Why I Love Parenthood and the Bravermans, 5 Ways To Make Friends When You Have Small Children , shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, The Truth About Seeing Your Spouse Again After A Deployment, 14 Tips to Help You Survive Basic Training When Your Spouse Joins the Military, What To Do When Your Spouse Wants To Join The Military, The Big List of Facebook Groups For Military Spouses You Should Absolutely Join, Why You Should Break Up With Your Military Boyfriend. You mean I have to pay for that? Being a little closer to thewar zone has itsbenefits. Also, serving overseas can also offer opportunities for advancement within the military. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more all for free atPCSgrades.com. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. 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. Ever heard of poke? 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. So happy to have Malori from Warrior Life Wellness to tell us all about what it is like to be stationed in Germany! 6. If you were not born in the U.S. and you want to become a U.S. citizen, there are many requirements for gaining dual citizenship. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! Hot and humid summers. 1. 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. Bonds with students. Dont beat yourself up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated. With so many military bases in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of Oahu. Not every country recognizes dual citizenship, and you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. Another big difference I have found is the way I interact with the surrounding community. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Living life in Tennessee. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. 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. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. Primark This is one my favorite stores. The work and play mentality. Furthermore, being stationed overseas can also help to improve your language skills. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. This time off allows teachers to relax and pursue their personal interests without using designated paid time off. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. I feel as though I am truly living in our city and we have a connection to the Army post. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. The medical benefits abroad are not the best from my experience, and Ill discuss that in the cons section. In Germany, However, you if you're a student you pay 90 EURO a month and that is it. The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. I am so glad you are here. Air Force COOL Program: Credentialing Opportunities, 2023 Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment, 2A5X1 Airlift and Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance, Pros and Cons of Being Stationed Overseas: Military Perspective. So if you have the chance, do it. 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! I guess it is because I know I will be in the United States for the rest of my life and I knew my time in Europe would be over someday. Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. Become healthier. Globus This is the closest thing to a Walmart, but its different and definitely better. That was hard for me when we had our first deployment in the US. Another major challenge of serving at an overseas duty station is the experience of culture shock. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. 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. A friend of mine who had passed a DLAB test was tasked with translating Japanese in Tokyo for the American Embassy. Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. 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. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! Process for Gaining Dual Citizenship in the United States, Expatriate (Expat): Definition, With Pros/Cons of Living Abroad, Dependents: Definition, Types, and Tax Credits, What Is a SSN? Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Here's my top 10 list of living in Georgia pros and cons. Pros: Germany's food costs are reasonable. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. 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. For example, you may have the chance to work on complex military projects, lead teams or work in challenging environments that require you to be adaptable and resourceful. 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. Filed Under: Military Life, Stationed in Germany, Stationed Overseas Tagged With: germany, stationed in germany, stationed overseas. 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! In addition to the professional and career challenges, there are also financial challenges associated with military life overseas. 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. No one is going home for the weekend or on a regular basis. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. Once I learned to appreciate the beauty around me, however, Hawaii quickly became a favorite duty station. 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. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. ", U.S. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! List of the Cons of Lowering the Voting Age 1. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. 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. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I was worried about not being accepted. Not all family members can visit those stationed overseas. Better average education levels Free college education may lower the wage gap Lower unemployment rates Higher average salaries Overall GDP may increase Higher tax revenue Can be regarded to increase fairness levels Social benefits from better education Pressure on students may decrease Students would be better able to focus on their studies One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. Also, make sure that you do not shine a negative light on the uniform that we put on every day. While I was in Okinawa, Japan, I TDYd to the mainland of Japan, Guam, Alaska, and Australia. A cool thing about living overseas is that travel costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? Great weather. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". 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