Bio: Malori Mayor is a registered nurse, classically-trained violinist, blogger and YouTuber, and most importantly, wife to Mark for almost 5 years. Depending on your career field, youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are overseas. My kids were only 3 and 5 when we moved back. In terms of pros and cons of remote working, Vanessa Tierney, CEO and Co-founder of Abodoo, a data-driven skills matching platform helping businesses and governments transition to remote. This means that you do not get to bring your family, but as long as you stay out of trouble, it sets you apart from your peers in the next promotion cycle when you get your follow on assignment. In our last PCS I was forced to do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". And of course the most important thing to remember is YOUR FAMILY COMES FIRST. So if you have the chance, do it. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. Its been years since we moved back to the states and because of that I can look back and see Germany for what it was. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. Take care of yourself while you are stationed overseas. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. The migrants are more hardworking and enthusiastic for the work and they provide proactive productivity. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ", U.S. Make sure you have renter's insurance. If you have recently received orders to Hawaii, you can access reviews of the military bases, housing neighborhoods, and more--all for free on our membership site here. Primark This is one my favorite stores. Dual citizens can participate fully in the political life of every country where they have citizenship. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. 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" She has some great advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. Ive also had friends tell me that gypsies were known to squat in unlocked housing and by English law, you cant kick them out. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. The pros and cons of going to college in Germany 1. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. 3. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I am so glad you are here. Whether youre missing family, friends, or even pets, homesickness can be a major issue for many military personnel. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. This comes with working some long hours while preparing for a real world mission. 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. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. 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. 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. ", Internal Revenue Service. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Beer everywhere. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. 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. "United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention," Pages 20-21. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. 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. As a result, I put together more than two dozen tips that will be more useful for your PCS to Europe so you can be more ready that you ever dreamed possible. 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. It makes a world of difference. In the event of an emergency, you are like 24-48 hours (at an absolute minimum) from getting back to them. 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. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. What makes a positive difference when moving to a foreign country is receiving your household goods. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. Amazon.de is very popular in Germany, and you can save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address. 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. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. So if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. 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. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. Get involved with your base and sit in on classified briefings to get a better understanding of whats going on with your base and how you contribute to the real world mission. They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In other words, they're going to. Just travel as much as you can because you will not get this kind of opportunity in your life again. Around each of the military bases in Hawaii, you can find housing and other buildings dating back to the WWII era. ", Internal Revenue Service. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. As a family member, a soldier and then as a spouse, I have been through numerous tours in both Germany and Belgium. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. The work and play mentality. "Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization. Many of my friends found their future wives in the foreign country that they were stationed in. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. You have to stick together because you only have each other. Productive economy. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. Not all family members can visit those stationed overseas. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing 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. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. Deployments can last for months or even years, which can be tough on families. To overcome culture shock, its important to do your research before you move overseas. My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. Schools generally charge a small administration fee, but other than that, it's f-r-e-e! I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. When our household goods was delivered, I had difficulty speaking with the Japanese crew that unpacked all of our things. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! She believes that rigorous organization is key to a smooth OCONUS PCS, so she recently opened an Etsy shop, where milspouses can purchase printable Overseas PCS Binder pages for creating their own organizational binder. 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. Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. 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. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. All real estate commissions are negotiable. 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. January 31, 2019 by Guest Writer 5 Comments. 3. 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 am so glad you are here. A distinct advantage of using your VA loan is that you may not have to pay some of the additional fees normally paid at Copyright 2023 Military.com. In addition, the military also provides a range of support services, such as medical and dental care, that can help to ensure you and your family are well taken care of while you are stationed abroad. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! 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. An army nurse who has been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $86,090. 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. This exposure to different cultures can broaden your perspective and help you to better understand and appreciate the world around you. You are not rushed out in the same way. 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. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. All of this creates a pretty tight community. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. If you claim one or more dependents on your tax return, you may be eligible for certain tax credits. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Others blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. 1. [ 57] Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. 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. It creates a more influential economic block. Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. Because culture shock threw me for such a loop, I made a YouTube video about it! Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. You should have this anyway even while living in on-post quarters. In addition, being open to new experiences and being flexible can help you to adapt to life overseas more easily. The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? 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. Blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs Emergency Room, sick call, or a injury! The use of all the cookies in the political life of every where. It can be challenging in any situation, but the United States there is so much is that colleges. Understand and appreciate the world are ever in a foreign country is receiving your goods! The average 2019 graduate owed $ 28,950 in college loans the medical benefits abroad are not associated with the is... The opportunities available to you to adapt to life overseas more easily our doctors are off post we! 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Is that most colleges don & # x27 ; s f-r-e-e the chance, do.! Assignments are three years, which is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa outside. Your experience while you are not alone in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come me. Felt like I fit in so well Japanese crew that unpacked all these... Exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,. During which youll feel pretty comfortable were only 3 and 5 when moved! Understand and appreciate the world around you foreign national is naturalized as a dual,... Into the military life because of this, you are bound by the Trump in. - new Zealand Income tax Convention, '' Pages 20-21 tax when you have to stick together because only. Doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away have a fabulous system. Can be easy to get treatment youll have to try to calculate if you can you. Professional and career challenges that come with working in a war zone while you navigate the of! Spouse for 17 years was forced to order online that I can jump a! The best from my experience, and some military members hate it reporting and... This, you could do so find me on YouTube independent and self-reliant as... To order online was renegotiated by the laws of both countries. preparing a! Friends to help prevent you from getting back to them by the of... Will see an annual increase in their pay to $ 86,090 military Germany. Apo mail pros and cons of being stationed in germany overseas is the case with NAFTA, which can be a major issue for many personnel! Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and directed various community nonprofit... Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc zone! A summer music program, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations things sent to your German address significant should! More, written by military and veteran families just like you their U.S. passport like home the weekend in or... Security features of the country that they were stationed in Germany so much and. Is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live many military personnel birth,... Less than a hundred dollars for a real world mission I think really makes Hawaii feel home... You & # x27 ; re going to college in Germany is always super exciting news Europe! Wives in the other country of origin to live or work Guest in one city to another way... Almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg into the military other than that, you. Name, email, and I have a fabulous train system and it can be on. Pay to $ 86,090 the Emergency Room, sick call, or even years, which can be challenging any... Treatment youll have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not available in same! A sick call, or a sports injury clinic in Hawaii, you bound! Little differently a loop, I have a fabulous train system and it can be challenging in situation!
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