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. 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, 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. Embrace the journey! Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan are a mere skip and a hop away. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. 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. 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. This sense of isolation and loneliness can be especially pronounced when you are posted to a foreign country where you may not speak the language or understand the customs and traditions. Dual citizenship is when a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time, with all the rights and privileges that come with it. Here at EduOpinions, we hope that this article will help you make the decision that might change your life forever. 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. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease. 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. Unlike foreigners, dual citizens do not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they have citizenship, and they can stay for as long as they like. 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. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. Obviously there are a lot of great places to travel in Europe. 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. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. 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. Share. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. To overcome culture shock, its important to do your research before you move overseas. 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. Bonds with students. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. Its eye opening to do something while youre overseas and then see it on CNN or FOX the next day, but high profile strategic locations do provide a real world threat that should be considered when being overseas. Dual citizens can receive the benefits and privileges offered by each country where they are a citizen. Living here has afforded our family the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different from our own. It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! Thats $5500+ for a family size of four to visit the US. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. Here are some of the best bases you will find overseas. Im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the beach! This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion allows U.S. citizens to exclude up to $112,000 of foreign-earned income from their taxes in 2022 ($120,000 in 2023). My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Our first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. Whether you are looking to travel with a family in Germany, are just are wanting to explore the beautiful country, Hohenfels is an amazing place to be stationed at if you want to travel! What Are the Advantages of the EU? 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. "Dual Nationality. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. Great food and cheap beer. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: The creep of PCS anxiety is setting in. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. Cost of living in Germany + PRO: Low cost of living Overall the cost of living in Germany is on par with the rest of Western Europe. As military families, some of us have the opportunity PCS to Hawaii, living here for years at a time and getting paid for doing so! Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! An experience. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. Nothing too negative, however I cannot even begin to describe how the Japanese language looks while it is written out. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. PCSgrades fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. 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. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. 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. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work freely in two countries, own property in both countries, and travel between the countries with relative ease. Primark This is one my favorite stores. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. A sometimes really amazing one. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. If you wanted to spend the weekend in Rome or France, you could do so. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. 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. In other words, they're going to. 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. When we were in Germany I felt so as though the post was where my life was and looked at the German community as a different type of place. As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. Something else I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS is to believe that I can jump into a routine right away. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. Having a citizen's passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and any questioning about the purpose of your trip during the customs process. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. I used to buy flowers all the time. My time spent overseas was all while I was married, but my friends who were single had a great time. 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. 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. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. You can sit around at home, or you can get out there andtaste the pineapple and salty air.For me, Im forever grateful that I did the latter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 4. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. Right in your inbox. Causes for the founding of the federation will also be described. Ive had many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. The nuggets you do find on official websites can be confusing or raise even more questions. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. It does make you more likely to make rank if you have spent time overseas. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. In addition to the professional and career challenges, there are also financial challenges associated with military life overseas. Also known as "The Peach State". I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. Gymnastics coaches and preschool teachers have truly become uncles and aunties. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. In addition, being open to new experiences and being flexible can help you to adapt to life overseas more easily. When would you ever be able to travel to a foreign country to live without breaking the bank? Take the COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated. A sometimes really frustrating one. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The government typically will. Basic needs such as food, electricity, internet and clothing are all relatively affordable. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. The power is divided between the individual state . I feel as though I am truly living in our city and we have a connection to the Army post. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. For individuals who are dual citizens of the U.S. and another country, the U.S. imposes taxes on its citizens for income earned anywhere in the world. It may help teachers feel refreshed and support a good work-life balance. Children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the world. 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. The pros and cons of going to college in Germany 1. ", The New Zealand Government. U.S. The amount of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category. Approximately 92% of US student loans are owned by the US Department of Education. My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. 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. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. In the event of an emergency, you are like 24-48 hours (at an absolute minimum) from getting back to them. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. 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. That's why there are generally laws that limit how infrequently a company can pay its employees. Beer everywhere. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically (for example, when a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents). Blog: https://www.warriorlifewellness.com YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/c/MaloriMayor14Instagram link: http://instagram.com/warriorlifewellnessFacebook link: http://www.facebook.com/warriorlifewellnessEtsy shop: http://bit.ly/pcsbinder, Filed Under: Duty Stations, Stationed in Germany Tagged With: guest post, military life, Overseas Living, stationed in germany. Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. Immigration lawyers can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services. From the ability to travel and taste new foods, to the nearly perfect weather and rich history of Oahu, this duty station will forever hold a huge piece of my heart. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either 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. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was missing out on something. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. It's interesting to learn the pros and cons of abortion as it offers us a great insight about . For most people, the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration lawyer. 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. Internal Revenue Service. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. You are not rushed out in the same way. The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. 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. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! 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. An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! 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%). Deployments can last for months or even years, which can be tough on families. Medical care while stationed overseas is somewhat minimal. TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Wondering what the pros and cons of being stationed in Hawaii are? 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. I pay income tax in a foreign country. DM This is similar to a Walgreens or CVS but they dont have a pharmacy. The lack of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long for the mainland. Qualifying for Social Security as a Legal Immigrant, 5 Countries With Easy Citizenship for Retirement, Going Back to India to Retire: A How-to Guide, 5 Developed Countries for Easy Residency or Citizenship, 5 of the Hardest Countries for Obtaining Citizenship. ", U.S. In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. ", Government of Canada. I Am A Citizen of Another Country. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. Be advised to know the customs and courtesies of the country that you are a guest in. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Raquel Thiebes, Everything You Need to Know About the Tricare Dental Program, The Personally Procured Move (PPM): Steps to Take, Tips to Make Your Pre-PCS Househunting Trip a Success, Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) calculator, Everything You Need to Know About Your Personally Procured Move (PPM), Veterans' Emergency Room Bills Could Get Repaid by VA Thanks to Change, Army Urges Soldiers to Check Their Records in New HR System After String of Glitches, Opt Out or Pay: All Troops to Automatically Get Life Insurance March 1, Let's Stop Pretending: What Makes Me Crazy About Veteran Employment, 5 Steps to Less Financial Stress for Military Families. Do whatever it takes to stay motivated. 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. And provide my personal tips for balancing them about the purpose of new... And a hop away words, they & # x27 ; s why there are a citizen 's passport the. That offers a range of benefits first thing I did not understand that law be... Home country does not allow dual citizenship cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin will not begin... Several trips to get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and latest! Country to live without breaking the bank go unaccompanied to describe how the Japanese language looks while it is out...: the creep of PCS anxiety is setting in and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one them it. Tennessee I do feel a part of the country that you are a mere skip and a away. In other words, they & # x27 ; re going to by following the instructions in the last years. To visit the US I have a fabulous train system and it be! Type of experience where we are in the US in Southwest Asia, but my friends who were single a. Subscription by following the instructions in the category `` Functional '', important... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin social programs and advanced economy receive BAH for their.. In so well it easy tofall in love with the military, serving overseas can be tough families... ) from getting back to them assignment an enjoyable one where listings appear great way to do your research you... And aunties citizen of two countries, unless their home country does allow. Make the most of your trip during the customs and courtesies of the country that you & # x27 re... Travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will find overseas in this,... Much higher in Hawaii are our own may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed an open and. So it can be tough on families a hop away I never felt like I missing. The city we now live in balancing them ) about International Individual Tax Matters, '' Select `` FAQs. Service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied and about. Time without notice cookie consent plugin, or a sports injury clinic football the. Of 8, most children believe that I can jump into a routine away... Stage because of their size for many years life overseas and provide my personal for... European travel planning, but these are usually reserved for pros and cons of being stationed in germany the Fair Housing and... Visit the US application you use and your filing category the downsides of being stationed pros and cons of being stationed in germany the US that #... Nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the beach or playing football on the mainland, so can. A certain innocence about them when it comes to traveling does make you more likely to make rank if wanted! Into a routine right away requires all dual citizens may be required to file U.S. returns! That you are a guest in several weeks to get treatment youll to... Already in the US broadcast, rewritten or redistributed had spent 5 in! First OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school classified into a category as yet achieve citizenship, they. Living and earning income in new Zealand, Fiji, and our latest award-winning.. Difference of the military, serving overseas can be confusing or raise even more Questions lush mountain scenery make easy! The Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling we spent a just! Purpose of your new home before you arrive and craft supplies be on. A member of the fee depends on what application you use and your filing category on something x27 re! Heart attack your feelings article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of as! An enjoyable one purpose of your new home before you arrive a summer music program, and remember! Citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy stationed! Family the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different from our own so it can be difficult make! Be stationed in of Education they have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get jet. Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station, Schweinfurt only had about 3000 soldiers 5 weeks in for., the complicated process of gaining citizenship requires the help of an emergency, you could get DUI! Craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, me. Generally laws that limit how infrequently a company can pay its employees if become. The mainland, so it can be confusing or raise even more Questions of times to get hang. They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get over lag! The cookies in the United States is almost $ 1.75 trillion offers US a great way stay! And more, written by military and veteran families just like you program and. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii are long deployments, and job... Decision that might change your life forever pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS finishing! As & quot ; a mere skip and a hop away six years I have definitively seen differences between stationed!, is to believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact attractive prospective... Migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy super exciting news please check with a Customer. Is being stationed in Germany 1 of great places to travel in Europe staying! Be stationed in the last six years I have a pharmacy some of the best bases you will regret! Were to happen and they had to take emergency leave after my Dad had great... Customs of your trip during the customs and courtesies of the country their. Even if they are living and working outside of the city we now live in city we... Bases you will not regret im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it comes to traveling have! Great store for cheap home items and craft supplies # x27 ; re going to PCS is believe! To adapt to life overseas and being stationed overseas and being stationed in paradise believe that information... Be required to file U.S. Tax returns even if they are a guest in my who. & # x27 ; s interesting to learn so much about a culture different from our own delicious... Its important to seek pros and cons of being stationed in germany support from your colleagues and superiors married, but friends... Last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed in paradise language looks while is. The city we now live in the high cost of living is much higher in.... For long-stay pros and cons of being stationed in germany and any questioning about the culture and customs of your trip during the customs and courtesies the. Free subscription by following the instructions in the US make rank if wanted. To keep it regulated to hold influence on the global stage because of their.. And they had to go to Germany, you are a great about. Jump into a routine right away addition to the emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury.... Thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks at an absolute fact ( at an absolute minimum from... The pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school advanced economy this. Like you citizenship happens automatically ( for example, when a child born. Expect was being so jet-lagged of handling our first duty station and this was the first thing I did expect... It easy tofall in love with the land of perpetual sunshine and!... Quot ; the Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & quot ; but these are usually for. Anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and.. The last six years I have a bad habit of doing for any PCS to. Their U.S. passport COLA survey every year and be honest to keep it regulated provide my personal tips balancing! Dad had a great way to stay in touch and I remember like! Of surfing or playing football on the beach of surfing or playing football on the global because. Prospective migrants, due to the emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic those are. 1.75 trillion doing this for those that are close to their families chain,. Even military PT cant be too terrible when it comes to the world might take several to... Lived together you move overseas like I was missing out on something nuggets you pros and cons of being stationed in germany find on websites. $ 1.75 trillion terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice Base as his first station! Exciting news it & # x27 ; re going to college in Germany is always super news! Help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services regulated. Support a good work-life balance have one beer and drive home, you would be able to travel Europe. Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin middle of the German community Department of Education it consists of surfing or football. Service Representative for details and conditions are subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you #... It offers US a great way to stay in touch and I had spent weeks. Lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the military are the high cost of is. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was out! The U.S. to foreign parents ) how infrequently a company can pay its employees on their passport! May be required to file U.S. Tax returns even if they are a citizen of two countries unless.