There have been fewer wars fought on the continent then at any time since the reign of the Roman Empire over the region. Some praise globalization for opening borders and connecting cultures and politics. 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. The torturous inner dialogue within ourselves is, Do I look, or do I wait?. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But on top of that, we had a new country to explore together. Pro: Free tuition Let's start with the biggest pro. Deployments, PTSD, and TBI may have rocked their world in past years, but they weathered through the hard times together and are currently enjoying an overseas assignment at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Being able to learn and connect with this history is an incredibly humbling experience. . One of the biggest perks of traveling from Oahu is the availability of Space-A flights. To overcome culture shock, its important to do your research before you move overseas. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression. 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. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation. Hohenfels to Salzburg: 3 hours. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Those born into dual citizenship may encounter fewer problems than those who actively sought it out. As a legal citizen of two countries, you would be able to purchase property in eitheror bothcountries. Just travel as much as you can because you will not get this kind of opportunity in your life again. From the ability to travel and taste new foods, to the nearly perfect weather and rich history of Oahu, this duty station will forever hold a huge piece of my heart. Being stationed overseas as a military service members can be a unique and rewarding experience, but its not without its challenges. If you are seeking a position with the U.S government or your job requires access to information that is considered classified by the U.S. government, having dual citizenship may bar you from gaining the security clearance you need for this type of employment. With careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to making the most of your experience, you can make your time abroad a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Like I stated earlier, some military members love being stationed overseas and some people hate it, but like anything else, it will be what you make of it. Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization, Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. Making an effort to keep in touch with loved ones can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with being away from home. I knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime, but I did not have proper expectations of what that entirely meant. While having a positive attitude about any PCS is important, its equally important to have realistic expectations. I am so glad you are here. I would have never seen those places if I had not been stationed overseas. "Dual Citizenship. From my experience in the military, the comradery while you are stationed overseas is just greater. If you have any kind of health issues, it's covered no questions asked. Hohenfels to Prague: About 3 hours. In England, there is Taxes on everything and if you fail to pay them youll be subject to a steep fine. Failing to follow a legal order from the government can result in fines, jail time, or worse in some countries. A resident alien is a foreign born, non-U.S. citizen who is currently residing in the United States. The nuggets you do find on official websites can be confusing or raise even more questions. I am so glad you are here. Some countries also offer citizenship based on ancestry. And the flowers. Some people save throughout their entire lifetime to be able to spend just a week in the islands. The experience is worth it, and living overseas will change your life forever. Youll make friends that you share unique experiences with. ", The New Zealand Government. Individual nations within Europe struggle to hold influence on the global stage because of their size. I am very thankful that I was able to experience being stationed in Germany before we were stationed in the US. The foreign earned income exclusion excludes income earned and taxed in a foreign country from the U.S taxable income of American expats. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is a great way to stay in touch and I recommend doing this for those that are close to their families. It helps lessen that feeling of overwhelm. Hello You Designs. 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. While I was in Okinawa, Japan, I TDYd to the mainland of Japan, Guam, Alaska, and Australia. 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. Being stationed overseas as a military member comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits. You simply cant find that type of Military community in the states. Even childbirth with minor complications will be outsourced to a facility that can handle it which could include an alert military flight in a C-130 to another military installation or medical facility thousands of miles away. 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. Because home is 2,000+ miles away. "Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. You will be glad you did. Now, I know that the rumors of unwelcoming locals couldn t be further from the truth! Being stationed in Hawaiiis an opportunity like none other. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It was wonderful to simply live with my husband again after almost a year apart! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. On the other hand, it can bring homesickness, culture shock, and professional difficulties. Part of the reason we love college in Germany so much is that most colleges don't charge tuition. Stay on top of your physical health, try to maintain a healthy diet, and be smoke free. She is the co-founder of PowerZone Trading, a company that has provided programming, consulting, and strategy development services to active traders and investors since 2004. Its a monumental task, but you will be forever grateful for it. 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. All of these things will prevent you from getting sick and spending hours to be seen at a sick call. Many of my friends found their future wives in the foreign country that they were stationed in. 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. Since the country has a variety of grocery chains to choose from, food prices are competitive. 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. Army nurses with ten to nineteen years of experience earn an hourly wage of $51.42 and a monthly income of $8,910. All rights reserved. Why? Dual citizenship is when a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time, with all the rights and privileges that come with it. Being stationed in Hawaii is being stationed in paradise. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old when you apply and being able to read, write, and speak basic English. While a PCS to Hawaii makes it a little more challenging to get home for the holidays, it's also broadened our travel options. These experiences can help you to broaden your horizons and develop new interests, leading to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life. She also creates YouTube videos about PCSing overseas and life in Germany for other milspouses who are walking the same path. 3. 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. It really does take several weeks to get over jet lag! 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. My name is Julie and I have been a military spouse for 17 years! We were stationed at two different places, Schweinfurt and Grafenwoeher. I even have experience with German culture, from doing Bavarian folk dancing and taking over four years of German language courses. Of course be familiar with where your urgent care or emergency room is in case that you incur an actual emergency. However, I never felt like I was really a part of the German community. So Your Spouse Just Deployed??? 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. Even so, dual citizens may be required to file U.S. tax returns even if they are living and earning income in New Zealand. et.c.. Some military members love being stationed overseas, and some military members hate it. All content Copyright 2011 MilitaryFamily.com, 7 Things I Wish I'd Known as a New Military Wife, The Pros and Cons to Living Near a Major Military Base. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Now lets look into some of the ways that military personnel can balance the pros and cons of life overseas. We have now been at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky and Tennessee border for a little over two years. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique terrain and claim to fame. 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. Sometimes they have a choice, sometimes they dont. On top of it all, Hawaii has a rich and beautiful history. If you can't fit in smaller sized clothing, you will be forced to order online. There is also the whole beer and flowers thing. 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. So my first piece of advice, for anyone moving overseas, is to give yourself plenty of time to adjust and sleep. Access thousands of on-base and off-base housing reviews, photos, and more, written by military and veteran families just like you. The cash back bonus shall not exceed the referral fee amount paid by the receiving broker to PCSgrades. Schools generally charge a small administration fee, but other than that, it's f-r-e-e! "I Am A Citizen of Another Country. Youll also have to play in exercises in chem gear which is not anyones idea of a good time. Another great thing about living in Germany is being around another culture. Navigating foreign business practices, dealing with language barriers, and communicating with colleagues from different cultures can all be difficult and time-consuming. 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of the Military Draft. Traveling wasnt easy but we did what we could. 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! Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Conversely, some countries may require you to use a specific passport, if you have it. German roadways also differ from much of Europe. Being stationed abroad gives you the chance to gain valuable experience and skills that can set you apart from your peers. The travel opportunities are simply amazing. This comes with working some long hours while preparing for a real world mission. 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! So with an overseas move, Id say to give yourself at least six months to feel fully adjusted, if not one year. 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. Learn everything you need to know here. This can deter some people from pursuing dual citizenship. As it would happen, my husband had to report to Germany before I was done with school. Take care of your spouse and kids and never put them second to your military career. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and maintain a connection with loved ones back home. But my pride got the best of me and I struggled big time with adjusting. 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. 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