about the nuts and bolts of the international affairs arms of the U.S. Moreover, Cloud saw firsthand how everything fits into a larger picture. It makes me feel successful because I know where to go within D.C. – with embassies of different countries, the trade promotion arms of those embassies, international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Inter-American Development Bank – those connections come back to help you out when you are working in an embassy. “The connections that you make by being an IRS in D.C. In 2008, Cloud became a federal employee and later worked in Mexico City before finally moving to Colombia where she currently serves as a CBP Attaché.Ĭloud stresses the importance of being an IRS in Washington, D.C. Department of Commerce, leading to a full-time contractor position with a CBP border security program after she completed her master’s degree. Cloud also began an internship at the U.S. Next, Cloud returned stateside to pursue a master’s degree in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She also developed the language skills that she would use in her future endeavors. From there, Cloud taught at an international school in Guatemala, affording her the opportunity to live abroad long term for the first time. She went on to study International Relations at the College of William and Mary in Virginia and then taught middle school under the Teach For America program. Growing up in North Carolina, Cloud was always interested in seeing the world. In fact, as an IRS, Cloud traveled to all of Central America, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Barbados and Belgium. She also visited every Central American country more than once, sometimes with high level leadership, speaking in front of private sector groups, visiting ports, organizing a conference and meeting the president of Panama. (CBP) Attaché Amy CloudĬloud gained valuable experience as an IRS, leading to further exciting opportunities such as helping create the first border police in Costa Rica. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Attaché Amy Cloud, becoming an International Relations Specialist (IRS) paved the way. attaché, serving your country while working overseas? For U.S. Have you ever wondered how you can become a U.S.

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