I am in need of information about relocating overseas, anything you can give me.. advice on what to make sure u have, what you should do, jobs, and if more importantly if you like living overseas. DF and I are talking about him getting stationed overseas somewhere next march and I just want the lowdown on what everyone else thinks about moving overseas.. and if so where are u living, we are talking about Japan, Germany or Korea.. PLEASSEEE any advice would be great!!

I live in Italy and I love it. Make sure that you guys get the command sponsor. Also if you have animals, make sure they have micro chips and rabies shots.

If you do not have your birth certificate, get it now so you can start on your passport stuff early. ( Dh was already here for two months before I got here)

Other than that, make sure that you do everything they tell you and everything will go smoothly.

Thanks for the info!!

I live in Germany and I LOVE IT. It depends on the kind of person you are and the attitude you have about new places, new cultures, and new languages. I have found that most people who hate it here are the ones who live on base and never leave (never travel, don't try to learn the language, etc). The people who love it are the ones who come with an open mind, wanting to learn new things and see new places. I was ecstatic about my husband getting this assignment. I am signed up for language classes and we already have some trips planned.

As for things you would need to know, there is just so much involved. If you have any specific questions I would be more than happy to help out. If you have pets, there's a lot of preparation and paperwork involved. Also remember that you'd pay out of pocket for everything having to do with them, including airfare.

The one thing that seems to be a problem for people over here is money. The conversion rate goes up and down so you won't always get as much for your money. But as long as you always have something set aside, some sort of savings, you should be fine. But we don't have kids, so of course we don't have as much to worry about.

Let me know if there's anything specific you want to know about. An overseas assignment is all about what you make of it. It can be a ton of fun!

I loved Okinawa, we just pcs'd 2 months ago. #1 thing especially with command sponsorship. Make sure all your medical details are upto date, all your shots and everything.
With jobs, there is normally a HR office onbase which can help yopu when looking for a job. There is normally a lot available to military dependants, just don't be too picky. Don't be scared to venture out into the unknown, sightsee and have fun. Pm me if you want to know anthing in perticular

Ummm excuse me? OCONUS?! What the heck little girl- you guys can't leave me- it already looks like E & D are gonna' be going :grumpy I'm not letting you two leave! :sigh :depressed

We are talking about it, that just means u and scott gotta come visit us!

Make sure you have a seperate passport for touring other countries especially if you come to Asia. You can have both the no-fee passport for the orders and a tourist passport for traveling. We have been in Korea for over a year now and I like it. It took me a while to adjust even though I expected the culture shock, it just took longer than I expected.
And if you do go over seas just be ready for the unexpected and that nothing usually goes as planned, LOL!

the military issues u a passport.. god i have so much to learn..

AHHHH! poor Gwynn! Drew and I are looking to get orders to Kadena, Okinawa any day now (if they can get his %#*$ in order!!!) If and when we do get out there, I will most definitely hook you up with any and all pertinent info. Good luck with your wedding planning!!!!