Willkommen in Deutschland! Welcome to Germany! If you’ve recently arrived, your head may be spinning from a combination of jetlag and the sheer amount of information coming your way. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Moving overseas is a big change with a lot of moving pieces.
Spring symbolizes new growth, renewal, and optimism. We see the signs of change around us as the days grow longer, the temperature gets warmer, and the flowers begin to bloom. For military families, spring signifies change as PCS season is among us.
The U.S. Armed Forces in Europe require that U.S. servicemembers and dependents comply with host-nation child safety seat laws. According to the European Commission, member states must enforce child safety seat laws with the minimum requirements.
Moving to Europe was only the beginning of our adventure when my husband and I arrived. Transferring from our last base to a new unit and country was also challenge. We were embracing civilian life for the first time after his transition out of the army.
PCSing to a foreign country is stressful enough for families. When you couple that with trying to find employment, it can be a nerve-wracking and frustrating process. Overseas, jobs are scarce for military spouses, especially in Italy where there are far stricter rules for working abroad.
It’s a beautiful spring morning and you sit down at the wheel, braced for your morning commute. You pull out into what’s usually a congested road to find it almost eerily devoid of traffic. It’s then you realize that your German neighbors must be celebrating yet another holiday.
Welcome to the U.K.! If you’ve recently arrived, your head may be spinning from a combination of jetlag and the sheer amount of information coming your way. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Moving overseas is a big change with a lot of moving pieces. To help make your transition to the U.K.
Recycling is a requirement in Germany. If you live off-installation, be sure to ask your landlord or neighbors for the local schedule and requirements.
During your time in Germany, you will need to see a doctor and dentist. With limited healthcare services on your installation, you may need to seek out services on the economy. You may feel nervous about going to a German provider, but there are things you can do to make this process easier.
Moving abroad can be difficult for spouses who have left respected careers, business networks and emotional support of friends and family. Take control of your routine — learn about the new job market and seek employment, find volunteer opportunities and further your education.
Moving to Germany is a big change for the entire family. Children certainly feel this impact as they leave behind familiar schedules, classrooms, friends and neighborhoods. Here are ways to make the transition as smooth as possible for your kiddos.
ESTABLISH ROUTINES
Getting an account through an on-base credit union or bank should be your top priority. This will eliminate headaches when paying bills, transferring money, making purchases, getting cash and managing funds between U.S. dollars and euros.
CREDIT UNIONS
