A Foreign Service brat (also referred to as "diplobrat") is a person whose parent(s) served full-time in the United States Foreign Service during the person's childhood. The term brat is often thought of as derogatory; however, in a foreign service context the term has a neutral feel and is sometimes taken as a sign of pride. A Foreign Service brat may spend the majority of their childhood outside the United States.

A similar term refers to children of other foreign and diplomatic services, known as diplomat brat or diplobrat. Like similar groups, such as military brats, Missionary Kids, or other Third Culture Kids, Foreign Service brats are faced with frequent moves, and possibly the absence of a parent. Many Foreign Service brats will grow up to take on roles similar to their parents, some joining the U.S. Foreign Service themselves. When reintegrated with regular students in a stateside setting these children often feel very different and have issues with being accepted. Also, the perceived eliteness of the Foreign Service further separates these children from others.

[edit] Notable former Foreign Service brats

• Stewart Copeland, drummer for the Police
• Greg Kinnear, actor
• John Kerry, U.S Senator, Presidential candidate
• Kathleen Turner, actress
• William Hurt, actor
• Dylan Walsh, actor

[edit] External links

• Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide: online resources and community for U.S. diplomatic families.