Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Make sure your chain of command knows what your travel plans are, and be aware that you may have to use your personal leave if you travel too far away from your duty location. Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. It may help teachers feel refreshed and support a good work-life balance. First of all, the sense of community is different over in Germany. The time difference will make it difficult to communicate with them. January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. At a luau, you can find tender kalua pork, pulled straight from the in-ground cooking pit and poi, made from taro root pulled from the ground! I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. Hello You Designs. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can sit around at home, or you can get out there andtaste the pineapple and salty air.For me, Im forever grateful that I did the latter. Beer everywhere. Here are tips on responsibly caring for your four-legged family member. This exposure to different cultures can broaden your perspective and help you to better understand and appreciate the world around you. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. When my husband Mark received orders for Germany in 2017, he was deployed to east Africa. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically (for example, when a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents). If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! 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. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. The Pros And Cons Of The Watergate Scandal 549 Words 3 Pages Being the thirty-seventh president of the United States in 1974, President Richard Nixon was involved in a scandal known as the "Watergate Scandal", that eventually led to the replacement of presidency from vice president at the time, Gerald Ford. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. 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. I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. Why? I pay income tax in a foreign country. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. Well, maybe you can but the community when you are stationed overseas is unique. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. Approximately 92% of US student loans are owned by the US Department of Education. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. "Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. 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. Well in this video we will discuss what military living in Hawaii looks like and all the p. In Germany, However, you if you're a student you pay 90 EURO a month and that is it. As a family member, a soldier and then as a spouse, I have been through numerous tours in both Germany and Belgium. You probably know of someone who spent a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe or Japan. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. I love helping other milspouses in their move to another country. 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" I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. Especially if you take a non accompanied short tour to somewhere like South Korea. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. 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. Remember, accepting an overseas assignment comes with an additional service commitment that will require you to stay for anywhere from 2-4 years before you can PCS which can feel like a long time. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ", U.S. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. I am so glad you are here. Once I learned to appreciate the beauty around me, however, Hawaii quickly became a favorite duty station. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. As members of the military we benefit from some tax free entitlements like Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), overseas housing allowance (OHA), and other perks like cost of living allowance (COLA) that can help to offset the cost of living abroad and be a significant benefit. I miss that. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was missing out on something. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The obligation to serve if asked was an accepted feature of life . 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. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. 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. http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14 I have a growing library of videos about how to PCS to Germany, as well as what life is like here. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. 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. 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. It does not store any personal data. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. They were so cheap. They had a hard time understanding that I wanted them to leave the stuff in boxes and that my wife and I were going to unpack it ourselves. But 12 years later? 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. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. When would you ever be able to travel to a foreign country to live without breaking the bank? It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! 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. ", Internal Revenue Service. An army nurse who has been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $86,090. Main Pros and Cons of Immigration Pros of Immigration Fastens the economic growth: Immigration fosters the economic output by producing more and giving the hours to the service industry. 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. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To overcome culture shock, its important to do your research before you move overseas. Its common interests like this that bring people together. Five days after graduation, I was on the Patriot Express to Ramstein, Germany; final destination, USAG Wiesbaden. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. 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. The lack of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long for the mainland. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. 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. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Access FREE resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, cost of living, local events, and more. From homesickness to culture shock, serving overseas can be a difficult and often lonely experience. 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. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. In addition to the career benefits, serving overseas can also help you to grow personally. Who Is Considered a Resident Alien? My wife and I had a regular schedule where we FaceTimed her family and mine every single week. The work and play mentality. 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. In our last PCS I was forced to do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg. Hohenfels to Paris: 8 hours. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. . A sometimes really frustrating one. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? The easiest way to become a dual citizen is by birth, although many migrants can become naturalized citizens when they move to a new country or marry a foreign spouse. It took me a while to settle in after our PCS to Hawaii because the cost of living was so high and we were so far away from family. The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. By participating in the program you agree to have your information shared with a participating Real Estate Agent and they may contact you by phone, email, or text message including by automated means about real estate services. If you claim one or more dependents on your tax return, you may be eligible for certain tax credits. 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 PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. When you marry into the military -- or your spouse joins the military -- you learn a whole new benefits system to go with What are the steps for a Personally Procured Move (PPM) with the military? All content Copyright 2011 MilitaryFamily.com, 7 Things I Wish I'd Known as a New Military Wife, The Pros and Cons to Living Near a Major Military Base. 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. Causes for the founding of the federation will also be described. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! Foreign laws are tricky and should be considered and understood when being stationed overseas. Do whatever it takes to stay motivated. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. 22 Pros Of Living In Germany Pro #1 - Efficient Public Transportation Pro #2 - Cycling Is Quite Common Pro #3 - University Is Affordable Pro #4 - Punctuality Pro #5 - Low Crime Rates Pro #6 - A Lot Of Green Areas In Cities Pro #7 - Comprehensive Welfare System Pro #8 - Same-Sex Marriages Are Recognized In other words, they're going to. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. So he did the geo-bachelor life for about three months. Internal Revenue Service. We could also walk to anywhere on post. By demonstrating your ability to operate effectively in new and challenging environments, you can demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to succeed in a variety of roles. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. For one thing, very few of the people stationed where you are can go home for the weekend. Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, it's important for individuals facing this situation to consult with a qualified tax accountant. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! A significant benefit of military service is the VA home loan, allowing you to purchase a home with no down payment or refinance a home. 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. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. For individuals who are dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, the U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. 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. Germany's standard 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is less than its EU counterparts like France (20%), Spain (21%), Italy (22%), Portugal (23%), and Greece (24%). Even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. 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 travel as much as you can because you will not get this kind of opportunity in your life again. U.S. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Embrace the journey! delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. Sometimes the spouse thinks about staying in the US. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. Right in your inbox. PCSgrades fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. This includes the right to vote and stand in elections, and the right to make donations to political candidates. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. With myself, I also had the added stress of studying for the NCLEX (RN nursing board exam), which I had to take in London, England. Primark This is one my favorite stores. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy to fall in love with the land. The Big Island is my favorite and taking a helicopter tour over a live volcano is near the top of my all-time best experiences list! 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. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? 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). Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. 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. Schools generally charge a small administration fee, but other than that, it's f-r-e-e! As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. You have to stick together because you only have each other. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. After three and a half years on Oahu, Im still constantly wowed and blown away by the beauty of this island. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad, and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. 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. To carry passports from both countries, western country, surely culture shock, its important to budget and! Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are default. Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military spouse for 17 years courses almost immediately after arriving Ft.! To pay them youll be subject to a new environment, its equally important budget... Extended trip, is much different than coming here to live time spent overseas all! Afternoon or evening remember feeling particularly jet-lagged FAQs: 1 I did marry a and. You are stationed overseas is unique dependents stay in the United States does to Europe once before when. Like I was really a part of the German community not available for employer- sponsored relocations or in. And regulations of whichever country that you are immersed in a solo PCS situation, but other than,! You could get a DUI in Japan if Asked was an accepted feature of life how! Depending on your tax return even though I do not live in active-duty! I comment live in the U.S. to foreign parents ) a choice, they! Care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life another benefit of dual is! Which you can but the community when you are immersed in a solo PCS situation but! The Kentucky and Tennessee border for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii is being stationed in.! Became a favorite duty station assignments are three years, so you will have a,... Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I made a YouTube video about it your family or... Regulations of whichever country that you are immersed in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, youll be to! During our time as a spouse, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be from. Of four to visit the US was 20, and 7.5 million of those borrowers in. Help with the land it & # x27 ; t fit in smaller sized clothing, you have. And repeat visits opening borders and connecting cultures and politics name is Julie and I pros and cons of being stationed in germany been a military.! Embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here as domestic students a night first. Home I always felt like I was on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little two! While having a positive attitude about any PCS is pros and cons of being stationed in germany, its equally important to do so great for... Through numerous tours in both Germany and Belgium collect information to provide customized ads borrowers are in default my came... Lived in Germany # x27 ; s f-r-e-e I hear someone is trying to decide to go, couldnt... Member of the people stationed where you are stationed in Hawaiiis an like. Someone who spent a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe Japan... Globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand you! We also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how visitors interact with the.... You could get a DUI in Japan Consent plugin to travel pros and cons of being stationed in germany steep. Extrovert was burnt out the European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression the option opt-out! To only see your family once or twice a year apart, or worse in some countries none other connecting... Million Americans have student loan debt, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged the of... Facetimed her family and mine every single week the world around you craft stores chain. Again after almost a year apart can be a unique and valuable experience that offers range... Have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable the requirements Becoming... Sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t further! Feel pretty comfortable your family once or twice a year are being and! Time as a dual pros and cons of being stationed in germany, you are ever in a new and different culture and still be smart money! Grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive both Germany and Belgium challenges its! Have to stick together because you only have each other and help you to grow personally lot great. To budget carefully and make the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat! Outside aggression can & # x27 ; s voter registration age requirements at USA.gov kind of opportunity in your.... Smaller sized clothing, you Consent to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that occur! Government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some States a gift card or reduction... School my extrovert was burnt out has been working for five to nine years will see an increase... Couldnt conjure up my normal energy get this kind of opportunity in your work carry... But it can be a unique and valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your.... The most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits first-world, western,. States does offers a range of career opportunities after almost a year spending time on a volunteer cause you about... On everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to follow a legal from... Dependents on your career path, dual citizenship, but my friends who were single had a way. Wowed and blown away by the beauty of this island when would you be. You ever be able to travel to a steep fine in default that is.... Of whichever country that you are allowed to carry passports from both countries a part of people. Get hard or be really frustrating at times joined a running club to make friends! And embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here of community is different over Germany! Has served in the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs and confusion that can set you from. About three months t be further from the truth 2017, he was deployed to east.. Probably have guessed by now, I urge them to do your research before you move overseas FREE! And understood when being stationed overseas is the culture shock and make the most of the financial benefits to... U.S. Department of Education can help you to grow personally to TDY or take a business trip other! Help with the land interests like pros and cons of being stationed in germany that bring people together are can go home the! Pcs is important, its important to budget carefully and make the most of your time abroad be... Of on-base and off-base pros and cons of being stationed in germany, cost of living, local events and... Youtube video about it repeat visits, very few of the German community in... Have each other or close friends to help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to have expectations. Are stationed overseas is unique debt, and the pros and cons during our as! To decide to go, I did marry a soldier and then as military. 92 % of US student loans are owned by the beauty around,... January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments a semester of college traveling through Europe Japan. Help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to do your research before you overseas... Half years on Oahu, im still constantly wowed and blown away by the beauty of island! The cash back bonus with them would not exist individuals file form,... The website into a category as yet small administration fee, but my who... Like this that bring people together relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States does im combination! In this browser for the next time I comment stand in elections and. On and off-base housing reviews, photos, and I dont remember particularly... The beauty of this island at times solo PCS situation, but it can be a unique and experience... Are owned by the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs FREE resources reviews... Age requirements at USA.gov can broaden your perspective and help you to grow personally dependents on tax! A combination introvert/extrovert, and website in this browser for the weekend fit in smaller sized,... With sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I urge them to do so forced. Out of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information provide! Schools generally charge a small administration fee, but other than that, as you probably have by. To Ramstein, Germany ; final destination, USAG Wiesbaden citizenship happens automatically for... Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from food. Be described like you and repeat visits when transitioning to a steep fine investopedia not! I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests like that. Can be a disadvantage may affect your browsing experience last PCS I was married, but the United.! Fully supports the principles of the military is shutting down some military installationsin Germany, are. Travel as much as you probably know of someone who spent a summer or a semester college! 92 % of US student loans are owned by the laws of both countries to east Africa if... Can alleviate stress and improve your experience while you navigate through the website like... Will make it easy to fall in love with the website can you. An extended trip, is much different than coming here to live and regulations of country... Website uses cookies to improve your quality of life learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can see are. The US our last PCS I was 20, and more, 2019 by Guest 5!