of policy entirely. A D grade.

Chautauqua, the gift that keeps on giving, stirs the mind, enervates the body, calms the Soul. I felt all of these and more this week, and made a few new friends. The weather was mostly sunny, cool breezes, an abundance of walking paths, lush greenery and flowers and glorious HUGH trees, with view of the lake. The historic Atheneum Hotel with beautiful antiques or reproductions were an extra bonus for me. The Lecturers were well prepared, knowledgeable, personable, accessible everyday and at meals or public spaces throughout the program. I gained new insights, slept well and the FOOD at every meal was amazing!

The Foreign Policy program was interesting, informative, and there was a lot of fun moments. I would really recommend this program, the presenters were so down to earth, and the discussions were so varied. The program and the presenters were exceptional.

The Athenaeum in Chautuagua, a beautiful, grand old hotel to explore. The program about U.S. foreign service is informative and fascinating. The presenters are experienced employees of the state department.

I was a very worthwhile educational experience. Fantastic speakers.

I learned in a personal way about the responsibilities and additional activities of our diplomats, for our presenters were available and open to conversations throughout each day. Our visiting diplomats acknowledged often our knowledge and life experiences. I felt almost like one if them. Learning the personal qualities required to become a diplomat increased my respectful iurforeign service speakers. Addutionaly, the Road Scholar staff was always available and interacted with us as friends and colleagues. Extra learning activities and literature, and resources at the Chautauqua Institutes were unplanned and unexpected gifts. I am considering registering for the program again.

This was the 4th time I have attended the Foreign Policy program at Chautauqua. It did not disappoint! The speakers generously shared their varied experiences and perspectives through their presentations and informal conversations at meals and downtimes. As usual, the attendees asked great questions and were interested in each other as well. I look forward to continuing interactions with my new friends.

I've been to three pf these Foreign Service programs over the years, so it is obvious I like them. I also like Chautauqua.

My knowledge and appreciation of the Foreign Service has increased exponentially as a result of attending the fall program at Chautauqua Institution. The setting is beautiful, the hotel is old but comfortable, the food above average, and the service quite good. Well worth the money!

I loved learning from the people who have personally worked to implement US foreign policy and have in-depth knowledge of what's happening in other countries. It now have high esteem for our foreign service workers. This program was so good I would attend it again in a few years to learn what's new.

An enlightening experience in a beautiful setting.

Exercise your brain in an idyllic setting. Foreign Policy's complexity juxtaposed with the tranquility of Chautauqua. What more can one ask?

This was my first Road Scholar program. It far exceeded my expectations. The speakers were leaders in their field with a ton of experience. I felt pampered!

Chautauqua is a unique learning environment. The program was well organized and provided many opportunities to both learn on your own and participate in guided learning sessions. For me, this program is unforgettable.

This is an enormously informative trip. I enjoyed very much learning about US foreign policy from experienced Foreign Service officers.

This was our third Road Scholar/Chautauqua experience and there will be attending more in the future!

The Chautauqua pre-season program with former Foreign Service Officers was a delight. Chautauqua is a great experience in itself and the ability to mingle informally with people who are well traveled, knowledgeable about foreign affairs and intellectually curious was stimulating.