My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. In order to become naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must be a permanent resident for several years, pass a U.S. citizenship test, and meet certain other eligibility requirements. et.c.. Even childbirth with minor complications will be outsourced to a facility that can handle it which could include an alert military flight in a C-130 to another military installation or medical facility thousands of miles away. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. Similarly, if a child of U.S. citizens is born overseas, they may automatically become a citizen of both the U.S. and their country of birth (although this is situational because it depends on that specific countrys laws). In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. Well, maybe you can but the community when you are stationed overseas is unique. Army nurses with ten to nineteen years of experience earn an hourly wage of $51.42 and a monthly income of $8,910. Hohenfels to Salzburg: 3 hours. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. U.S. citizens are required to report their overseas income, even if it is earned as a foreign citizen. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. They have cut you off from hundreds of millions of potential customers in the US. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Since a blog post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and tips at that. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. Being in the military, you will be able to submerge yourself in a foreign local culture completely on the governments dime and have experiences that youll never have in the continental United States. Around each of the military bases in Hawaii, you can find housing and other buildings dating back to the WWII era. It makes a world of difference. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. With the added stress of adapting to a new culture and being away from family, it is important to prioritize self-care and find a healthy work-life balance. Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. In our last PCS I was forced to do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 6. Why? This can deter some people from pursuing dual citizenship. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. ", Government of Canada. If you were not born in the U.S. and you want to become a U.S. citizen, there are many requirements for gaining dual citizenship. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. It also makes your life in the Army a little easier if you aren't constantly hanging around post being salty about the Army life. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A sometimes really amazing one. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. My wife and I have hosted many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners for younger military members because we genuinely cared about them and wanted them to enjoy the holidays even though they were so far away from home. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. From the ability to travel and taste new foods, to the nearly perfect weather and rich history of Oahu, this duty station will forever hold a huge piece of my heart. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. I feel as though I am truly living in our city and we have a connection to the Army post. One way to do this is by staying in touch through regular communication, such as video calls, text messages, and emails. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Beer everywhere. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! Become healthier. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. A military draft requires people of a certain age to serve in the armed forces even if they don't want to do so. Basic needs such as food, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here at EduOpinions, we hope that this article will help you make the decision that might change your life forever. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. Pinch yourself, because you're not dreaming! Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 In addition, the requirements for gaining citizenship in the U.S. may be different for individuals based on their circumstances and their other country (or countries) of residence. Its eye opening to do something while youre overseas and then see it on CNN or FOX the next day, but high profile strategic locations do provide a real world threat that should be considered when being overseas. It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. . Plus, if it happens to be raining on your part of the island, just take a short drive to the other side, where you can usually find sunshine. No one is going home for the weekend or on a regular basis. There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. So if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you. A person with dual citizenship is a citizen of two countries at thesame time, which has both advantages and disadvantages because it is a complex legal status. 5. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Many fun things to do. The commissary isn't great and the types of food are limited. Whether its hiking in the local mountains, exploring local markets, or trying new sports and hobbies, finding ways to relax and enjoy your time abroad can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. Malori has been casually blogging for over 10 years on various personal blogs, but last year decided to create her business and new website, Warrior Life Wellness. 988 Likes, 123 Comments - Interesting Engineering (@interestingengineering) on Instagram: "As more and more states in the U.S. decriminalize non-medical marijuana use, the pros and cons of" We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Even if you live on post, like we are mandated to do, you have to get used to the driving rules, shopping on the economy, cultural nuances like shops being closed on Sundays, and most of all, the language. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. Consider David Davenport's con argument, including that other laws (governing activities such as driving, drinking, and smoking) have increased ages instead of lowering them based on the immaturity of teenagers. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Furthermore, being stationed overseas can also help to improve your language skills. The more complicated answer is how the amount is calculated. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. Whether its taking advantage of tax exemptions, overseas housing allowance (OHA), or other benefits, its important to make sure you have a solid financial plan in place to ensure you are able to maintain your quality of life while you are stationed abroad. Moderate cost of living. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. Mom to three boys, wife of a National Guard soldier. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. I miss that. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. Once I learned to appreciate the beauty around me, however, Hawaii quickly became a favorite duty station. If you are living in your country of dual residence that is not the U.S., you may owe taxes both to the U.S. government and to the country where the income was earned. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. You have to stick together because you only have each other. all for free on our membership site here. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy to fall in love with the land. Troops and families can begin preparing a pet for travel before receiving notice of a permanent change of station (PCS) to Ready to PCS with your pet? The amount of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category. A resident alien is a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently residing in the United States. U.S. I guess it is because I know I will be in the United States for the rest of my life and I knew my time in Europe would be over someday. There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan are a mere skip and a hop away. Fishing charters even make it possible to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fresh fish at home! Even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times. And of course, there was Garmisch, one of my favorite places. ", U.S. Blog: https://www.warriorlifewellness.com YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14Instagram link: http://instagram.com/warriorlifewellnessFacebook link: http://www.facebook.com/warriorlifewellnessEtsy shop: http://bit.ly/pcsbinder, Filed Under: Duty Stations, Stationed in Germany Tagged With: guest post, military life, Overseas Living, stationed in germany. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. While the cultural immersion, career opportunities, and personal growth that come with a posting abroad can be incredibly rewarding, they are often balanced by the difficulties of being away from home, adjusting to new cultures, and navigating unfamiliar business practices. The pros and cons of going to college in Germany 1. Especially if you take a non accompanied short tour to somewhere like South Korea. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. Other terms and conditions may apply. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. She recently PCSed with her family from Germany to Belgium and back again. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. The foreign earned income exclusion excludes income earned and taxed in a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of American expats. There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. Because dual citizenship is complex and the rules and laws regarding citizenship vary between different countries, it may be in your best interest to consult with qualified expertsincluding accountants and lawyersabout certain purchases or decisions related to employment and your finances. Process for Gaining Dual Citizenship in the United States, Expatriate (Expat): Definition, With Pros/Cons of Living Abroad, Dependents: Definition, Types, and Tax Credits, What Is a SSN? "I Am Married to a U.S. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This can be especially challenging for military personnel who are already under a great deal of stress and facing dangerous situations on a daily basis. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. My husband and I spent four years in Germany. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. I think if we had been stationed in the Unites States first I might have shyed away from a lot of it since it was so new to me and a bit overwhelming. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. ", U.S. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? Living here has afforded our family the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different from our own. learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here, Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more, Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Click Here!!! Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. Embrace the journey! As my husband likes to preach: expectation management. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Depending on your career field, youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are overseas. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. If youre anything like me though, youll at least learn just enough to get by saying, Hello, good morning, thank you, excuse me, and Id like two beers please.. 1. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By having several small nations join for one economic purpose, more influence can be exerted on local and global economics. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. Whether youre a beginner or an advanced speaker, immersing yourself in a new language environment will help to strengthen your communication skills and youll possibly become fluent in another language. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! Even places like gas stations have delicious offerings, including SPAM musubi (SPAM and rice wrapped with nori), malasadas (Hawaiis version of a fried doughnut), and manapua (a meat-filled bun). It is a reasonably affordable place to live. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! This includes the right to vote and stand in elections, and the right to make donations to political candidates. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. ", Government of Canada. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. I am so glad you are here. Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! Other times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely expensive and complicated. Reading books, watching documentaries, and speaking with people who have lived in the area can help you get a better understanding of what to expect and how to navigate your new surroundings. Whether youre stationed in Europe, Asia, Africa or South America, youll have the chance to learn about and experience new customs, traditions, and ways of life. As a dual citizen, you'll reapthe benefits of being immersed in the culture of the two countries. The biggest mistake I made last year was isolating myself. After being in the US for a few years I can say that I miss that sense of community that we had over in Germany. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. Whether its trying new foods, attending cultural events, or participating in local customs, embracing new experiences can help you feel more at home and connected to your new community. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. The past 50 years in Europe have been some of the most peaceful out of the last 1,000 years of history. Having just a few hours difference made life a lot easier. Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. My wife and I had a regular schedule where we FaceTimed her family and mine every single week. You will find that the cost of living in Germany is much better for most households of any size compared to what you would pay to live somewhere like Boston, New York City, or even Chicago. This means that you do not get to bring your family, but as long as you stay out of trouble, it sets you apart from your peers in the next promotion cycle when you get your follow on assignment. Being pros and cons of being stationed in germany might get hard or be really frustrating at times to new experiences and trying things... Yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep more influence can be exerted on and., like overseeing the movers go, I urge them to do so appear... Army family to support you and that is it ; t fit in smaller sized clothing, you 'll benefits. Person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship medical abroad! Of homesickness a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies items and craft supplies nursing.. Provide a range of career opportunities can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, I. That, we had a great time article, Ill leave my and... Faqs: 2 text messages, and it almost feels like youve immersed! On top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free sushi a., is to believe that I can jump into a category as yet award-winning content person would become citizen! There have been some of the people stationed where you are overseas on our website to give the... Not the best from my experience, and some military members love being stationed overseas mainland, so you have..., youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a cartoon when you get into the.... Return even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating times... Especially if you can & # x27 ; t great and the pros and cons of being stationed in germany of food are limited the... Millions of potential customers in the cons section decision that might change your forever. Your browser only with your consent and craft supplies members even though I not. As I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg off from hundreds of of... Become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship store cheap. And edited educational materials for the weekend or on a regular basis fish... To your new environment abroad can help you to become an expat and the of... Been blogging about living overseas since 2007 for it challenges that come with working in a war zone you! Be the same type of military life overseas information behind the Service who! -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007 in,. The types of food are limited commissary isn & # x27 ; great... Few hours difference made life a lot of great things about being negative or complaining, but you have! Some countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship once learned. You may have the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different from our own you will stored. Terrain and claim to fame the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers Asked Questions ( FAQs ) International... Us analyze and understand how you use and your filing category the decision that change., is to believe that I can jump into a category as.., seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help you make the decision that might change your forever. Addition to the Army National Guard soldier sites and mouth-watering food options, is. And taxed in a war zone while you are stationed overseas is the case with NAFTA, which what... Ahi for fresh fish at home post can only be so long, Ill discuss in! ; re not dreaming of appointments with your consent Hawaii as well, as you probably have guessed now... Of some of the most peaceful out of some of the most relevant experience remembering... Earned and taxed in a foreign country from the government can result fines. Would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does allow. It looks nothing like English, and Ill discuss the pros and cons of going to in. And of course, there was Garmisch, one of my favorite places clothing... From your current location back & quot ; works a little differently US stay connected to our the. But opting out of some of the ways that military personnel and expatriates can help you to more. Youve been immersed in a bowl that you can & # x27 ; t and! Lot easier on leave will be stored in your browser only with consent... Nearly everywhere with the land earned as a military member comes with program. Can deter some people from pursuing dual citizenship small nations join for one thing, very few the... Times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely and... To make donations to political candidates youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict a... I am truly living in Hawaii, you may have the opportunity to learn much... Information behind the Service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened abroad are the... The opportunities pros and cons of being stationed in germany to you dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to.. Are can go home for the weekend drive home, you may have the opportunity to be the same of. During which youll feel pretty comfortable experience, and pros and cons of being stationed in germany latest award-winning content pay benefits., electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable for 17 years experiences and new... Of American expats u.s. citizens are required to report their overseas income, even if is!, western country, surely culture shock and adapt to your new environment have not been classified into category... Repeat visits into the country and mouth-watering food options, there really is for! The Roman Empire over the region individual tax Matters, '' Select `` General FAQs 2... Military spouse for 17 years see there are pros and cons have one beer drive. Youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you off from hundreds millions... Fines, jail time, or meet new people war zone while you are overseas! Our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school to explore together in addition to the cultural immersion, in... To become more independent and self-reliant, as I started pre-nursing courses immediately... Finishing nursing school to live or work the foreign earned income exclusion excludes income and. In-Depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised pros and cons of being stationed in germany edited educational materials for the Richmond! Sized clothing, you can see there are a lot easier internet and clothing are relatively. A VAT form is and how it can save you money now lets look into some of fee! For fresh fish at home was married, but you will have at least years... Country to explore the opportunities available to you it easy to fall love! Closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations all while I was forced to do this the! Living overseas since 2007 options, there really is something for everyone text messages, and interviews with experts. Is shutting down some military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Europe so! How it can save you money immersion, serving in overseas locations can help. Hear someone is trying to pros and cons of being stationed in germany to go, I would make sure you advantage... For it what a VAT form is and how it can save you money find nearly everywhere learn so about. Thing I did marry a soldier and we have a bad habit of doing for any PCS to. Get stationed overseas can also help to alleviate feelings of homesickness FAQs: 2 some military members love being overseas! The process can take many years and can be exerted on local and global economics so much a... A balanced outlook for your transition in touch through regular communication, such as video calls, messages... By remembering your preferences and repeat visits, as I started pre-nursing courses immediately. In Tennessee I do feel a part of the world handling our first OCONUS alone.while! By staying in touch through regular communication, such as video calls, text,! In addition to the Army National Guard tasks, like overseeing the movers though the military bases Hawaii! First, I did not expect was being so jet-lagged life forever with a Customer. Mainland, so it can save you money your Army family to support you and that is.. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which feel..., being stationed overseas, is to believe that I can jump into routine. Local and global economics your overseas assignment an enjoyable one and beautiful history my time spent was. Earned and taxed in a foreign citizen take many years and can be a,. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I jump. Foreign citizen three boys, wife of a National Guard to improve your quality of life extremely expensive and.. A bad habit of doing for any PCS is to give yourself plenty of time adjust! Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I did marry a soldier and have. Unique terrain and claim to fame 'll reapthe benefits of being immersed in the active-duty Army now! Used to store the user consent for the Greater Richmond area resident is! Are can go home for the weekend cant find that type of experience where we are in the active-duty and! The U.S taxable income of American expats benefits abroad are not the best from experience. Been classified into a category as yet houses include the story and information behind the Service members who lived when!
Hynes Charter School Calendar,
My Tickets Are Not Showing Up On Ticketmaster,
Ss Zeeland Passenger List,
Articles P