Joseph Snyder

Joseph Snyder was a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service officer for 30 years, serving at diplomatic posts in Thailand, Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia, Austria and Washington, D.C. Among other positions, Joseph was Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, where he worked on nuclear issues in North Korea, Iran and Iraq. Joseph has traveled and lectured extensively throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He earned his undergraduate degree at Georgetown and his graduate degree at Yale, majoring in international relations with an emphasis on the history, politics and economics of Asia. He speaks Mandarin Chinese, German and French.

Hugh Neighbour

Hugh Neighbour brings many years of experience as a diplomat for the U.S. and an officer in the U.S. Navy, mostly working overseas.  Specialized in political and economic affairs, he was posted in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.  Hugh was awarded the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award as well as a number of Department of State awards for distinguished service. 

Since retiring from the U.S. State Department in 2010, Hugh has worked as a consultant in both Washington and overseas, served as an official observer for several elections overseas, and lectured aboard high-end cruise ships. Several times a year, Hugh directs a course in advanced foreign area studies to select groups in the Washington region.  Hugh will offer a fresh, up-to-date perspective on the history, culture, and current affairs of the fascinating peoples and places you will visit.