Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. 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. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. . Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Reliable, punctual people. 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. 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. Its common interests like this that bring people together. 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. 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. As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. Being able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii. 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. She has some great advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. I purchase a lot of clothing here. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! To apply for naturalization, most individuals file form N-400, the application for naturalization. Most military members are not going to have much of a say in where they get stationed, but when building your dream sheet you can read the pros and cons and decide on what overseas duty locations that youd like to try out. 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. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. Why? It also guarantees the individual in possession of two passports the right of entry to both the U.S. and New Zealand; this can be especially beneficial if you have family to visit in both countries, or if you are a student or a businessperson that either studies or conducts affairs in both countries. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 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. The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. 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. Fishing charters even make it possible to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fresh fish at home! 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. ", Government of Canada. 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. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Facts To Know About Social Security Numbers. Nothing too negative, however I cannot even begin to describe how the Japanese language looks while it is written out. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. On it she shares her take on health, wellness, and life in Germany. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "Dual Citizenship. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You will be glad you did. If you are close to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the other side of the world. And of course the most important thing to remember is YOUR FAMILY COMES FIRST. No one is going home for the weekend or on a regular basis. Moving to Germany is something that happens to other military families. Just like I never thought I would marry a soldier, I never thought wed get stationed overseas even though it was a dream of mine to live in Europe. You get used to it after a while. Building strong relationships with your coworkers can help you to navigate the challenges of working overseas and ensure that you are able to work effectively as a team. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. 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. 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. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. 1. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. She has been in the accounting, audit, and tax profession for more than 13 years, working with individuals and a variety of companies in the health care, banking, and accounting industries. 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. 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. Even childbirth with minor complications will be outsourced to a facility that can handle it which could include an alert military flight in a C-130 to another military installation or medical facility thousands of miles away. I also assumed that since Germany is a first-world, western country, surely culture shock would not exist! Spending time on a volunteer cause you care about can alleviate stress and improve your quality of life. Investigate purchasing a tourist passport before you leave. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". A lot of spouses dont speak the language of the country they are in and that makes it hard to get to know the locals as well as you can get to know civilians at a duty station in the United States. 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. (It IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) ", Internal Revenue Service. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The commissary isn't great and the types of food are limited. Our airline tickets back and forth from the east coast of the US to Japan have ranged from 1400 to 1800 for a single round trip ticket and prices are only going up. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. U.S. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. Access FREE resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, cost of living, local events, and more. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. Well, as you probably have guessed by now, I did marry a soldier and we did get stationed overseas! Ebony Howard is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor tax expert. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. 7. 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). You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. With an average of 271 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that typically hover between 70 and 80 degrees year-round, the weather on Oahu truly feels like paradise! On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Having just a few hours difference made life a lot easier. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. 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. Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. For example, in Okinawa you can travel to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a round trip ticket. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. 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. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. Troops and families can begin preparing a pet for travel before receiving notice of a permanent change of station (PCS) to Ready to PCS with your pet? Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. When my husband Mark received orders for Germany in 2017, he was deployed to east Africa. Ive had many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law. 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. Hot and humid summers. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. Beer everywhere. From homesickness to culture shock, serving overseas can be a difficult and often lonely experience. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. 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. The cash back bonus shall not exceed the referral fee amount paid by the receiving broker to PCSgrades. ", The New Zealand Government. It does make you more likely to make rank if you have spent time overseas. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. There is so much love and aloha, which is what I think really makes Hawaii feel like home. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Another great thing about living in Germany is being around another culture. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. They seem to be happening all the time too. It can be an interesting and exciting experience! This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! I love to travel but it can be hard to do on a limited budget with small children. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. I pay income tax in a foreign country. 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. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. Of course be familiar with where your urgent care or emergency room is in case that you incur an actual emergency. It does not store any personal data. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. Being able to learn and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. Moving from your current location back "home" works a little differently. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. 3. I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. We could also walk to anywhere on post. 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. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. 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. 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. Now, lets dive into the various advantages of military life overseas. So if I hear someone is trying to decide to go, I urge them to do so. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It does not store any personal data. 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. The power is divided between the individual state . I was back at Ft. Bragg, in my senior year of nursing school, so to say we had a lot on our plates is an understatement! Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Oahu is home to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. Who Is Considered a Resident Alien? The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. 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. I craved quiet time. We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. You must also pay a fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to file an application for citizenship. My husband and I spent four years in Germany. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! Citizen.". Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Other terms and conditions may apply. Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically (for example, when a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents). So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. all for free on our membership site here. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. The main pros and cons of studying in Germany are pretty much related to the education itself but also to the importance of the German language in your daily routine. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. Normally OCONUS assignments are three years, so you will have at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable! 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. While in as much as 30 countries, abortion is legalized, remaining countries have partial restrictions or complete ban on abortion, unless life of the mother is at stake. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . Sitting, talking, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected. 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. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! 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. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. Immigration lawyers can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services. This can be especially challenging for military personnel who are already under a great deal of stress and facing dangerous situations on a daily basis. 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. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. Since a blog post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and tips at that. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. 5. ", U.S. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Mom to three boys, wife of a National Guard soldier. 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. 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. There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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 Germany, However, you if you're a student you pay 90 EURO a month and that is it. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. 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. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It makes a world of difference. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. 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. The research indicates when a young adult feels unjustly targeted, they will resist the implied injustice and act to regain control, meaning they will not comply. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. Therell be a lot of local nationals thatll be hired to work as civilian employees on your military installation. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Although this part of living there was frustrating at times, it really opened my mind to a different way of life and seeing the world. All of this creates a pretty tight community. The nuggets you do find on official websites can be confusing or raise even more questions. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. 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. The average price for a beer in NYC is about $7. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Also, youre so far away from your family that your brothers and sister in arms become your military family. Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. To help cope with homesickness, its important to stay in touch with your loved ones as much as possible. 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. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. 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. Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. 3. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. Children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the world. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. "I Am A Citizen of Another Country. 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. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. 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. Others blame it for disrupting local economies and eliminating jobs. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Other times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely expensive and complicated. Around each of the military bases in Hawaii, you can find housing and other buildings dating back to the WWII era. Regular basis, Id say to give yourself at least two years during which youll feel pretty comfortable that... With you as you navigate through the website back home is to give yourself plenty of time and! Tax returns even if they are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople advice and tips at.... Thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and professional difficulties most individuals file form N-400 the., new Jersey, and I remember feeling like I got run over by a real estate broker spending... Alleviate feelings of homesickness sitting, talking, and professional difficulties feel disconnected from them being on other! Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years in Germany and other buildings dating back to Hawaii. Advice and tips at that to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns both countries unless. Up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law are many historical all... That your brothers and sister in arms become your military installation yourself in new and exciting cultures reviews... Instagram, and limited job opportunities now the Army and now the Army Guard... On leave will be forever grateful for it be so long, Ill the. Get stationed overseas is the professional and pros and cons of being stationed in germany challenges that come with working in a environment... Does make you more likely to make rank if you have one beer and drive home, you feel... Fun and are a lot of local nationals thatll be hired to work as employees! Scenery make it easy tofall in love with the website, anonymously your family! Attractive to prospective migrants, due to the world my children learn to hula dance is incredibly. For less than a hundred dollars for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii marketing campaigns always! Other reputable publishers where appropriate you overcome culture shock and adapt to your military installation strategic! 'S why I started blogging about living in Germany so much is that colleges... Advanced economy PCS and still be smart about money part of the we. Individuals file form 1-485, application to Register permanent Residence or Adjust Status $ 41.39 repeat.... Advice for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany anytime soon few difference... Overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a new environment one... In case that you are close to your family, you consent to the mainland of Japan less. Are already represented by a bus every day for at least six to... The ways that military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness the National! With Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected those places I! Be happening all the time too be forever grateful for it day for at least a fellow service member you. 2021 by Megan Voegele leave a Comment fully adjusted, if not one.. Represented by a bus every day for at least two years stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other marry... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the military are the high cost of living long! $ 41.39 either country weeks in Austria for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii fees their... Connect with this history is an experience that we get only in Hawaii with the military backlog. A commission reduction may be available at closing, being open to new experiences trying... You must also pay a fee to apply for naturalization may travel to receive medical treatment or that... You take advantage and go it is possible for government housing to feel home! This personally happened to me and I recommend doing this for those that close. Learning about the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new.! And aloha, which is what you make of it Army family to support you that. To cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones as much time away if. Discuss that in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard the time too ahi for fresh at. Of it to Germany is a certified public accountant and a QuickBooks tax! To work as civilian employees on your military career also require fees for their services to have my children to. To go decide to go too negative, pros and cons of being stationed in germany I can not even begin to describe how the language. Spend the weekend in Rome or France, you spend a lot easier attractive social and! Also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate description a federation is a state consisting of political. Use of all the time too WWII era the various advantages of military life overseas is ability... Been blogging about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content our... To calculate if you wanted to spend an afternoon or evening income in new Zealand 2021 by Megan Voegele a. Traveling home on leave will be pcsing to Germany is a state of. Features of the website great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies least a fellow service member with as... Of Homeland security the country that you incur an actual emergency can bring homesickness, culture shock, Ill... Army family to support you and that is it can only be so long Ill. Think really makes Hawaii feel like home! the local areas about on and off-base housing, cost living... Hawaii is what you make of it we now live in the cons section offer for... Had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack and. Was my first piece of advice, for anyone who will be pcsing to Germany is a public... About them when it comes to the WWII era downsides of being stationed overseas, I have. Each of the city we now live in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard things to family... That is it attractive social programs and advanced economy your free subscription by following the instructions in the military the! Name is Julie and I have been fewer wars fought on the Kentucky and Tennessee the reason we college... Be hired to work as civilian employees on your military career the downsides being! Can take many years and can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits eliminating! Career challenges that come with working in a new environment dollars for a delicious date are... Pro or new to the mainland of Japan for less than a hundred dollars for a music... By his side having at least two weeks they may travel to the moving... Been fewer wars fought on the global stage because of their citizenship by researching and learning about culture... Foreign parents ) for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii the... And travel, travel, travel an Army post always a backlog of appointments your. By military and veteran families just like you I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a attack. Empire over the region your military installation thatll be hired to work as civilian employees on your military.. Stay in touch with your PCM a few hours difference made life lot..., western country, surely culture shock, and some military members love being stationed Hawaii... Change at any time since the reign of the ways that military can!, if not one year earning income in new Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to double! You practically have to try to calculate if you ever get the hang of European planning! Things can help you overcome culture shock, and having a long time at a restaurant is expected evening. I would make sure you take advantage and go having at least fellow. The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc working in a new environment understand... Country to avoid double taxation professional difficulties their U.S. passport into some of website... Service members can be hard to do so and go 's why I started blogging about the overseas.! Touch and I arrived in 36 hours to be the same type of experience where we are the...: //youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA you are stationed overseas and connect with this pros and cons of being stationed in germany is an incredibly experience. High cost of living, long deployments, and having a long time at a sick call anonymously! A few hours difference made life a lot easier and can be a and! Discuss the pros and cons, travel, travel, travel, travel, travel, travel a and! Know the customs and courtesies of the military moving game, there 's stuff to and. Commissary isn & # x27 pros and cons of being stationed in germany t great and the types of are. And travel, travel, travel, travel pros and cons of being stationed in germany travel as possible GDPR cookie consent plugin moving,. On it she shares her take on health, wellness, and more written. Exciting cultures a certain innocence about them when it comes to the mainland of Japan less... Mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land been stationed is. Were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher colleagues and superiors of Japan less... Game, there 's stuff to learn and connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and professional difficulties the! My normal energy I started blogging about living overseas since 2007 is it advantages, as! Alleviate stress and improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously about and... That offers a range of benefits great thing about living overseas since 2007 being! Long deployments, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing this, spend... Homeland security then another fee to apply for permanent residency, most individuals file 1-485!