Living Overseas

Living overseas can be exciting and sometimes overwhelming. Military OneSource gives you strategies for making the most of your time abroad with pointers on adjusting to your new home, information for spouses on finding employment, advice for getting around and ideas for assimilating your family to a new culture.

There is often a period of adjustment after moving to a different country. It takes time to learn a new language, customs, gestures and a monetary system. When you receive overseas orders, you may feel scared, uneasy or worried about how you will handle the changes. That may change to excitement and enthusiasm as you prepare to move.

Once overseas, you may feel tired and overwhelmed by all the new things there are to learn. After a while, as you better grasp the language and culture, you may begin to feel at home. Here are some strategies to help you adjust to a foreign culture.

• Learn the language. Start out small with conversational phrases such as greetings or expressions of thanks and appreciation, like please and thank you. You may never become fluent in the language, and that’s OK. Most people appreciate it when you try to speak their language, even if you do so imperfectly. Check with your Military and Family Support Center for language and cultural classes to get you started.
• Speak English clearly. Many people around the world speak English but don’t understand slang adjusting to foreign culture phrases or jargon. Speak slowly and clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
• Eat the native foods: In foreign cultures, food is often a symbol of hospitality. Eating the foods offered to you is a form of a compliment to your host. Even if you don’t like it, try to eat it with a smile and thank the host for a tasty meal.
• Dress appropriately. Clothing is a central part of the customs and traditions of most cultures. While shorts and a tank top may be common casual wear in the U.S., they may be considered rude in other parts of the world. Take note of how the locals dress and become familiar with local dress and appearance customs.
• Learn how to address people. Some cultures are very formal in how they address each other. Become familiar with the titles people use and what is considered courteous.
• Be on time. Your friends in the U.S. may not mind if you’re running 15 minutes late for lunch, but in some cultures being tardy shows a lack of respect for the other person.
• Be open-minded. Be receptive to trying new things like food and language. You never know, you might discover you have a new favorite. Explore the history and culture and take time to learn about your new community. Keeping an open mind to new experiences can lead to positive growth.
• Tap into support. Adjusting to a foreign culture can take a toll on mental health. If you’re feeling the strain, free confidential counseling can help you navigate the challenges.

Your installation’s Military and Family Support Center is your one-stop shop for family readiness information and services. You’ll find education and referrals to help orient you to your new location. If your family hasn’t been assigned a sponsor to show you the ropes, you can request one through your Military and Family Support Center.

You can also tap into support from someone who’s been there, with free peer-to-peer support from Military OneSource.

Plenty of overseas employment opportunities await military spouses. Your installation is the best place to start the job hunt. Contact your local Spouse Education, Training and Careers office, and check the installation website for job postings. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program also offers free career coaching and other resources.

Consider volunteering or working from home as you settle in. You also have options to find jobs in the local economy, but be sure to check the Status of Forces Agreement first and be aware of taxes and fees.

The following resources can also help spouses prepare for employment overseas.

• Military Spouse Jobs Overseas
• Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program Working Overseas Coaching Package
• Status of Forces Agreement
• MSEP Job Search
• Domestic Employees Working Overseas program
• Agreement for MilSpouse Remote Work in Italy
• Understanding the Military Spouse Preference Program

Foreign countries with different languages and customs offer opportunities for kids to explore and learn firsthand, but it’s also a big change. As a military parent, help make the transition abroad easier for your children by keeping the lines of communication open, encouraging fun ways to learn the language, going online to research popular music and local sports teams, and making a travel wish list.

Military OneSource can help families living overseas connect with expert support and local resources. If you’re planning to expand your family through adoption, Military OneSource can help with that, too.

• Connect your child to the youth center at your new installation
• Take advantage of the Military Youth Sponsorship Program
• Learn about Military Youth and Teen programs
• Visit the New Parents MilLife Guide
• Read about WIC Overseas

Learn more in the Moving and Family Logistics for OCONUS Moves MilLife Guide.

Explore your child care options and locate DOD-approved providers around the world at MilitaryChildCare.com and check out the Child Care Programs MilLife Guide for more resources.

The Department of Defense Education Activity schools provide outstanding education for military children pre-K through high school.

Connect with your school liaison for help with the transition to school overseas, including the transfer of credits, finding after-school and extracurricular programs, and tutoring referrals. Military OneSource education consultants are another great source of information for education options.

If you have a family member with special needs, you may need extra support finding services overseas. The Department of Defense Directory on Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities explains the levels of support in overseas communities for military dependents with special educational needs.

The DOD has many other resources to ensure your family thrives, wherever you live.

Visit the Directory of Early Intervention Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities.

The TRICARE Overseas Program provides health care coverage for active-duty service members and their families who are outside of the U.S.

Living overseas can bring changes to your financial picture, and you’ll want to factor these in as you manage your budget. Learn how service members and their eligible family members can receive free financial counseling.

Filing taxes while living overseas

Tax season arrives each year no matter where you live. Military OneSource and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can help you file your federal taxes from overseas.

Overseas Cost of Living Allowance

Overseas Cost of Living Allowance is a nontaxable allowance designed to offset the higher overseas prices of non-housing goods and services. It is not a fixed amount and may vary based on location, paygrade, years of service and number of dependents. OCOLA can fluctuate based on the exchange rate and should not be included as part of your monthly budget. Learn more about OCOLA and the annual adjustment process.

Overseas Housing Allowance

This OHA benefit can help offset the cost of moving as well as rent and utilities/recurring maintenance. You can apply for OHA if you lease privately owned housing while overseas.

Depending on where you’re stationed overseas, you may need a car to get around. While the military will pay to ship your privately owned vehicle, that weight counts toward your overall packing weight allowance. And not only does the car need to fall in line with local laws, but so do you — apply for a new driver’s license in your new locale.

• Read about FAQs for Shipping Privately Owned Vehicles, or POVs
• Learn How to Get Your Household Goods Overseas

Living in a different part of the world offers opportunities to explore new places. Take advantage of affordable recreational travel for service members and their families.

Meet others while enjoying activities through morale, welfare and recreation programs. For motivation with your fitness or other goals, take advantage of free health and wellness coaching through Military OneSource. For healthy food at competitive prices, shop your commissary.

Living in a new culture far from home can bring challenges that may become overwhelming. Confidential counseling and peer-to-peer support are free and can help you adjust to living overseas and everyday challenges related to military life.

Adjusting to life overseas can strain relationships, but help is available. Military OneSource offers a range of resources to strengthen relationships, including online support, coaching by phone or video and more.

If you’re noticing signs of harmful behavior from your partner, or experiencing abuse, the Family Advocacy Program can help. If you’re in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area.

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll want to celebrate the holidays that matter to you and your family. Living abroad might mean planning phone calls or video chats with your extended family and friends back at home rather than gathering around the table. You can still enjoy your closely held traditions and even incorporate some new ones from the local culture at your new location.