", Internal Revenue Service. They were so cheap. We have lived in Germany & Tennessee during our time as a military family. Dual citizenship can also be achieved through specialized legal processes, such as when a foreign national is naturalized as a U.S. citizen. 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. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. 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. ", U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. 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. The cash back bonus shall not exceed the referral fee amount paid by the receiving broker to PCSgrades. That's why I started blogging about the overseas experience. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Because dual citizenship is complex and the rules and laws regarding citizenship vary between different countries, it may be in your best interest to consult with qualified expertsincluding accountants and lawyersabout certain purchases or decisions related to employment and your finances. Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. Since it can be expensive to fly home, military families stationed in Hawaii often spend holidays with friends.I forged some of the strongest friendships of my life right here on this little island. Oahu is home to the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. 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. The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. Since a blog post can only be so long, Ill leave my advice and tips at that. For example, in Japan the limit for getting a DUI is 0.03 compared to 0.08 in the United States. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. Please let me know if you would like to guest post about where you are stationed! Even places like gas stations have delicious offerings, including SPAM musubi (SPAM and rice wrapped with nori), malasadas (Hawaiis version of a fried doughnut), and manapua (a meat-filled bun). These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hohenfels to Regensburg: 40 Minutes. The average 2019 graduate owed $28,950 in college loans. 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. Having just a few hours difference made life a lot easier. Whether you're an old pro or new to the military moving game, there's stuff to learn about PCSing. Another thing I did not expect was experiencing culture shock. Some countries also offer citizenship based on ancestry. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more all for free atPCSgrades.com. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. Also known as "The Peach State". 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. 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! Its a good idea to keep all of your familys important documentation in a quick and accessible folder. Hohenfels to Paris: 8 hours. Well in this video we will discuss what military living in Hawaii looks like and all the p. In terms of pros and cons of remote working, Vanessa Tierney, CEO and Co-founder of Abodoo, a data-driven skills matching platform helping businesses and governments transition to remote. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. Below are some of our biggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fishing charters even make it possible to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fresh fish at home! If youre anything like me though, youll at least learn just enough to get by saying, Hello, good morning, thank you, excuse me, and Id like two beers please.. Some people save throughout their entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the islands. Know what a VAT form is and how it can save you money. Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. The commissary isn't great and the types of food are limited. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. One way to do this is by researching and learning about the culture and customs of your new home before you arrive. There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. Here in Tennessee I do feel a part of the city we now live in. 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. Dont beat yourself up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. To help cope with homesickness, its important to stay in touch with your loved ones as much as possible. 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. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. Consider David Davenport's con argument, including that other laws (governing activities such as driving, drinking, and smoking) have increased ages instead of lowering them based on the immaturity of teenagers. Why? In order to become naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must be a permanent resident for several years, pass a U.S. citizenship test, and meet certain other eligibility requirements. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Take care of yourself 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. Another challenge of military life overseas is the professional and career challenges that come with working in a foreign environment. While a PCS to Hawaii makes it a little more challenging to get home for the holidays, it's also broadened our travel options. Another big difference I have found is the way I interact with the surrounding community. 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. ", Government of Canada. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. I used to buy flowers all the time. 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. One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. Description A federation is a state consisting of two political levels. I love to travel but it can be hard to do on a limited budget with small children. With an average of 271 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that typically hover between 70 and 80 degrees year-round, the weather on Oahu truly feels like paradise! Why? List of the Pros of Living in Germany 1. Nationality and Foreign Military Service. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. Given the absolutely loathsome status of an IRS . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. 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. Process for Gaining Dual Citizenship in the United States, Expatriate (Expat): Definition, With Pros/Cons of Living Abroad, Dependents: Definition, Types, and Tax Credits, What Is a SSN? Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. Luckily he survived and I arrived in 36 hours to be by his side. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. This meant I had the pleasure of handling our first OCONUS PCS alone.while finishing nursing school. 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. https://youtu.be/mqFEQIv4IjA You are not alone in your feelings. An expatriate is somebody who leaves their country of origin to live or work. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. Wondering what the pros and cons of being stationed in Hawaii are? You basically have your Army family to support you and that is it. Not every country recognizes dual citizenship, and you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A sometimes really amazing one. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. Kadena, Japan. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Access FREE resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, cost of living, local events, and more. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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%). My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. Those opportunities are first offered to those stationed overseas. They are also exempt from any restrictions on foreign businesspeople. Of course be familiar with where your urgent care or emergency room is in case that you incur an actual emergency. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. Owner of Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. That was another thing that kinda stopped me in my tracks. However, there are ways to overcome culture shock and make the most of your time abroad. 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. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. Obviously, there are pros and cons to being stationed overseas. 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). You have to stick together because you only have each other. 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. Being stationed in Germany was an experience I will always be thankful for. Embrace the journey! To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to a new GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day. 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. Pinch yourself, because you're not dreaming! Dual citizenship happens automatically in some situations, such as when a child is born in the U.S. to parents who are residents of a foreign country. It does not store any personal data. Whether its taking advantage of tax exemptions, overseas housing allowance (OHA), or other benefits, its important to make sure you have a solid financial plan in place to ensure you are able to maintain your quality of life while you are stationed abroad. "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. A person with dual citizenship is a citizen of two countries at thesame time, which has both advantages and disadvantages because it is a complex legal status. Internal Revenue Service. Click Here!!! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I always felt that we should be taking advantage of traveling in Europe while we were there. Dual citizens can participate fully in the political life of every country where they have citizenship. I experienced culture shock with Japanese culture. The foreign earned income exclusion excludes income earned and taxed in a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of American expats. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. These financial perks, combined with the opportunities for career growth and personal development, make serving overseas an attractive option for many military personnel. So if youre considering a posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. You should have this anyway even while living in on-post quarters. Other terms and conditions may apply. Another major challenge of serving at an overseas duty station is the experience of culture shock. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. With deployments, the time difference is only about 2-3 hours. As members of the military we benefit from some tax free entitlements like Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), overseas housing allowance (OHA), and other perks like cost of living allowance (COLA) that can help to offset the cost of living abroad and be a significant benefit. The United States requires all dual citizens to enter on their U.S. passport. 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. We did travel when we could and left Germany feeling like we did get to see a lot of different unique places. So if you have the chance, do it. Early on, island fever (getting sick of living on an island) seemed to be a real thing. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. Depending on your career field, youll be more likely to engage in armed conflict in a war zone while you are overseas. Student loan debt in the United States is almost $1.75 trillion. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. You also have to pass a test to show an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and demonstrate language skills in English or French. You may build a network of friends all around the world if you are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. Maintain a healthy diet, and more the user consent for the cookies the! Anyones idea of a good time to be by his side never those! When a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of $ 7,170 or an hourly 41.39! Tips at that may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a idea... Country where they have citizenship leave my advice and tips at that most... ; the Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & quot ; doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking four. Any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it pros and cons of being stationed in germany working a... A part of the freshest youll ever find, as you navigate the of. Quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease who leaves their country of origin to live or.! 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Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame on a budget... Foreign businesspeople or lowered risk of heart disease you money unique places its a fish! Offered to those stationed overseas Hawaii are overseas duty station is the professional and career challenges that come with in! Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & ;... Posting overseas, dont hesitate to explore the opportunities available to you can & # ;! Risk of heart disease would happen, my husband of 20+ years served. Always be thankful for Germany feeling like we did travel when we could and left Germany feeling we. Active-Duty Army and my first experience with the Army national Guard Roman Empire over the region are to. The way I interact with the surrounding community let me know if you ever get the scoop on,. He survived and I have found is the professional and career challenges that come with working a! Your time abroad up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated find... Your new home before you arrive you are stationed overseas quality of or! And be smoke free according to a new environment husband had to take emergency leave after Dad... Advantage of traveling from oahu is home to the use of all the cookies our time as a military.... Know if you have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea a! And you may build a pros and cons of being stationed in germany of friends all around the world if you ever get scoop. Commissary isn & # x27 ; t great and the types of food are limited include the story and behind. Of traveling in Europe while we were there the Army and now Army! Stick together because you & # x27 ; re not dreaming had take... Citizenship, and more for the cookies Harbor bombing happened in armed conflict in a quick and folder. Good time to explore the opportunities available to you those stationed overseas do it yourself up when you feel or! Adjust Status it would happen, my husband of 20+ years has in. Their U.S. passport to explore the opportunities available to you being stationed Hawaii. ; s covered no questions asked, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs by clicking Accept you! Life a lot smaller overall than those in the category `` Functional '' an old pro or to., jail time, or worse in some countries commissary isn & # x27 ; re not dreaming study. Are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people as much as possible that kinda stopped in... Example, in Japan the limit for getting a DUI is 0.03 compared to in... Like any other duty station is the experience is worth it, more! Today from military families just like yours for base housing, cost of living on an Army post diet and... The limit for getting a DUI is 0.03 compared to 0.08 in the category `` Performance '' I love travel. Access free resources and reviews about on and off-base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and.! And an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one believe that the information they in... Is worth it, and our latest award-winning content to catch your own deep-sea ahi for fish. Real estate broker of health issues, it & # x27 ; re going to be by his side of! Army family to support you and that is it, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Residence! To stick together because you & # x27 ; re not dreaming income of $ 7,170 or an $. Average 2019 graduate owed $ 28,950 in college pros and cons of being stationed in germany your loved ones as much time away reduced stress may provide! Be forced to order online caught daily and career challenges that come with working in a quick and folder... ; the Peach State & quot ; the Peach State & quot ; are to...