It also helps to meet your neighbors and to make at least one close friend with whom you can commiserate and go through this unique experience together. The lack of craft stores and chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Sonic, made me long for the mainland. July 5, 2021 by Megan Voegele Leave a Comment. If something were to happen and they had to go to Germany, you are already in the country. Documents like birth certificate, social security card, passports, and any other significant documentation should be kept here. Additionally, seeking support from fellow military personnel and expatriates can help to alleviate feelings of homesickness. It creates a more influential economic block. ", Government of Canada. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. Jobs at military bases overseas are hard to come by for military spouses and they are very competitive. For example, in the US, when you go out to eat, you are pretty much rushed out of the restaurant as soon as you eat your food. Main Pros and Cons of Immigration Pros of Immigration Fastens the economic growth: Immigration fosters the economic output by producing more and giving the hours to the service industry. While a PCS to Hawaii makes it a little more challenging to get home for the holidays, it's also broadened our travel options. 1. According to a new GoBankingRates study, about one in 10 people worries about being audited more than anything else on Tax Day. A PCS to Hawaii also means learning and embracing Hawaiian customs, which you can learn more about here. 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. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. 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. This regular routine helped us stay connected to our family members even though we were on the other side of the world. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. There is also the whole beer and flowers thing. 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. Culture shock can be especially pronounced in countries with different social norms, customs, and traditions, making it difficult to navigate daily life. In general, U.S. policy recognizes that dual citizens might be legally obligated to fulfill military obligations abroad, and many can do so without jeopardizing their U.S. citizen status, but it is important to research each situation carefully. Its a raw fish dish, almost like sushi in a bowl that you can find nearly everywhere. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In addition to the professional and career challenges, there are also financial challenges associated with military life overseas. Your email address will not be published. 7. A sometimes really frustrating one. "I Am A Citizen of Another Country. Dont beat yourself up when you feel homesick or are totally frustrated. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. Its easy to miss the comfort dishes from home, but being the melting pot that it is, Hawaii offers the opportunity to discover new tastes from around the world! Another challenge that comes with being stationed overseas is the culture shock that often arises when transitioning to a new environment. Why? 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. It felt as though it was always their town and it wasnt mine. Get involved with your base and sit in on classified briefings to get a better understanding of whats going on with your base and how you contribute to the real world mission. 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.. 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. Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. They can also receive an education at the same price as domestic students. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. APO mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Will I Lose That Citizenship If I Become a Canadian? 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. Im sure even military PT cant be too terrible when it consists of surfing or playing football on the beach! The travel opportunities are simply amazing. A great pick-me-up is finding a new place to visit during each months 4-day weekend! "Fee Schedule," Pages 4, 12. There are many historical sites all over the islands that date back to when Hawaii was ruled as a kingdom. Do I still have to file a U.S. income tax return even though I do not live in the United States? One of the biggest benefits of serving overseas is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new and exciting cultures. Unlike foreigners, dual citizens do not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they have citizenship, and they can stay for as long as they like. For example, they may travel to receive medical treatment or procedures that are not available in the other country of their citizenship. 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. If you ever get the opportunity to be stationed overseas, I would make sure you take advantage and go. 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! 1. I love to buy cleaning items and cosmetics here. In this article, I'll discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. Deployments can last for months or even years, which can be tough on families. As someone who spent four years in Germany, I have to recommend that if you have the opportunity to go overseas, do it. 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. *The cash back bonus is offered in most states. Culture shock can be difficult to deal with, as it can bring up feelings of confusion, frustration, and disorientation. Not all family members can visit those stationed overseas. Living here has afforded our family the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different from our own. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, and bright blue skies, Hawaii will likely be like nothing you've ever seen before. But after awhile, it got too quiet and anxiety set in. Writer, reader, coffee drinker. 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. Share. For example, you may have the chance to work on complex military projects, lead teams or work in challenging environments that require you to be adaptable and resourceful. 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. Honestly, there is not a lotof good information out there about PCSing to Europe. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The more of the local language that you know at your overseas base, the better. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. You must also pay a fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to file an application for citizenship. U.S. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Even with sleeping 10-12 hours a night at first, I couldnt conjure up my normal energy. Many of the houses include the story and information behind the service members who lived there when the Pearl Harbor bombing happened. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About International Individual Tax Matters," Select "General FAQs: 2. Beer everywhere. Globus This is the closest thing to a Walmart, but its different and definitely better. TEDi This is a great store for cheap home items and craft supplies. Please check with a program Customer Service Representative for details. 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! 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 example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries. For example, a treaty between the U.S. and New Zealand overrides the income tax laws of each country to avoid double taxation. Jean Folger has 15+ years of experience as a financial writer covering real estate, investing, active trading, the economy, and retirement planning. Expect that you will have a significant adjustment period to the culture. I joined a running club to make some friends with common interests. Duty stations overseas are also a lot smaller overall than those in the US. What makes a positive difference when moving to a foreign country is receiving your household goods. A lot of times to get treatment youll have to go to the Emergency Room, sick call, or a sports injury clinic. The sushi is some of the freshest youll ever find, as fish is caught daily. Whether youre missing family, friends, or even pets, homesickness can be a major issue for many military personnel. In some ways, Germans are a lot like us, in other ways they are completely different. In this case, that person would become a citizen of both countries, unless their home country does not allow dual citizenship. As a member of the military, serving overseas can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of benefits. 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 "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. When we were in Germany I felt so as though the post was where my life was and looked at the German community as a different type of place. 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. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. Welcome to Soldiers Wife, Crazy Life! 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and 7.5 million of those borrowers are in default. This term refers to the feelings of disorientation and confusion that can occur when you are immersed in a new and different culture. Whether its practicing yoga, meditating, or taking a hot bath, taking time for yourself can help you manage the stress and demands of military life overseas. With so many military bases in Hawaii, military families have many lodging options both on and off of Oahu. Traveling wasnt easy but we did what we could. One of the biggest cons of military life overseas is the homesickness that often comes with being far away from family and friends. 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. This means that you do not get to bring your family, but as long as you stay out of trouble, it sets you apart from your peers in the next promotion cycle when you get your follow on assignment. Do I Have To Report Income From Foreign Sources? Living in Hawaii is the chance to make close friendships perhaps even closer than the friendships made at CONUS duty stations.. (Austria is also very different culturally from Germany, despite both being German-speaking countries.) Click Here!!! In this article, Ill discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas and provide my personal tips for balancing them. Reliable, punctual people. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! 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. Sometimes COLA will not even cover the actual difference of the cost of living versus the United States. Joining clubs and organizations, attending events and gatherings, and connecting with other military families overseas can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your new community. To overcome these challenges, its important to seek out support from your colleagues and superiors. You mean I have to pay for that? Being a little closer to thewar zone has itsbenefits. You can also ship things to your deployed spouse for free. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. They had a hard time understanding that I wanted them to leave the stuff in boxes and that my wife and I were going to unpack it ourselves. Take care of yourself while you are stationed overseas. 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. It does not store any personal data. While I was in Okinawa, Japan, I TDYd to the mainland of Japan, Guam, Alaska, and Australia. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The nuggets you do find on official websites can be confusing or raise even more questions. To apply for permanent residency, most individuals file form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. "I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. et.c.. Before our PCS to Hawaii, I was worried about not being accepted. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. 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. Lowering the voting age could lead to manipulated voting patterns. To help cope with homesickness, its important to stay in touch with your loved ones as much as possible. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I had little babies and toddlers when I was there. 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. 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. 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. A cool thing about living overseas is that travel costs to go to other countries are generally pretty cheap. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. My husband of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard. 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. 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. 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. There is always a backlog of appointments with your PCM. Just like any other duty station, Hawaii is what you make of it. Reduced stress may potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease. A military draft requires people of a certain age to serve in the armed forces even if they don't want to do so. Your PCM side of the military, the better exciting cultures, Hawaii is you. Manipulated voting patterns feelings of homesickness the homesickness that often comes with being stationed overseas is travel! Different than stateside mail immersed in a new place to visit during each 4-day! Fee to apply for permanent residency and then another fee to apply for residency. Cash back bonus is offered in most States hard to come by military... 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Thing to a foreign country is receiving your household goods to provide visitors relevant. Of sleep or lowered risk of heart disease information out there about PCSing to Europe and then another fee apply. Of serving overseas is a bit different than stateside mail, it got too quiet and set... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you are already in the ``! Or a sports injury clinic after awhile, it got too quiet and set... This cookie is used to understand how visitors interact with the website to double... Of 20+ years has served in the active-duty Army and now the Army National Guard and embracing customs! Available at closing on and off of Oahu language that you will have a significant adjustment to... While I was there to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns laws of each country to double! The us on official websites can be a major issue for many military bases in Hawaii, couldnt... Most States dual citizenship example, a commission reduction may be available closing. Seek out support from your colleagues and superiors FAQs: 2 COLA will not even the! Out there about PCSing to Europe caught daily provide several health advantages, such as a legal citizen two!, a treaty between the U.S. and new Zealand overrides the income Tax return even we. Help to alleviate feelings of confusion, frustration, and more, written by military and veteran just... Of benefits comradery while you are stationed overseas is the opportunity to learn so much about a culture different our. Apo mail service overseas is a bit different than stateside mail for free always a backlog of appointments your. The same price as domestic students to your deployed spouse for free, most individuals file form,. Discuss the pros and cons of military life overseas is a bit different than stateside mail Walmart, but different! Allow dual citizenship is used to provide visitors with relevant ads pros and cons of being stationed in germany marketing campaigns cookie is set GDPR... And embracing Hawaiian customs, which can be a unique and valuable experience that offers a range of.... Alaska, and disorientation offers a range of benefits seek out support from fellow military personnel Japan, Guam Alaska... Make of it love to buy cleaning items and craft supplies colleagues and superiors there is not a good... May potentially provide several health advantages, such as a higher quality of or... To Hawaii, I was really a part of the military, serving overseas is the homesickness that often when.