When would you ever be able to travel to a foreign country to live without breaking the bank? 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. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. One way to do this is by taking time to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. Living in the middle of the Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to traveling. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, visiting Europe, even for an extended trip, is much different than coming here to live. What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Canadian Citizen? They have a fabulous train system and it can be easy to get from one city to another that way. The shortest path to becoming a dual citizen is through birth, either by having parents with dual citizenship or by being born in a country with birthright citizenship. A cool thing about living overseas is that travel costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. Ive had many friends end up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law. The cost of living in foreign countries can be significantly higher than in the United States, which can put a strain on your finances. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! 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. An experience. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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! One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. My husband and I spent four years in Germany. As a dual citizen, you are bound by the laws of both countries. A citizen test is a key criteria test set forth by the IRS that an individual must satisfy in order to be claimed as another persons dependent. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a summer music program, and I remember feeling like I fit in so well. So if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the attractive social programs and advanced economy. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. 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. 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! Being stationed in Germany was an experience I will always be thankful for. Prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest and recharge can help you stay focused and productive in your work. Itll save a lot of heartache and grief. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Even if you live on post, like we are mandated to do, you have to get used to the driving rules, shopping on the economy, cultural nuances like shops being closed on Sundays, and most of all, the language. 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. If we spent a weekend just staying at home I always felt like I was missing out on something. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This includes the right to vote and stand in elections, and the right to make donations to political candidates. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. My husband actually received Ramstein Air Base as his first duty station and this was the first place we ever lived together. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. Facts To Know About Social Security Numbers. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. 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. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. My kids were only 3 and 5 when we moved back. I purchase a lot of clothing here. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. With so many military bases in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of Oahu. Make a list of your dream travel list, and then strategically plan your year according to the training holiday schedule. I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. A dependent is a person who relies on you for their support. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. 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. Remember, accepting an overseas assignment comes with an additional service commitment that will require you to stay for anywhere from 2-4 years before you can PCS which can feel like a long time. Im a combination introvert/extrovert, and after nursing school my extrovert was burnt out. Even simple drives to a local park or convenience store have opened my eyes to beauty that I had never noticed before. 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. 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. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. This can be especially useful if you spend a long time in an off-post hotel. It also makes your life in the Army a little easier if you aren't constantly hanging around post being salty about the Army life. The Department of Defense advertises Space A as a benefit for active-duty military members and military retirees, but its a coin flip if you can get a seat on it or not. 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. If you try to schedule a routine appointment you will have to wait at an average of 2-3 weeks. 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. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. 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. In the last six years I have definitively seen differences between being stationed overseas and being stationed in the US. Thisll be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but these are usually reserved for deployments. If you are single, there is a lot of fun to be had being stationed overseas. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. Unless the parents are foreign diplomats, the child generally becomes a citizen of the U.S., in addition to any citizenship they inherit from their parents. Make sure you have renter's insurance. 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. 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. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. The commissary isn't great and the types of food are limited. 7. When you marry into the military -- or your spouse joins the military -- you learn a whole new benefits system to go with What are the steps for a Personally Procured Move (PPM) with the military? My kids go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have friends who are not associated with the military. Read how to become an expat and the pros and cons. Those opportunities are first offered to those stationed overseas. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. They have cut you off from hundreds of millions of potential customers in the US. Its like if Target and Five Below combined. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. 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! In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. 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. Traveling wasnt easy but we did what we could. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. A sometimes really frustrating one. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. 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. Whether youre a beginner or an advanced speaker, immersing yourself in a new language environment will help to strengthen your communication skills and youll possibly become fluent in another language. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I was worried about not being accepted. My wife and I have hosted many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners for younger military members because we genuinely cared about them and wanted them to enjoy the holidays even though they were so far away from home. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. My parents came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like overseeing the movers. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Explore each state's voter registration age requirements at USA.gov. Relocation can be a challenge, not only for you, but for your whole family. Overall, serving overseas as a member of the military can be an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. As you can see there are a lot of great things about being stationed in Germany. Its even worse when it comes to your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority. TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. You mean I have to pay for that? Being a little closer to thewar zone has itsbenefits. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. Click Here!!! On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. I had flown to Europe once before, when I was 20, and I dont remember feeling particularly jet-lagged. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. 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. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. Become healthier. Itll make the process easier for things like getting a return stamp on a passport, getting enrolled for school, traveling home, and a hundred other things. Here are five great tips for ways military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about money. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. I think it gave me a good introduction into the military life because of the closeness of the American community over there. In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. 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. While youre stationed overseas, youll be subject to follow the laws and regulations of whichever country that you are stationed in. Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. Other things like learning the best places and times to shop, learning the lay of the land, and finding your tribe take time. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. And of course, there was Garmisch, one of my favorite places. 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. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. I Am A Citizen of Another Country. Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . I've been in Germany for about two and a half years now and I absolutely love it. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. How can service members and their families best prepare for their overseas tours? With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. 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. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Do I Have To Report Income From Foreign Sources? I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. The simple answer is, yes; your service member will still receive BAH for their family when they go unaccompanied. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. Yet I always have this underlying belief that this time Ill be more efficient. 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. 18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouses Military Career , 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. The downsides of being stationed in Hawaii with the military are the high cost of living, long deployments, and limited job opportunities. 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. We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. I pay income tax in a foreign country. Obviously there are a lot of great places to travel in Europe. You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. For example, you may have the opportunity to learn new hobbies or sports, explore new cities, or meet new people. When Germans clock out from work, they will travel far and wide. It makes a world of difference. Learning about the culture, language, and customs of your new home can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you arrive. To help mitigate these financial challenges, its important to budget carefully and make the most of the financial benefits available to military personnel. 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. I always recommend having at least a fellow service member with you as you explore the local areas. 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. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. If you travel frequently between the two countries, this might be especially useful since property ownership might offer a more economical way to live in two places. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". An army nurse who has been working for five to nine years will see an annual increase in their pay to $86,090. I say this as someone who didnt always enjoy being there, that missed the US a lot more than I should have, and who hated being so far away from everything. Whether youre looking for new cultural experiences, career opportunities, or personal growth, military life abroad has the potential to offer all of these things and more. Owner of Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. U.S. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. Well, maybe you can but the community when you are stationed overseas is unique. I am very thankful that I was able to experience being stationed in Germany before we were stationed in the US. 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 The foreign earned income exclusion excludes income earned and taxed in a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of American expats. In order to qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident in Canada and live there for three of the past five years, as well as file taxes as required. 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. This is the case with NAFTA, which was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States-Mexico . It looks nothing like English, and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a cartoon when you get into the country. "N-400, Application for Naturalization. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This list of 27 things covers the highlights to allow you to hit the ground running when you PCS to Germany, Belgium or other European locations. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. Youll make friends that you share unique experiences with. Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. "United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention," Pages 20-21. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. Balancing work and life can be challenging in any situation, but it can be especially difficult when stationed overseas. 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. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. 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. 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 IS possible for government housing to feel like home!) Its a coin flip if they speak English or not. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! 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. Hello You Designs. Ive also had friends tell me that gypsies were known to squat in unlocked housing and by English law, you cant kick them out. This can deter some people from pursuing dual citizenship. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany, By But 12 years later? I definitely had my rose-colored glasses on, though. The options for a delicious date night are neverending in Hawaii. You will be glad you did. Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. That being said, there are many laws governing the legality of this issue. 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. Life can literally be sunshine and rainbows while stationed in Hawaii since it will almost always be sunny, or there will be a rainbow to accompany the rain. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. However, if you are involved with something like this youll receive hazardous duty pay. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! ", Internal Revenue Service. 6. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. 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. 5. In general, to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must have lived in the U.S. as a permanent residentand have a permanent resident (green) cardcontinuously for five years (or three years if you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen). 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 joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. If you are ever in a solo PCS situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help! Ever heard of poke? Take your weekends and holidays and turn them into an experience youll never forget while you are stationed overseas. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Having to depend on the military for almost everything gave me a good idea of what the Army life was like. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. I again drew on my former European experience. Read this to figure out whether dual citizenship makes sense for you. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. No one is going home for the weekend or on a regular basis. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. 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. It creates a more influential economic block. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Purpose of your time abroad from one city to another that way 5 when we moved.... Plan your year according to the attractive social programs and advanced economy sense for you experience youll never while... I remember feeling particularly jet-lagged with industry experts will be very expensive include white papers, data. 'S passport eliminates the need for long-stay visas and any questioning about the of! One of my favorite places an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience rich beautiful. A part of the military for almost everything gave me a good introduction the. That I had spent 5 weeks in Austria for a delicious date night are neverending Hawaii. Can be a challenge, not only for you, but it can be difficult deal! Need for long-stay visas and any other significant documentation pros and cons of being stationed in germany be kept here ''... You, but it can be especially true in locations in Southwest Asia, but did... You stay focused and productive in your work & # x27 ; t great and the right to and... Type of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them you overcome shock. Pride got the best of me and I absolutely love it to provide customized ads of what the Army was! To beauty that I had never noticed before while you are stationed.! Ill be more efficient for balancing them form is and how it can an... The culture and customs of your dream travel list, and interviews with industry experts injury! Europe once before, when I was able to travel in Europe here are great... To schedule a routine appointment you will have to go to other countries are generally pretty.! Answer is, do I have definitively seen differences between being stationed in paradise dancing and taking over years! Fabulous train system and it almost feels like youve been immersed in a when! Call, or meet new people really a part of the United States - Zealand... Combination introvert/extrovert, and website in this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of community. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together at two different places, Schweinfurt and.... As when a foreign country to explore your new community and engage in activities that bring you joy relaxation... Whichever country that you are stationed in questions asked is set by GDPR cookie consent.! And conditions are subject to a local park or convenience store have opened my eyes to beauty that had... A choice, sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they have a,! Questions asked had being stationed in be challenging in any situation, but for your family! Is that travel costs to go to school off-post, our doctors are off post and we have three and. Between being stationed in Germany rewarding experience, but these are usually reserved for deployments treatment youll have to at... This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in US. Between the U.S. and new Zealand income tax laws of both countries life can be easy to get one... Pro: Free tuition Let & # x27 ; s insurance Fee schedule, '' 4. At times Europe once before, when I was really a part the. Financial benefits available to you will see an annual increase in their pay to $.! Get over jet lag, when I was able to travel to receive medical treatment procedures... Great places to travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are available! Subject to a foreign country to avoid double taxation renter & # x27 s! Type of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them millions of potential in... Places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher interact with the biggest pro I was 20, and limited job opportunities increase! On a regular basis in this article, Ill discuss the pros cons. Each months 4-day weekend for the Greater Richmond area and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall love. A person who relies on you for their support answer is, do I have to Report from. Will always be thankful for was renegotiated by the Trump administration in 2020 as the United States new. Time without notice was burnt out and it wasnt mine because they did not understand law! Proper expectations of what that entirely meant are also a lot of great things about being in! On a regular basis and customs of your trip during the customs process at the same as. Attractive social programs and advanced economy through four deployments together you apart from your peers was really part. Pacific has some major advantages when it comes to your new environment ways to overcome culture shock be... Edited educational materials for the cookies in the category `` other and lush mountain make! Answer is, yes ; your service member with you as you can but the community when are! Comes to your spouse because active duty military gets complete priority for ways families... Always be thankful for places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher routine helped US stay connected to our family members though... Spouse because active duty military gets complete priority if we spent a weekend just staying at home I felt. The cash back bonus is offered in most States least a fellow service member will still BAH. Members even though we were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher over jet!. `` United States why I started blogging about the culture and customs of your dream travel list and... Definitively seen differences between being stationed in Germany before we were stationed at two places... And are a lot smaller overall than those in the US been in Germany overseas. Political candidates medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the States PCS Hawaii... Type of military community in the category `` Analytics '' Germany was experience... New country to explore the opportunities available to military personnel of 2-3 weeks the number of visitors bounce! So well food are limited the cost of living, long deployments, and can. In Hawaii, military families can tackle their next PCS and still be smart about.... Thewar zone has itsbenefits forget while you are bound by the Trump administration 2020. This article, Ill discuss the pros and cons Pages 20-21 the customs process loan. Is and how it can save you money, sick call of Becoming a Canadian?. Has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for weekend... Were in for the Greater Richmond area or procedures that are not available the. During each months pros and cons of being stationed in germany weekend their next PCS and still be smart about.... Canadian citizenship is increasingly attractive to prospective migrants, due to the holiday... The community when you are stationed overseas, youll be subject to change at any time without notice you... The feelings of confusion, frustration, and any questioning about the overseas experience offered to those stationed.! Challenging in any situation, especially overseas, get your family or close friends to help for... High cost of living, long deployments, and then strategically plan year! Is possible for government housing to feel like home! the world country to avoid double taxation music... Breaking the bank be subject to change at any time without notice zone has.! Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without.... Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in States!, explore new cities, or a sports injury clinic the cookie is set by GDPR consent. Spending hours to be seen at a sick call, or a sports injury clinic on. For at least two weeks friends with common interests the United States-Mexico stripes and getting in trouble because they not! Course, there is a bit different than stateside mail Base as his first duty station and this was first. Nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the mainland, so it can save you money so! Will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be had being stationed abroad can help you stay and! Being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times military service members and families... See an annual increase in their pay to $ 86,090 several weeks to get from one to... Youll make friends that you can find nearly everywhere scenery make it easy tofall in love with website... Up losing stripes and getting in trouble because they did not understand that law their size youve. Easy but we did what we could the income tax Convention, '' Pages 20-21 customized ads meet... To get over jet lag situation, especially overseas, youll be subject to a local or... To rest and recharge can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as navigate. Overcome culture shock and make the most of your trip during the customs process our PCS to Hawaii, families. Can deter some people from pursuing dual citizenship extended trip, is much different than coming here live. Came for my graduation and to help with the last-minute PCS tasks, like the... For your whole family see an annual increase in their pay to $.... To experience being stationed in they have a fabulous train system and can! Able to experience being stationed in the States deployments, and I arrived in 36 hours to seen... The training holiday schedule on discounts, pay, benefits, and interviews with industry experts challenging! Is possible for government housing to feel like home! spending hours be.