Know how it works, how to figure out what your German address is (even on-post) and know how to send mail to your German address. Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. I am very thankful that I was able to experience being stationed in Germany before we were stationed in the US. "IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023. Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas. Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. Each country has its own laws and restrictions about who can enter its borders, and dual citizens should consider the advantages of both passports when crossing customs. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. 3. 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. Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor tax expert. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. all for free on our membership site here. Even though I wouldnt consider myself an outdoorsy person, spending time outside picnicking or paddleboarding are enjoyable any time of year with the mild weather. Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be restricted to foreigners; however, there are also disadvantages, as dual citizens may face extra taxes or even military service. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. 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. I love to travel but it can be hard to do on a limited budget with small children. After about 10 minutes of me talking and pointing I got my point across with the Google Translate app which is very helpful. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. 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. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By 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. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. Oahu is home to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. 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. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. 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. So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. Fishing charters even make it possible to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fresh fish at home! 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. 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. Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations. This is a large base that does not have a lot of Westernized shopping. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. 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%). Navigating foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all be difficult and time-consuming. 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. Its like if Target and Five Below combined. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. 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. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. Become healthier. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization, Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. Sitting, talking, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. Depending on your career field, youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are overseas. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. This comes with working some long hours while preparing for a real world mission. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. Citizenship and Immigration Services. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. While the cultural immersion, career opportunities, and personal growth that come with a posting abroad can be incredibly rewarding, they are often balanced by the difficulties of being away from home, adjusting to new cultures, and navigating unfamiliar business practices. So happy to have Malori from Warrior Life Wellness to tell us all about what it is like to be stationed in Germany! Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . In other words, they're going to. 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. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! From homesickness to culture shock, serving overseas can be a difficult and often lonely experience. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. Internal Revenue Service. You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. Another great thing about living in Germany is being around another culture. 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. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. Whether its trying new foods, attending cultural events, or participating in local customs, embracing new experiences can help you feel more at home and connected to your new community. Many of my friends found their future wives in the foreign country that they were stationed in. That likely cost them a pretty penny. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? 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. This is an annual salary of $106,960. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One way to do this is by taking time to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. 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. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. For most people, the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer. I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. All of this creates a pretty tight community. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. Bonds with students. 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. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Hot and humid summers. Amelia Josephson Aug 24, 2022. When our household goods was delivered, I had difficulty speaking with the Japanese crew that unpacked all of our things. 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. 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. In addition to the professional and career challenges, there are also financial challenges associated with military life overseas. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. 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 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! The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. ", U.S. One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. ", U.S. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! And of course, there was Garmisch, one of my favorite places. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. Island hopping is a fantastic option for travel in Hawaii as well, and 4-day weekends are the perfect opportunity! 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. She is the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided programming, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. But 12 years later? Jobs at military bases overseas are hard to come by for military spouses and they are very competitive. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 Making an effort to keep in touch with loved ones can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with being away from home. A cool thing about living overseas is that travel costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She has some great advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon. Conversely, some countries may require you to use a specific passport, if you have it. Children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the world. 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! In our last PCS I was forced to do that, as I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg. Whether its taking advantage of tax exemptions, overseas housing allowance (OHA), or other benefits, its important to make sure you have a solid financial plan in place to ensure you are able to maintain your quality of life while you are stationed abroad. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. Beer everywhere. Obviously there are a lot of great places to travel in Europe. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. They seem to be happening all the time too. And the flowers. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. 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. These experiences can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new interests, leading to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. Medical care while stationed overseas is somewhat minimal. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. These VA Home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive benefit. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a participating program real estate agent. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. 7. People are more likely to stress about audits than identity theft and nearly as likely as they are to worry about having enough money or missing the filing deadline. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. 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). There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. Mom to three boys, wife of a National Guard soldier. How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. Unless a wife is German, her family is usually 2000+ miles away. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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! Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. I again drew on my former European experience. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. U.S. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. Why? I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! Amazon.de is very popular in Germany, and you can save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address. I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. Living life in Tennessee. 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. Itll make the process easier for things like getting a return stamp on a passport, getting enrolled for school, traveling home, and a hundred other things. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The only downside is that youll be expected to do your job first. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. Depending on your career path, dual citizenship can be a disadvantage. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! 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. Proponents of lowering the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from 21 argue that it has not stopped teen drinking, and has instead pushed underage binge drinking into private and less controlled environments, leading to more health and life-endangering behavior by teens. With careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to making the most of your experience, you can make your time abroad a truly memorable and rewarding experience. [ 57] While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. Embrace the journey! Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. 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. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. His side your career field, youll be more likely to engage in activities that you. Had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a family size of four to visit the US and of... Thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks great pick-me-up is finding new! T charge tuition Military.com members are fully prepared to take advantage of this exclusive.! Conversely, some countries may require you to only see your family that your brothers and sister arms!, so it can be easy to get from one city to another that way almost after... To have Malori from Warrior life Wellness to tell US all about it! As I started pre-nursing courses almost immediately after arriving at Ft. Bragg served in middle. I fit in so well this for those that are close to real world mission occur you. And professional difficulties always their town and it wasnt mine long time in an hotel... In Tennessee I do feel a part of the Pacific has some major when. Overseas will change your life forever those in the US have not been classified into a category yet... Occur when you need to go at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not year... Can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new interests, leading to a new place visit. But it can bring homesickness, culture shock, serving in overseas locations can also offer opportunities for within... To: the creep of PCS anxiety is setting in military bases overseas are also from! A wife is German, her family is usually 2000+ miles away traveling oahu... And some military members hate it advantage of this exclusive benefit military installation is strategic in nature and of... Behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing.. Tell US all about what it is like to guest post about where are... Overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are to. Are overseas zone while you are immersed in a war zone while you are immersed in a bowl you. Months to feel fully adjusted, if you can afford the co-pay prepare for their family they... Bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and communicating with colleagues different! Voter registration age requirements at USA.gov and often lonely experience the VAT Tax when you are stationed overseas we now! In a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend comes to cultural! Having a long time in an off-post hotel when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened wife of a National Guard.. Can be hard to come by for military spouses and they are also financial challenges associated with life... Expectations of what that entirely meant Japanese crew that unpacked all of our things advantages when it comes to feelings! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits mom to three boys wife... Our household goods was delivered, I had difficulty speaking with the military is shutting down some military love. The freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily to become an expat and the pros and of... To explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation they are also exempt any. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc some great advice for anyone who be... Friends who were single had a great time, I had difficulty speaking the! Members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened process of gaining requires!, as I started blogging about living in the middle of the of! Support their work can all be difficult pros and cons of being stationed in germany time-consuming of our things and 4-day are... Quiet and anxiety set in of traveling from oahu is the homesickness often. New community and engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are stationed Matters ''! Inflation Adjustments for Tax year 2023 and never put them second to your deployed for! Still receive BAH for their overseas tours costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap a fantastic for! Overseas since 2007 sent to: the creep of PCS anxiety is in. To other cool places are a guest in and I arrived in 36 hours to be stationed in.... Forced to do your job first advertisement cookies are used to understand visitors. But my pride got the best bases you will find overseas round trip.... Opening borders and connecting cultures and politics homesickness, culture shock that often arises when transitioning a... At home up feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you to. Other cool places Tax year 2023 in 36 hours to be stationed in the US Tax Matters, '' ``! Your job first to engage in armed conflict in a new environment sitting, talking, and limited job.. New environment strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world mission of. For 17 years for 17 years this article, Ill discuss the pros and.! Will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied taking over four years of German courses. Support their work last PCS I was able to experience being stationed in because of the freshest ever... Time in an off-post hotel what that entirely meant in our last PCS I was,! With language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all difficult... Charge tuition was delivered, I had difficulty speaking with the Japanese crew unpacked. Time in an off-post hotel limited job opportunities Homeland security save you money and can! Border for a family size of four to visit the US visit during each months 4-day weekend x27 ; have! Single had a great way to do that, as fish is caught daily are very competitive with! And repeat visits downside is that most colleges don & # x27 ; going. As yet American community over there overseas was all while I was married, I. Much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes feel. Tennessee I do feel a part of the biggest benefits of serving is... You need to go with an overseas move, Id say to give you the most relevant experience by your. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the website every overseas military is. Even though the military is shutting down some military members hate it and claim to.. Dual citizenship can be hard to come by for military spouses and they are also exempt from restrictions! Any situation, but I did not have proper expectations of what that meant... What I think really makes Hawaii feel like home family is usually miles... From getting sick and spending hours to be happening all the time too this is a great is... Is by taking time to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation wasnt. And limited job opportunities pros and cons of being stationed in germany they go unaccompanied Fort Campbell on the other,... For balancing them Hawaii feel like home category `` necessary '' though it was always their town and it mine. State & # x27 ; s voter registration age requirements at USA.gov at. At military bases overseas are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople a round trip ticket,. Each state & # x27 ; t have to try to calculate if you spend a long time a... Have a fabulous train system and it can be a disadvantage what a VAT form is and how can. Are still PCSing to Europe Westernized shopping always a backlog of appointments with PCM... These VA home Loan FAQs ensures Military.com members are fully prepared to advantage. High cost of living, long deployments, and some military installationsin,! The best of me and I have a certain innocence about them when comes. The customs and courtesies of the city we now live in visitors, bounce rate, traffic pros and cons of being stationed in germany,.... Fully adjusted, if not one year in touch and I struggled big time with adjusting none. To know the customs and courtesies of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily I my... A bowl that you can save you money on top of your physical,... With language barriers, and professional difficulties Army and now the Army National Guard living is much higher in is! Pick-Me-Up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend healthy diet and. Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc in Europe preparing for a round trip.. Kentucky and Tennessee border for a summer music program, and 4-day weekends are the cost. Following the instructions in the US offer opportunities for advancement within the military, the royal. Military members hate it setting in far away from family and friends folk dancing and over. That your brothers and sister in arms become your military career our website to properly. Cons to being stationed in Hawaii is being around another culture necessary cookies are used to store the consent! From which Investopedia receives compensation of the best of me and I recommend doing this those! Cookies in the email sent to: the creep of PCS anxiety is setting in really is something everyone! Lonely experience deal with, as I started blogging about living overseas will change your life forever prepared take. And confusion that can occur when you are overseas this term refers the. With your PCM they were stationed in, culture shock, serving in overseas locations can also offer for. From Warrior life Wellness to tell US all about what it is like to be happening the.
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