8/17/2020 Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

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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-service-

examination-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

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8/17/2020 Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

Philippine Politics, Governance and Public Administration

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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

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_Philippines
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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

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8/17/2020 Review Resources for the Foreign Service Officer Examinations : Philippines

Macat - The Most Important Books in Politics

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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

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Understanding International Relations Theory

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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

 50 Comments  Give Award  Share  96% Upvoted

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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.

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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

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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.

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 haroldareyou LA Represent! 2 points · 2 years ago

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

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 vardonir mingmingming 2 points · 2 years ago

 Your bulleted lists are broken.

Thanks!

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago

 Yeah sorry i can't format well
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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

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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 2 years ago

 salamat!
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 mmimbulus 2 points · 2Search

years ago

 Wow!! Thank you!

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 [deleted] 2 points · 2 years ago

 Heyo!!! Many thanks for this.

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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

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Protocol and Social Graces

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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.
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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?

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago

 Here's the ranking:

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

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 sevendropper 2 points · 2 years ago

 Thoughts on the second part of my question?

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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.

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 thirdworldpcgamer Imeprial Manila 2 points · 2 years ago

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

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 Arpacasum 2 points · 2 years ago

 You're the best! Many Thanks!!! :)

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 ubejam Siomai+Puso 2 points · 2 years ago

 World History 1 Link playlist is wrong :(

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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago

 Gugel nyo na lang

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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 :)
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 fakeviking public servant  1 point · 2 years ago

 I edited the link!

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 SongstressInDistress r/BPOinPH 2 points · 2 years ago

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

Gi A d R t S
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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 2 years ago

 You must be a graduate of a 4 year course
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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 non-
lawyers. 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.
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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.
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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.
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 laurylory 2 points · 1 year ago

 Thank you very much po for all the answers. Sobrang laking tulong po.
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 pulsephaze22 ah yeah, i like that 1 point · 2 years ago

 Thanks a lot!

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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

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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)

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 AdditionalExcitement embrace solutions not excuses 2 points · 2 years ago

 Ouch thats sort of low considering the requirements.
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 fakeviking public servant  5 points · 2 years ago

 Check the allowances :)

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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. :)

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 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
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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 2 years ago

 You're welcome.

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.

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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!

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 fakeviking public servant  2 points · 2 years ago

 I hope you made it!

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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. :)

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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.
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 haeinj 1 point · 2 years ago

 PM sent! :)
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 reinwillreign 1 point · 1 year ago

 Hi! Did you pass the Psychological Test?
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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!

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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!
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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?

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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.

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