The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is one of the largest labor statistics organizations in the world and has provided international training since 1945. Each year, the BLS conducts seminars of 1 to 3 weeks duration at its training facilities in Washington, DC. In addition to the annual international seminars, the Division of International Technical Cooperation organizes visits to BLS for many international visitors each year.

The seminars bring together statisticians, economists, analysts, and other data users from countries all over the world. Each seminar is designed to strengthen the participants' ability to collect and analyze economic and labor statistics. Each seminar includes a field trip, as well as lectures, discussions, and workshops.

In addition to the scheduled seminars, customized programs in labor statistics can be arranged. Customized programs can be scheduled between seminars, for participants attending more than one program, or at any other time of the year.

The language of instruction for both seminars and customized programs is English, and a reading knowledge of English is desirable. If necessary, simultaneous interpretation services may be arranged for an approximate cost of $600 per day.

In addition to its Washington-based training, BLS can conduct seminars overseas on request. Such seminars can be held either for a single country or for several countries in the same region. BLS also makes available technical experts to serve overseas, at the request of individual governments or international organizations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) international training seminar descriptions include the seminar dates and duration, cost, target audience, objectives, and program overview.

• Economic Indicators (2 weeks)
  April 14 - 25, 2008
• Labor Market Information Systems (2 weeks)
  May 5 - 16, 2008
• Measuring Productivity (2 weeks)
  June 2 - 13, 2008
• Survey Methods (1 week)
  June 16 - 20, 2008
• Wages, Earnings, and Benefits (2 weeks)
  July 14 - 25, 2008
• Constructing Price Indexes (3 weeks)
  August 4 - 22, 2008
• Advanced Topics on Price Indexes (1 week)
  August 25 - 29, 2008
• Employment and Unemployment Statistics (3 weeks)
  September 8 - 26, 2008
• Projecting Tomorrow's Workforce Needs (9 days)
  October 14 - 24, 2008
• Analyzing Labor Statistics (9 days)
  November 3 - 14, 2008
• Training of Trainers (3 days)
  Offered after most seminars to participants who attended a subject seminar.

• Data Dissemination
  
• Occupational Safety and Health Statistics
  
• Managing Statistical Programs
  
• Technology and Survey Processing
  
• Advanced Topics on Employment and Unemployment Statistics
  

Customized programs at BLS

In addition to scheduled seminars, the Bureau of Labor Statistics may arrange customized programs upon request on any topic related to labor statistics for individual participants or small groups. For example, customized programs have been conducted on occupational safety and health statistics, managing statistical programs, and sampling methodology. Such programs may range in duration from a few days to a month or longer. The content of each program is individually designed to meet the needs of the participant(s), and may include attendance at selected seminar sessions, consultations with subject matter specialists, or partipation in or design of research projects to provide practical experience in the subject area. Customized programs may include field trips to other U.S. cities.

Customized programs also may be arranged for the periods before or after a scheduled seminar for participants enrolled in the seminar program. The cost of each program depends upon program duration, the amount of domestic travel required, and any additional administrative costs incurred.

Overseas seminars

The Bureau of Labor Statistics may hold overseas seminars on selected topics in labor statistics for participants from a particular country or region. Most overseas seminars are from 1 to 2 weeks in duration.

The cost of overseas seminars depends upon the number of instructors required, the duration of the seminar, travel and per diem costs, and cost of simultaneous interpretation and translation of materials (if needed). Where a number of participants from one country or region need training in the same subject area, an overseas seminar may be cost-effective. Because of the lead-time that is required to plan an overseas seminar, requests for such programs should be submitted to the Bureau of Labor Statistics at least 6 months in advance of the desired starting date.

Consultations

BLS also makes available technical experts to serve as consultants. The cost of these services includes the expert's salary and benefits for the duration of the consultation, airfare, lodging, meals, and other expenses, as well as an administrative fee. Requests for technical experts should include a clear statement of the purpose of the consultation.

International visitors

Short-term international visitors are welcome at BLS, free of charge. The Division of International Technical Cooperation organizes visits to BLS for many persons each year. Visits are arranged for individuals, as well as for groups of all sizes. Visitors include economists, statisticians, researchers, analysts, managers, academics, trade union representatives, business leaders, and journalists.

Meetings are conducted in English. Non-English speaking visitors should bring their own interpreter. Every visit is unique and is organized to meet the needs and interests of the visitor(s).

How to request a visit

Requests for visits to BLS should be made as far in advance as possible, and include the following information:

• Preferred dates and time of visit to BLS;
• Number of participants and their names;
• Names of interpreters, when applicable;
• Topic(s) of interest (as detailed as possible);
• Mention of any previous visits;

Requests for customized programs, overseas seminars, consultations, and visits may be made by letter, telephone, fax, or e-mail

Security procedures

Everyone is required to enter the Bureau of Labor Statistics through the First Street, NE entrance (between Massachusetts Avenue and G Street, NE) across from Union Station. Everyone is required to show photo identification, such as a passport, to gain entry into BLS. After verification, visitors will be screened with X-ray and metal detection equipment.

2008 International Training Program Costs

The table below shows the total tuition costs for each seminar to be paid to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) by the sponsor of each seminar participant. These tuition costs do not include the cost of simultaneous language interpretation (which also is paid to the Bureau of Labor Statistics if required). This table also does not include the allowances that should be paid directly to the participant including allowances for housing and meals, books, and health insurance; nor does it include the cost of international travel.

Applications may be sent by letter, fax, or e-mail to:

Brian E. Graf, Acting Chief
Division of International Technical Cooperation
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Room 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001

Telephone: (202) 691-5666
Fax: (202) 691-7900
E-Mail: Contact us

All inquiries must include a complete mailing address and, if possible, telephone and fax numbers, and an e-mail address.

Payment, in U.S. dollars, is due before or upon the trainee's arrival at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Payment may be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. BLS accepts MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for EFT information. BLS will only accept payment by check from a U.S. chartered bank. Tuition does not include the allowances necessary for housing, meals, and medical insurance. Do not include money in tuition payments to BLS that should be paid directly to the trainee for such allowances.

BLS will reply to applications by fax or e-mail. In some cases, replies will be faxed to the U.S. Embassy in the participant's home country, whereupon an embassy official will contact either the applicant or the nominating organization.

Financial sponsor must complete, sign, and return the Training Payment Agreement to BLS to finalize enrollment.

Training and Program Inquiries

Training Application

Training Payment Agreement

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