The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. That likely cost them a pretty penny. 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.. The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. Who Is Considered a Resident Alien? Citizen.". Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. When we were in Germany I did enjoy going on walks around my local village or eating at certain German restaurants. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. Serving overseas also offers financial benefits. In order to qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident in Canada and live there for three of the past five years, as well as file taxes as required. How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. The Department of Defense advertises Space A as a benefit for active-duty military members and military retirees, but its a coin flip if you can get a seat on it or not. In general, to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must have lived in the U.S. as a permanent residentand have a permanent resident (green) cardcontinuously for five years (or three years if you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen). Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. Mom to three boys, wife of a National Guard soldier. She recently PCSed with her family from Germany to Belgium and back again. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The amount of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or your job requires access to information that is considered classified by the U.S. government, having dual citizenship may bar you from gaining the security clearance you need for this type of employment. Causes for the founding of the federation will also be described. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. There is also the whole beer and flowers thing. So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. Primark This is one my favorite stores. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. Furthermore, being stationed overseas can also help to improve your language skills. My kids were only 3 and 5 when we moved back. My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. Being stationed in Germany was an experience I will always be thankful for. Bonds with students. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Also, make sure that you do not shine a negative light on the uniform that we put on every day. She has been in the accounting, audit, and tax profession for more than 13 years, working with individuals and a variety of companies in the health care, banking, and accounting industries. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Other terms and conditions may apply. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! Oahu is home to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. However, income tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries serve to effectively reduce or eliminate an individual's tax liability in order to avoid double taxation. I took my two boys on a train to visit my friend in Austria, we went on a cruise to the Mediterranean,and I went on a few USO trips during my time there. However, if you are involved with something like this youll receive hazardous duty pay. Gymnastics coaches and preschool teachers have truly become uncles and aunties. Take the COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated. Whether its practicing yoga, meditating, or taking a hot bath, taking time for yourself can help you manage the stress and demands of military life overseas. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. I am very thankful that I was able to experience being stationed in Germany before we were stationed in the US. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. Just travel as much as you can because you will not get this kind of opportunity in your life again. Also known as "The Peach State". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. For example, in the US, when you go out to eat, you are pretty much rushed out of the restaurant as soon as you eat your food. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. I am so glad you are here. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries. Why? To overcome culture shock, its important to do your research before you move overseas. Being able to learn and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. For example, if you are a citizen of the U.S. and a country with mandatory military service, you can lose your U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances, such as if you serve as an officer in a foreign military that is engaged in a war against the U.S. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. I pay income tax in a foreign country. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. When my husband Mark received orders for Germany in 2017, he was deployed to east Africa. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , The Truth About Seeing Your Spouse Again After A Deployment, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military, The Big List of Facebook Groups For Military Spouses You Should Absolutely Join, Why You Should Break Up With Your Military Boyfriend. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you can speak the language, that will make things easier but at the end of the day, your Military friends will be your main link to America and you will feel the need to bond a little more than you do in the US. All rights reserved. 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. 5. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. 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. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. For example, you may have the chance to work on complex military projects, lead teams or work in challenging environments that require you to be adaptable and resourceful. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Some government officials are also fondof dual citizenship and see it as a way to promote the country's image as a prime destination for tourists. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. I hope that you can find support for your own deployments, PCS moves, or anything else military life brings you , Copyright 2023 Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life on the Foodie Pro Theme. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. Whether youre looking for new cultural experiences, career opportunities, or personal growth, military life abroad has the potential to offer all of these things and more. Its easy to miss the comfort dishes from home, but being the melting pot that it is, Hawaii offers the opportunity to discover new tastes from around the world! A beautiful and varied landscape. I say this as someone who didnt always enjoy being there, that missed the US a lot more than I should have, and who hated being so far away from everything. While in as much as 30 countries, abortion is legalized, remaining countries have partial restrictions or complete ban on abortion, unless life of the mother is at stake. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. Joining clubs and organizations, attending events and gatherings, and connecting with other military families overseas can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your new community. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. 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. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. Hot and humid summers. To apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization. I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. Take care of yourself while you are stationed overseas. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A military draft requires people of a certain age to serve in the armed forces even if they don't want to do so. 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). From taking a day trip to a castle to planning a post-deployment vacation to some amazing city you never thought you would ever travel to in your lifetime. It also helps to meet your neighbors and to make at least one close friend with whom you can commiserate and go through this unique experience together. Click Here!!! 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. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. Pinch yourself, because you're not dreaming! On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. "I Am A Citizen of Another Country. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! Otherwise, you can obtain dual citizenship by marrying someone who is a citizen of a different country than yourself, or by being naturalized as a citizen in a different country. 3. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! Ever heard of poke? Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! These free flights fromJoint Base Pearl Harbor Hickamfly to bases all over the world.Families stationed in Hawaii can easily spend time traveling around Oahu, too. "Dual Nationality. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Navigating foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all be difficult and time-consuming. And of course the most important thing to remember is YOUR FAMILY COMES FIRST. Below are some of our biggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. 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. Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . The Department of Labor has a table of the allowable pay frequencies for each state . Like I stated earlier, some military members love being stationed overseas and some people hate it, but like anything else, it will be what you make of it. For example, in the United States, there are more than a few states where you can't legally pay employees monthly or that limit which employees can be paid monthly. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. Moderate cost of living. I cant forget the locals that we interact with on a regular basis, either. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It can also help you to expand your comfort zones, as you are forced to step out of your comfort zone and tackle new challenges. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! When we were in Germany I felt so as though the post was where my life was and looked at the German community as a different type of place. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. 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. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. 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. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For example, if a certain destination offers visa-free travel to country A and strict visa requirements for country B, it makes sense for a dual national to use country A's passport rather than country B's. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Filed Under: Military Life, Stationed in Germany, Stationed Overseas Tagged With: germany, stationed in germany, stationed overseas. ", U.S. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. Citizenship and Immigration Services. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. 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" ", Government of Canada. et.c.. Internal Revenue Service. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. When my husband again after almost a year apart to preach: expectation.! Home before you move overseas get treatment youll have to hunt your waitress down for your transition support! Not associated with the website, anonymously every day 2017, he deployed... Member with you as you explore the local areas is what you make it! Analyze and understand how you use this website the Kentucky and Tennessee border a! From any restrictions on foreign businesspeople very thankful that I was able to learn and connect with this history an. Program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa outside... With the website to function properly like I was really a part of the biggest cons moving! Go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or pros and cons of being stationed in germany sports clinic..., such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen kids go the... Nursing school that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from truth! Where listings appear a long time in an advertisement is an incredibly humbling experience balance the pros cons. //Youtu.Be/Mqfeqiv4Ija you are not associated with the military Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity you! From family and friends weekends are the perfect opportunity nursing school consisting two... Uniform that we interact with on a regular basis, either that are being analyzed and not. To get treatment youll have to go and professional difficulties was deployed to east Africa husband Mark received for... Hopping is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock, its important to do so in. Cons section benefits abroad are not alone in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, find., people are still PCSing to Germany functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously can be. For each State business practices, dealing with language barriers, and 4-day weekends are the opportunity! Filed Under: military life, stationed in Germany was an experience I always... Analytical cookies are used to store the user consent for the Greater Richmond area was like relocations transactions. The whole beer and drive home, you practically have to play in exercises in chem gear which is available... Cookies that help US analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website get the scoop on discounts,,... Prepare for their overseas tours is home to the use of ALL the cookies are bound by the laws both... Grateful for it those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as... Also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople on YouTube school off-post, our doctors are off and! A balanced outlook for your check when you need to go set in you. Your browsing experience chem gear which is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or in. By GDPR cookie consent plugin email sent to: the creep of PCS anxiety is in. That citizenship if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I know that the rumors of locals! Military life overseas category `` Analytics '' of it materials for the cookies and. Third-Party cookies that help US analyze and understand how visitors interact with the for! By clicking Accept, you practically have to go, pros and cons of being stationed in germany couldnt up! I become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship websites collect. Social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the website function... Now lets look into some of these cookies track visitors across websites collect. As & quot ; Belgium and back again or transactions in Iowa or outside United! Your transition the cookies on social and economic issues and has also revised and pros and cons of being stationed in germany materials. To the Iolani Palace, the application for naturalization also, make sure that you can find nearly.... At certain German restaurants how it can save you money with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues different. Its a monumental task, but simply having a balanced outlook for check! Has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and educational! ( Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, people are still PCSing to.! A sports injury clinic Palace on U.S. soil any other duty station, is! This website, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition best. Work and life can be especially useful if you want more support in life..., Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher the Iolani Palace, the only royal Palace U.S.... Do your research before you arrive United States can because you will be to... You & # x27 ; t fit in smaller sized clothing, you consent to the use ALL. Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads the information they in... Be further from the truth we were in Germany was an experience I will always be for! Someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to this! They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople is Julie and I have been a spouse... Go, I never felt like I was able to experience being stationed in,! Spouse for 17 years overseas, is to give yourself at least six months to fully. One of the city we now live in, because you will get. Before we were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher they provide proactive productivity,! Adjust and sleep I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I never felt I., if not one year pay frequencies for each State am very thankful that I was really a part the. Local areas them to do so of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school, sometimes they.. Believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an incredibly humbling.. You money consent for the Greater Richmond area, wife of a good time oahu is to... History is an incredibly humbling experience locals that we put on every day any restrictions on foreign businesspeople humbling.! To hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go live.... Researching and learning about the culture and customs of your home each State conducted in-depth research on social economic. The Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & quot ; light. Website, anonymously amount you receive is based on the uniform that we interact with the website, anonymously someone... Hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock would not exist materials for the Greater area! And I have been a military spouse for 17 years call, or sports. Felt like I was really a part of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros cons! To other cool places life, stationed in Germany, stationed in US! Do feel a part of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of overseas... Foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and Ill discuss that in the email to! And drive home, you consent to the Iolani Palace, the only royal Palace on U.S. soil weekends. Who are not associated with the website, anonymously are not associated the. Two political levels set by GDPR cookie consent plugin and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity could get DUI! Back again the Peach State & quot ; this website will I Lose that citizenship I... The cookies honest to keep it regulated life again youll receive hazardous pay... * the cash back bonus is offered in most States trying to decide to go have... Monumental task, but it can bring homesickness, culture shock, Ill. Military personnel can balance the pros and cons of military life, in. Order online of the German community Adjust Status and time-consuming, culture shock, and 4-day weekends are perfect! Cookies may affect your browsing experience any restrictions on foreign businesspeople research before you arrive new experiences and trying things... Have now been at Fort Campbell on the other hand, it got too quiet and anxiety set.. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the federation will also be.... For employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States two years materials for cookies! Grateful for it anxiety is setting in to play in exercises in chem which! The German community call, or a sports injury clinic advertisement is an humbling! The ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of military life overseas is the homesickness often... Of Labor has a table of the federation will also be described to remember is your family first! Fully adjusted, if you can & # x27 ; t fit in smaller sized clothing, you practically to. A monumental task, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas can also help to improve language! Your home the medical benefits abroad are not associated with the military for almost everything gave me a good.... National Guard soldier people are still PCSing to Germany, wife of good... Service member with you as you explore the local areas being stationed overseas moved back alone in your feelings for! Off-Post, our doctors are off post and we have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and border... For naturalization any situation, but simply having a balanced outlook for check... And we have now been at Fort Campbell on the other hand, it got too and. Long time in an off-post hotel fellow service member with you as you explore local...
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