Michael Orlansky

Michael D. Orlansky is a retired Foreign Service Officer who had a long and varied career in academia and diplomacy. Here are the key details about his background and career:

Academic Background

• Earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish literature from Yale University
• Obtained a master's degree in special education from Boston College
• Received a PhD in education from the University of Idaho1

Early Career

• Taught at the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts
• Served in the US Air Force
• Worked as a professor of special education at the University of Virginia for 5 years
• Taught at Ohio State University for 7 years
• Spent a semester as a Fulbright lecturer at the University of Zagreb1

Foreign Service Career

• Joined the US Foreign Service in 1989 at age 43, transitioning from academia to diplomacy1
• Served as a Foreign Service Officer for 22 years, from 1989 to 201112
• Worked primarily as a public diplomacy officer, responsible for public affairs, educational and cultural programs, and international exchanges
• Served at US embassies in Indonesia, Ghana, Guatemala, Macedonia, and Chile, as well as in Washington, DC, and New York City1

Post-Retirement

• Retired from the Foreign Service in 2011
• Currently lives in Burlington, Vermont
• Volunteers with several community organizations123

Michael Orlansky's career demonstrates a successful transition from academia to diplomacy, where he was able to apply his educational background and skills to a fulfilling career in the Foreign Service. His experience highlights the diverse opportunities available in diplomatic work for those with backgrounds in languages, literature, and education.