Offices and Departments

Public Diplomacy Section (PDS)

The Public Diplomacy Section is responsible for press, culture, and education programs for the Embassy. With cooperation from other sections within the Embassy, the Public Diplomacy Section uses all available U.S. government products and services to promote mutual understanding; provide accurate information about American values, culture and institutions; and foster enduring institutional and personal linkages between Laos and the United States.

We do this in a number of ways.

Media

The Public Diplomacy Section has primary responsibility for responding to all media inquiries posed to the Embassy by Lao or foreign journalists. PDS works with other sections of the Embassy to get media placement of all U.S. government funded or supported programs in Laos. By promoting Embassy activities we are creating a foundation of trust with the Lao people. The Public Diplomacy Section maintains contact with both Lao and regional correspondents. We provide Lao government officials with information about U.S. policies, trends, American life and institutions.

Cultural Programs

Exchanges: PDS sends Lao citizens to the U.S. for short and extended periods of study through several exchange programs. We administer the International Visitors Leadership and Voluntary Visitors programs. PDS offers Lao students the chance to pursue advanced studies in the United States through the Fulbright Scholarship and Humphrey Fellowship programs.

English Teaching: We support English language and American Studies instruction at the university and teacher training college levels. PDS helps fund Lao TESOL, the largest annual training event for Lao teachers of English.  PDS also arranges workshops at the five Teacher Training Colleges in Laos, at the National University, and elsewhere. 

Conferences/Speakers: We fund and organize speakers programs that support the Embassy’s objectives in Laos. The speakers program promotes U.S. values and establishes institutional and personal ties between the U.S. and Laos. Recent speakers have discussed trafficking in persons, museum exhibits, intellectual property rights, and internet research techniques. 

Student Advising Services: PDS maintains a student advising reference collection. The Information Resource Center Director provides assistance to students who are interested in studying in the United States.  Regular information sessions begin each September to help students choose the right colleges and prepare for the TOEFL exam, which is now offered only via the internet at two locations in Vientiane.

Cultural Programs: PDS organizes the visits of American musicians to Laos to promote cross-cultural understanding. One example was the American musical group Trio Chicago which performed at the National Culture Hall in January 2007. The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, which provides funds to preserve important local heritage sites, has supported a survey and signage project at the Hintang Archaeological Park in Huaphan Province, preservation of the murals at Vat Sisaket, and the preservation of artifacts at Ho Pra Keow.

Information Resource Center (IRC)

The Public Diplomacy Section also houses the IRC, which provides specialized, substantive, and accurate reference and research information about the United States, its people, and its policies. The Information Resource Center responds to inquiries from Embassy employees, Lao government officials, academics, members of the media, and private citizens.

American Centers (Vientiane) (Luang Prabang)

The American Center in Vientiane and the Reading Center in Luang Prabang are equipped with books, magazines, on-line databases, and other materials.  These centers can provide information about American people and culture, history and society, government and politics, economics and trade, foreign affairs and defense, literature and performing arts, and education and language. Both locations also have information on issues of global concern, such as narcotics trafficking, protection of the environment, and terrorism.

The American Center and Reading Center are open to the general public free of charge and welcome visits by government officials, academics, journalists, students, and others interested in information about the United States.