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. This is a monthly income of $7,170 or an hourly $41.39. As someone who spent four years in Germany, I have to recommend that if you have the opportunity to go overseas, do it. 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. 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. Additionally, traveling home on leave will be very expensive. Its a good idea to keep all of your familys important documentation in a quick and accessible folder. Conversely, some countries may require you to use a specific passport, if you have it. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. Also known as "The Peach State". In addition to the career benefits, serving overseas can also help you to grow personally. There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here, Read reviews today from military families just like yours for base housing, neighborhoods, moving companies, and more, Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice. Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. Medical care while stationed overseas is somewhat minimal. Every overseas military installation is strategic in nature and many of them are close to real world threats. The festivals areso much fun and are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. 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. Hearing that you're going to be stationed in Germany is always super exciting news. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. Navigating foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all be difficult and time-consuming. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What Are the Advantages of the EU? There just doesnt seem to be the same type of experience where we are in the US. Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations. 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. This personally happened to me and I had to take emergency leave after my Dad had a heart attack. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! Have a good attitude and an open mind and make your overseas assignment an enjoyable one. Even though being there might get hard or be really frustrating at times. Applying for dual citizenship is a complicated and typically expensive process that may require the assistance of an immigration lawyer. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Most military members are not going to have much of a say in where they get stationed, but when building your dream sheet you can read the pros and cons and decide on what overseas duty locations that youd like to try out. Being stationed abroad can help you to become more independent and self-reliant, as you navigate the challenges of life in a new environment. Overall, serving overseas as a member of the military can be an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. This is a large base that does not have a lot of Westernized shopping. 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. 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. Because tax laws are complicated and can change from year to year, it's important for individuals facing this situation to consult with a qualified tax accountant. Sometimes the spouse thinks about staying in the US. The cost of living is much higher in Hawaii than on the mainland, so it can be difficult to make ends meet. Internal Revenue Service. Moving to Germany is something that happens to other military families. Just like I never thought I would marry a soldier, I never thought wed get stationed overseas even though it was a dream of mine to live in Europe. You don't have to try to calculate if you can afford the co-pay. Amazon.de is very popular in Germany, and you can save the VAT tax when you have things sent to your German address. I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. Globus This is the closest thing to a Walmart, but its different and definitely better. The cotton candy sunsets and lush mountain scenery make it easy tofall in love with the land. Reading books, watching documentaries, and speaking with people who have lived in the area can help you get a better understanding of what to expect and how to navigate your new surroundings. One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. The Department of Labor has a table of the allowable pay frequencies for each state . Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. Germany was my first experience with the Army and my first experience living on an Army post. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. With so many beautiful sites and mouth-watering food options, there really is something for everyone. Below are some of our biggest pros and cons of moving to Germany. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) It might take several trips to get the hang of European travel planning, but tons of traveling is something you will NOT regret! With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. If you claim one or more dependents on your tax return, you may be eligible for certain tax credits. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. This fee is set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Do whatever it takes to stay motivated. Similarly, if a child of U.S. citizens is born overseas, they may automatically become a citizen of both the U.S. and their country of birth (although this is situational because it depends on that specific countrys laws). But with an OCONUS move, you have all the normal PCS adjustments to make, plus the foreign country aspect. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. While I was in Okinawa, Japan, I TDYd to the mainland of Japan, Guam, Alaska, and Australia. 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. We have three boys and have been through four deployments together. All rights reserved. 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. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It is a reasonably affordable place to live. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. A friend of mine who had passed a DLAB test was tasked with translating Japanese in Tokyo for the American Embassy. Volunteering might improve your mental and physical health. I love to travel but it can be hard to do on a limited budget with small children. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. What Is a Resident Alien? I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. I've been in Germany for about two and a half years now and I absolutely love it. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! Is it worth it to you to only see your family once or twice a year? 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. 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. 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. Make sure you have renter's insurance. Furthermore, being stationed overseas can also help to improve your language skills. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. Before the age of 8, most children believe that the information they see in an advertisement is an absolute fact. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. You get used to it after a while. According to a new GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day. 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. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. 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. Internal Revenue Service. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Because of this, you spend a lot of time there and not as much time away. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Immigration lawyers can help individuals achieve citizenship, although they also require fees for their services. A beautiful and varied landscape. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? I felt like I got run over by a bus every day for at least two weeks! Additionally, being open to new experiences and trying new things can help you overcome culture shock and adapt to your new environment. We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. Pros: Germany's food costs are reasonable. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. ", Government of Canada. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 1. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. A Social Security number (SSN) is a numerical identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. After being in the US for a few years I can say that I miss that sense of community that we had over in Germany. Im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the beach! You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. 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. And the flowers. 1. Nationality and Foreign Military Service, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters, United States - New Zealand Income Tax Convention, IRS Provides Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2023, I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. Im a U.S. citizen living and working outside of the United States for many years. "Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. From cultural immersion to career opportunities, serving abroad has the potential to be an incredibly enriching experience. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. 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