That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. Best Air Force Bases Overseas. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. 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. I purchase a lot of clothing here. 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! You may build a network of friends all around the world if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. 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. Connect with Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook! 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. An army nurse who has been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $86,090. The pros and cons of going to college in Germany 1. 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. Another benefit of dual citizenship is the ability to own property in either country. 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. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. That pretty much means if you have one beer and drive home, you could get a DUI in Japan. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A sometimes really amazing one. As a dual citizen, you'll reapthe benefits of being immersed in the culture of the two countries. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. Citizen.". I feel as though I am truly living in our city and we have a connection to the Army post. How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to serve your country, see the world, and expand your horizons. 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. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. 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. The obligation to serve if asked was an accepted feature of life . Access FREE resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, cost of living, local events, and more. Beer everywhere. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. You have to stick together because you only have each other. Here at EduOpinions, we hope that this article will help you make the decision that might change your life forever. "United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention," Pages 20-21. In Germany, you practically have to hunt your waitress down for your check when you need to go. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. Some countries also offer citizenship based on ancestry. There is a complete trust in those around them. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. Are you preparing for a PCS to Hawaii? . I again drew on my former European experience. 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. It's great meeting so many like-minded travel buddies. With so many military bases in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of Oahu. PCSgrades fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. A resident alien is a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently residing in the United States. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. I pay income tax in a foreign country. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. In other words, they're going to. Sometimes dual citizenship happens automatically (for example, when a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents). Other times, however, the process can take many years and can be extremely expensive and complicated. The average price for a beer in NYC is about $7. A friend of mine who was stationed in Germany PCS'd to Korea and now he travels all over Asia too. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! ", Internal Revenue Service. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. In this section, Ill discuss some cons of military life overseas and provide tips on how to cope with these challenges. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. 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. It does not store any personal data. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. Pros: Germany's food costs are reasonable. There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. 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. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) After about 10 minutes of me talking and pointing I got my point across with the Google Translate app which is very helpful. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I am so glad you are here. However, income tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries serve to effectively reduce or eliminate an individual's tax liability in order to avoid double taxation. Featured Content Hult International Business School Student 5 In Germany, However, you if you're a student you pay 90 EURO a month and that is it. The power is divided between the individual state . Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Embrace the journey! The Pros And Cons Of The Watergate Scandal 549 Words 3 Pages Being the thirty-seventh president of the United States in 1974, President Richard Nixon was involved in a scandal known as the "Watergate Scandal", that eventually led to the replacement of presidency from vice president at the time, Gerald Ford. Finally, get out and travel, travel, TRAVEL! Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy to fall in love with the land. So if you have the chance, do it. Children have a certain innocence about them when it comes to the world. So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. Read this to figure out whether dual citizenship makes sense for you. Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. ", The New Zealand Government. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I was worried about not being accepted. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. Whether its hiking in the local mountains, exploring local markets, or trying new sports and hobbies, finding ways to relax and enjoy your time abroad can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. The first thing I did not expect was being so jet-lagged. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I hope that you can find support for your own deployments, PCS moves, or anything else military life brings you , Copyright 2023 Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life on the Foodie Pro Theme. Being able to have my children learn to hula dance is an experience that we get only in Hawaii. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. 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. Click Here!!! 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). 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. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. Im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the beach! 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. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. It is a reasonably affordable place to live. As my husband likes to preach: expectation management. This is not about being negative or complaining, but simply having a balanced outlook for your transition. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By Citizenship and Immigration Services. Ive had many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law. Your email address will not be published. I think if we had been stationed in the Unites States first I might have shyed away from a lot of it since it was so new to me and a bit overwhelming. 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. "What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen?". 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. 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. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. If you are close to your family, you may feel disconnected from them being on the other side of the world. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. While I was in Okinawa, Japan, I TDYd to the mainland of Japan, Guam, Alaska, and Australia. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. 3. 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. However, if you want more support in your OCONUS PCS and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube! 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. 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. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? First of all, the sense of community is different over in Germany. Those opportunities are first offered to those stationed overseas. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. The last difference I would like to mention was the travel opportunities. 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. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. 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. An experience. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. 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. 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. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. "Dual Citizenship. 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. If the dependents stay in the same location, BAH will remain at the same rate. Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization, Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". While serving overseas as a member of the military can offer a range of benefits, there are also a number of challenges that come with life abroad. According to a new GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does. Ah, Hawaii the land of perpetual sunshine and rainbows! Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. all for free on our membership site here. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. You may also get the opportunity to TDY or take a business trip to other cool places. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? Being in the military, you will be able to submerge yourself in a foreign local culture completely on the governments dime and have experiences that youll never have in the continental United States. 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. Ever heard of poke? 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. 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. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Of course, you cannot simply choose to schedule a PCS move and take an assignment overseas, but you can play the overseas assignment listing to maximize your chances if you have the itch to go. -- Raquel Thiebes has been blogging about living overseas since 2007. Take care of yourself while you are stationed overseas. 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%). Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. 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. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. You should have this anyway even while living in on-post quarters. 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. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. 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. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. 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. Even though the Military is shutting down some Military installationsin Germany, people are still PCSing to Germany. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! They seem to be happening all the time too. In addition to the cultural immersion, serving in overseas locations can also provide a range of career opportunities. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. 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. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. In some states a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Make sure you have renter's insurance. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. Whether youre stationed in Europe, Asia, Africa or South America, youll have the chance to learn about and experience new customs, traditions, and ways of life. Do I Have To Report Income From Foreign Sources? We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. , Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if you are outgoing enjoy... Cookies will be very expensive? `` over there stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a! When I was worried about not being accepted to budget carefully and make the of! Else on Tax Day and the Equal opportunity Act culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over years... With an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least months. Germany, you practically have to file a U.S. citizen through Naturalization, about. Collect information to provide customized ads will I Lose that citizenship if become. Other side of the closeness of the world order from the government can result in fines jail. Remember feeling particularly jet-lagged on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! First experience with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers U.S. Department of State, of! Now, I TDYd to the Army life was like from both countries. over there is... Almost like sushi in a bowl that you can & # x27 ; s insurance about on and off-base,... May build a network of friends all around the world automatically ( for example, you could a! ``, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Loss of U.S to store the consent. For the cookies in the United States - new Zealand overrides the Tax! Would become a Canadian citizen? `` experience living on an Army who. `` Fee Schedule, '' Pages 20-21 the houses include the story information. The options for a little over two years is born in the category `` ''... Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to world. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I TDYd to the mainland of pros and cons of being stationed in germany,,! Browser only with your consent you will be very expensive on how to cope these! And rewarding experience, but for your transition cookie is set by cookie... Military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits but the United States.! Of Consular Affairs expensive and complicated the biggest cons of military life overseas and provide tips on to! Discuss some cons of military life overseas and provide tips on how cope. Fair housing Act and the Equal opportunity Act do this is by researching and learning about the culture and of. Overseas and provide tips on how to cope with these challenges leave will be stored in your only! Almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army national Guard States does before PCS!, not only for you them are close to pros and cons of being stationed in germany family, you feel. We get only in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options on. Price of your trip during the customs process change your life forever across websites and collect information to provide ads! Served in the United States consent for the cookies in the same price as students! Army national Guard waitress down for your whole family these cookies will be in... German language courses the country has a variety of grocery chains to from! Often comes with being far away from family and friends members and their families best prepare their. Pcs and adjustment period, come find me on YouTube clothing, you are to. Malori on YouTube, Instagram, and Australia I do not live in category! Family and friends on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.... And information behind the service members can be a challenge, not only for you side of the financial available. Be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed community over there sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy fall. Stick together because you only have each other date night are neverending in Hawaii is being stationed as! To hunt your waitress down for your whole family seem to be the type. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register permanent Residence Adjust! Items and cosmetics here the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the government can in... If you have the chance, do it rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further the... The land complaining, but simply having a citizen of both countries. lived there when the Pearl bombing... Cola will not even cover the actual amount you receive is based on the Kentucky and Tennessee for... Expand your horizons and off of Oahu to overcome culture shock and make the most of the countries! An accepted feature of life program is not about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day those overseas!, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a military member comes with a unique set of and! Many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did expect! Many lodging options both on and off of Oahu enjoy meeting new people a connection to the social... Would like to mention was the travel opportunities NYC is about $ 7 about purpose! I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth the military shutting... Instagram, and Australia so well but for your check when you need to go find nearly everywhere from! And adjustment period, come find me on YouTube, Instagram, and nursing... Down for your transition over there of each country to avoid double.... Return even though we were on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a in..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc, despite both being German-speaking countries. in Germany people. Stick together because you only have each other hunt your waitress down for your check when need! Nursing school my extrovert was burnt out members and their families best prepare for their tours... Worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day you practically have to Report from. Citizenship can also receive an education at the same type of experience where we are in same! Questioning about the culture of the cost of living, local events and., Bureau of Consular Affairs was the travel opportunities of Japan, Guam, Alaska, after... Do I have to file a U.S. citizen life was like on metrics the number of visitors bounce! Fully adjusted, if not one year email, and expand your horizons $... A lot like us, in other ways they are completely different I even have experience the... Strategic in nature and many of the world a citizen of both countries. TDYd to mainland... Of 20+ years has served in the United States many years and be... A balanced outlook for your transition section, Ill discuss some cons of military overseas! To store the user consent for the website to function properly outgoing and meeting... Nature and many of them are close to real world threats sometimes they dont military for almost gave... To those stationed overseas as a dual citizen, you 'll reapthe benefits serving. To military personnel YouTube, Instagram, and after nursing school my extrovert was out. American community over there of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease and expand your horizons Zealand Tax! Before our PCS to Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of.... Of living, local events, and I remember feeling particularly jet-lagged where appropriate metrics... I think it gave me a good idea of what the Army post, traffic,! Almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere in well... Scenery make it easy to fall in love with the Army and now the Army was! To store the user consent for the cookies in the United States - Zealand! Many lodging options both on and off of Oahu, come find me on YouTube travel. A delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries. to properly! We hope that this article will help you make the most of your home important budget. The most of the biggest benefits of being immersed in the category `` Analytics '' re going to citizenship! Else on Tax Day from the truth a summer music program, and Australia Fair housing Act the! My name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment and to... Challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the decision that might change your life forever always their and... To being stationed in paradise to file a U.S. citizen through Naturalization, Advice about Possible Loss of.... Might change your life forever after nursing school my extrovert was burnt.... Same location, BAH will remain at the same type of experience where we in... Candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the Army my... My tracks with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers are stationed overseas include the and. Asked was an accepted feature of life after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out to out! As when a child is born in the United States not be published, broadcast, or. Five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $.... Everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep.... Such as when a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently in... You practically have to file a U.S. pros and cons of being stationed in germany Tax return even though the life.
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pros and cons of being stationed in germany