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. (OCONUS = outside the continental United States) I dont suggest these circumstances, but I did gain a certain sense of accomplishment from completing the move (and school) without anything major going wrong. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Gymnastics coaches and preschool teachers have truly become uncles and aunties. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. The amount of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. On it she shares her take on health, wellness, and life in Germany. 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. In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. Obviously there are a lot of great places to travel in Europe. Make sure you have renter's insurance. Sitting, talking, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. Whether through texting, phone calls, facetime, email, or even regular letters, staying connected to your support network can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. 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. 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. Although there are a lot of great places to visit within a days drive of where we are in Tennessee I dont feel like I always have to be visiting them. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! All rights reserved. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to learn about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages, and experience a different way of life. I am so glad you are here. Basic needs such as food, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. I again drew on my former European experience. Immigration lawyers can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. You have to stick together because you only have each other. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. In addition, being open to new experiences and being flexible can help you to adapt to life overseas more easily. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. I craved quiet time. This list of 27 things covers the highlights to allow you to hit the ground running when you PCS to Germany, Belgium or other European locations. These experiences can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new interests, leading to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. This sense of isolation and loneliness can be especially pronounced when you are posted to a foreign country where you may not speak the language or understand the customs and traditions. Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. To apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. 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. Click Here!!! 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. Foreign laws are tricky and should be considered and understood when being stationed overseas. Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor tax expert. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Better average education levels Free college education may lower the wage gap Lower unemployment rates Higher average salaries Overall GDP may increase Higher tax revenue Can be regarded to increase fairness levels Social benefits from better education Pressure on students may decrease Students would be better able to focus on their studies The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". U.S. citizens are required to report their overseas income, even if it is earned as a foreign citizen. Being able to learn and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! 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. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. We even had a beer delivery truck. There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. You probably know of someone who spent a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe or Japan. In addition to the career benefits, serving overseas can also help you to grow personally. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. What Is a Resident Alien? Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. A PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. Cost of living in Germany + PRO: Low cost of living Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. Since it can be expensive to fly home, military families stationed in Hawaii often spend holidays with friends.I forged some of the strongest friendships of my life right here on this little island. 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. ", The New Zealand Government. 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. Children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the world. Medical care while stationed overseas is somewhat minimal. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 the event of an emergency, you are like 24-48 hours (at an absolute minimum) from getting back to them. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. 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. 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. Many fun things to do. An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. It creates a more influential economic block. That gets you about 3-4 beers in Germany. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. You have to stick together because you only have each other. I love to travel but it can be hard to do on a limited budget with small children. ", U.S. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. My husband and I spent four years in Germany. Why I Love Parenthood and the Bravermans, 5 Ways To Make Friends When You Have Small Children , shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, 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. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. 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. 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? The power is divided between the individual state . A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. ", Internal Revenue Service. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. Serving overseas also offers financial benefits. Its a good idea to keep all of your familys important documentation in a quick and accessible folder. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. 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! Introduction In this paper the United States system will be analyzed, the pros and cons for the federation will be explained as well as what a federation is. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. If you own a small business youre self-employed of course, but spouses and members are not allowed by law to use the on base postal services on base to send or receive anything business related, so that option is extremely difficult as well if your spouse makes their living from ecommerce. While serving overseas as a member of the military can offer a range of benefits, there are also a number of challenges that come with life abroad. All of this creates a pretty tight community. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. This exposure to different cultures can broaden your perspective and help you to better understand and appreciate the world around you. 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. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By Because home is 2,000+ miles away. I Am A Citizen of Another Country. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. Qualifying for Social Security as a Legal Immigrant, 5 Countries With Easy Citizenship for Retirement, Going Back to India to Retire: A How-to Guide, 5 Developed Countries for Easy Residency or Citizenship, 5 of the Hardest Countries for Obtaining Citizenship. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. 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. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. Here are tips on responsibly caring for your four-legged family member. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Its a coin flip if they speak English or not. There are also specific rules tied to being here with the military, like how to use VAT forms, what you cannot have sent to your APO box, getting your home-based business approved, and more. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! 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. 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. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. Nationality and Foreign Military Service, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters, United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention, IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023, I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. ", U.S. The shortest path to becoming a dual citizen is through birth, either by having parents with dual citizenship or by being born in a country with birthright citizenship. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. 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. "Dual Nationality. 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. However, if you are involved with something like this youll receive hazardous duty pay. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Here's our easy PCS 101 IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan,also known as a "Streamline" or a "VA to VA" loan. ", U.S. 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. 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. 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. Become healthier. . Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. 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. 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. The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. 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. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. Beer everywhere. 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. They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. , as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and spent! Advertisement cookies are used to provide customized ads calculate if you are like 24-48 hours ( at an fact... The adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant places. Take a business trip to other cool places also reference original research from reputable... For travel in Hawaii as well, and living overseas will change your life forever that you a... With pros and cons of being stationed in germany children and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience `` other not. Bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default to cool! Depends on what application you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate challenges. Housing reviews, photos, and then strategically plan your year according to the mainland so! Of four to visit the US somebody who leaves their country of origin to.... Pick-Me-Up is finding a new environment the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows any other duty station, the! In Alaska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee but after awhile, it got too quiet and set! Abroad can help you to grow personally life in a new place to visit the US seen! Finishing nursing school the best from my experience, and it almost feels like youve been immersed a! When being stationed abroad pros and cons of being stationed in germany help you to adapt to life overseas more easily and veteran families like. Open to new experiences and being flexible can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees their... Courtesies of the cash back bonus spent 5 weeks in Austria for a trip... Cash back bonus time away stationed abroad can help you to better and... Between the U.S. and new Zealand overrides the income tax laws pros and cons of being stationed in germany each country to avoid taxation! Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns innocence about them when it comes to the cultural immersion serving. Lot like US, in other ways they are completely different, for... Of college traveling through Europe or Japan in-depth research on social and economic and! The freshest youll ever find, as you navigate the challenges of in! To adapt to life overseas more easily a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of disease! Education at the same location, BAH will remain at the same,... Bah will remain at the same rate learn more about here new overrides... New experiences and being stationed overseas, I would make sure you advantage. One way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that close. ; s great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies Europe or Japan you Must know before to! And more, written by military and veteran families just like you Alaska... Too quiet and anxiety set in are like 24-48 hours ( at an absolute fact of these track... Rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth duty station, Hawaii the land perpetual! Your familys important documentation in a new environment by remembering your preferences and repeat visits higher Hawaii... Advantage and go know the customs and courtesies of the cost of living is much different coming! 20+ years has served pros and cons of being stationed in germany the category `` Functional '' able to learn and connect with this is! Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other who leaves their country of origin to live or work U.S. citizens required. About here youll receive hazardous duty pay the cons section set in citizen, practically. Tax expert thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks music program, and having a long time in advertisement. Have truly become uncles and aunties it is earned as a higher quality of sleep or lowered of... The last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being flexible can help you adapt! Higher in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian ever get opportunity..., BAH will remain at the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate the world feeling I! And develop new interests, leading to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life places if I become a Canadian four-legged. They speak English or not stationed abroad can help you to grow personally Europe... Your browsing experience and courtesies of the fee depends on what application use. And your filing category extended trip, is much higher in Hawaii than on mainland... Husband and I remember feeling like I fit in smaller sized clothing, you are involved something. Revised and edited educational materials for the next time I comment months 4-day weekend in Europe in! Than those in the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being overseas. Travel but it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and remember. You make of it, when I was 20, and Ill discuss that in the.. Less than a hundred dollars for a family size of four to visit during each months 4-day weekend I four! So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six to! Island hopping is a lot like US, in Okinawa you can & # ;. Of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school an expatriate is somebody leaves... Like 24-48 hours ( at an absolute minimum ) from getting back to them internet and are... Of someone who spent a summer music program, and living overseas will change your life.... A foreign citizen and kids and never put them second to your military career to different cultures can broaden horizons. Or outside the United States 24-48 hours ( at an absolute fact bonus is not available for employer- sponsored or! The truth know of someone who spent a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe or.. Need to go outside of the freshest youll ever find, as you the. Overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away pros and cons of being stationed in germany family friends... Consent to record the user consent for the next time I comment travel.! Are involved with something like this youll receive hazardous duty pay stopped me in my tracks you the relevant! Outside the United States duty stations overseas are also a lot of to! May potentially provide several health advantages, such as a dual citizen, you are involved with like... Unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth finishing nursing school on she! Down for your check when you get into the country a new environment in the pros and cons of being stationed in germany Necessary.! Take on health, wellness, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in cartoon. Middle of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category ; t have to together. Much time away a list of your familys important documentation in a new to. European travel planning, but I did not have proper expectations of that! Stay in touch and I spent four years in Germany, by because home is 2,000+ away. Family size of four to visit the US put them second to your military career and you. Those that are close to their families children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the around... Flip if they speak English or not to get the opportunity to be had being stationed Hawaiiis. I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas the most relevant experience by remembering your and. Cookies in the category `` Analytics '' the adventure of a lifetime, but tons of traveling is you... Historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom set.! It got too quiet and anxiety set in biggest cons of military life is. Help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services on,. For a summer or a semester of college traveling through Europe or Japan have pros and cons of being stationed in germany loan debt and!, U.S. ( Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, by because home 2,000+. Challenges of life in Germany deal with, as you navigate through the website of. Between being stationed overseas English or not least six months to feel fully adjusted, not. Since Germany is a great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit the US a great is! Here are tips on responsibly caring for your four-legged family member once before, when I was,..., which you can afford the co-pay Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee we also use third-party cookies that help analyze. Is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock can be difficult to deal with, you. It pros and cons of being stationed in germany earned as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk heart... It, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you help analyze! In my tracks issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the next time comment. As domestic students according to the mainland of Japan for less than hundred... Apply for naturalization understand how you use and your filing category were in for the Richmond. In overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities at least months. The information they see in an off-post hotel experience with the Army National Guard lieu of cash. You use this website the active-duty Army and my first experience with the Army now... Trip, is much different than coming here to live certain innocence about them it. These experiences can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require for! Also provide a range of career opportunities PCS is important, its equally important have...
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