Embedded Files
When You Turn 18 Overseas:
When You Turn 18 Overseas:
- Your SOFA status may change after graduation. If you’re not enrolled full-time in school, you may lose SOFA protections.
- You must apply for an extension of SOFA status through the Passport & SOFA Office before graduation if planning to stay longer.
- If attending college in the U.S., ensure that your passport, visa (if dual-national), and ID are valid for international travel.
Essential Legal Documents to Carry:
Essential Legal Documents to Carry:
- Certified copies of: Passport, Birth Certificate, SSN Card, SOFA card (if returning to Germany)
- Medical and Dental Records (including immunizations)
- TRICARE or other insurance cards
- Medical Power of Attorney (for parents to act on your behalf if you're incapacitated)
- Durable Power of Attorney (for banking or legal matters)
- Advance Directive or Healthcare Proxy (if desired)
Banking & Finances:
Banking & Finances:
- Set up a U.S.-based bank account and link to an international-friendly app (like USAA, NFCU, or Wise).
- Know how to track your spending, manage online banking, and understand fees.
- Familiarize yourself with IRS Form 1098-T (for tuition) and Form 1040 for student tax filing.
- If working part-time in college, know how to fill out a W-4 and file a basic tax return.
Citizenship & Immigration:
Citizenship & Immigration:
If you were born in Germany or overseas, confirm your U.S. citizenship status.
For dual nationals: Research whether military service or travel restrictions apply in your second country.
Ensure you understand visa/residency status when returning to Germany (SOFA may no longer apply).
Skills to Practice:
Skills to Practice:
Scheduling doctor/dental appointments, understanding prescriptions, and communicating with health offices.
Writing formal letters/emails for housing, employment, or academic requests.
Reading contracts and lease agreements line-by-line before signing.
Knowing when to ask for help — use your base's legal office, ACS, or school counselors.
Enhance Your College Resume:
Enhance Your College Resume:
Attend legal workshops on base (ACS or JAG-hosted)
Volunteer with legal aid clinics or Red Cross youth programs
Lead student clubs like Model UN, Debate, or Peer Mediation
Enter law or writing competitions like the Patriot's Pen
Shadow a JAG or request mentorship through your school counselor
🎓 College Prep for Military Teens
🎓 College Prep for Military Teens
Understanding In-State Tuition
Understanding In-State Tuition
Military Residency Relief Act: Protects military dependents from losing in-state tuition eligibility when families move due to orders.
State-Specific Policies: Some states automatically offer in-state tuition to military dependents regardless of residency status. Examples include:
Texas: Automatically grants in-state to active-duty dependents.
Florida: Offers in-state if military sponsor is stationed in the state within the last year.
California: Requires proof of intent to establish residence (e.g., voter registration, driver’s license).
Steps to Prove Eligibility:
Provide military orders.
Submit Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
Complete state tuition residency forms.
Visit Military OneSource Education Directory for a full breakdown by state.
🧳 Passport, Visa & Travel Readiness
🧳 Passport, Visa & Travel Readiness
Passports:
Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months after planned travel dates.
U.S. citizens under SOFA must still use tourist passports when outside official travel.
Student Travel Back to Germany:
Carry: Letter of enrollment, SOFA card copy, and sponsor’s orders.
Dual Citizens:
Research laws on military obligations, exit requirements, or visa renewals in other countries.
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Prep
🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Prep
Resources Available:
Military OneSource Counseling (free virtual sessions)
Your college’s student wellness center (ask during orientation)
Campus peer support or cultural transition groups
Reverse Culture Shock:
Difficulty adjusting to U.S. systems, slang, or lifestyle? Seek local international student groups or counseling.
Emergency Contacts:
Create a sheet with numbers for parents, base legal, campus security, health services, and bank fraud lines.
🧾 FAFSA & Financial Aid
🧾 FAFSA & Financial Aid
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Opens October 1st each year at studentaid.gov. Use parent income unless you're an independent student.
Include Military Benefits:
BAH and COLA count as untaxed income.
Deployment or separation may qualify families for special circumstances.
Recommended Documents:
Parent and student SSNs
Tax returns (Form 1040)
W-2 forms and military LES
Scholarships for Military Dependents:
Fisher House Foundation – Commissary-linked program
ThanksUSA – Need-based scholarships
DeCA Scholarships – Available via your local commissary
Army Emergency Relief (AER) – Financial assistance for Army dependents
ROTC Scholarships – Cover full tuition, stipend, and fees in return for service commitment
✈️ Applying to College from Overseas
✈️ Applying to College from Overseas
Virtual Campus Tours: Explore campuses from Germany using websites like CampusReel, YouVisit, or directly on college pages.
Transcripts:
Request official DoDEA transcripts through your school registrar.
Send standardized test scores via College Board or ACT.org.
Letters of Recommendation:
Give teachers a brag sheet and 2–3 weeks’ notice.
Mailing Tips:
Use APO/FPO addresses for free USPS shipping.
Label all documents clearly with full names and contact info.
Use delivery confirmation for key forms.
📬 U.S. Address & Voting
📬 U.S. Address & Voting
Establish a U.S. Address:
Use your sponsor’s legal state of residence for college and tax purposes.
If needed, use a relative’s address with permission.
Voting as a Military Dependent:
Register and request absentee ballots through FVAP.gov.
Stay updated on deadlines for your state.
Driver’s License Renewal:
Some states allow online renewals for military dependents (e.g., Virginia, Ohio).
📝 Building Your Resume & College Essays
📝 Building Your Resume & College Essays
Tips for Essays:
Focus on adaptability, resilience, and leadership from military life.
Use real examples of overcoming moves, deployments, or cultural adjustment.
Activities to Include:
Youth leadership, volunteering, sports, clubs, language skills, part-time jobs.
Tools to Use:
Common App, Coalition App
Resume builders like Canva, Zety, or ResumeGenius.
Medical Transition Readiness
Medical Transition Readiness
Healthcare While in College:
TRICARE Young Adult covers students until age 26 (monthly premium applies).
Research your school’s health plan — you may need a waiver if using TRICARE.
Documents to Have:
Immunization records (required for dorm move-in)
Copies of recent physicals or specialist notes
Medical Power of Attorney (POA)
List of medications and allergies
Local Help: Request records from Wiesbaden Health Clinic at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
💳 Financial and Money Management Skills
💳 Financial and Money Management Skills
Open a U.S. Bank Account:
USAA, Navy Federal, and PenFed offer checking, savings, and student credit cards with military-friendly terms.
Understand These Financial Basics:
Budgeting: Set monthly goals and track with free apps (Mint, YNAB, EveryDollar)
Student Loans: Know your options (subsidized vs. unsubsidized), repayment terms, and grace periods.
Building Credit: Get a secured credit card with low limits and pay off monthly to build score.
Important IRS Forms:
W-4: For on-campus job tax withholding
1098-T: For education tax credits (schools provide it in January)
Direct Deposit Info: Required for most refunds and jobs
📚 Academic Survival & Learning Tools
📚 Academic Survival & Learning Tools
Get Organized:
Use Google Calendar to manage class times, assignments, study blocks.
Bookmark your student portal (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle).
Read the syllabus!! Many professors leave very important information here that they may not specify verbally.
Use Academic Resources:
Writing centers for essay help
Office hours for each professor
Disability services if you have an IEP or 504 plan from DoDEA
AP/IB Credits:
Submit AP scores to colleges by logging into your College Board account.
Ask your registrar about credit equivalency or research what scores your college accepts.
💼 Career Building & Internships
💼 Career Building & Internships
Start Early:
Apply for internships even after freshman year of college.
Join pre-professional organizations (Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Engineers Without Borders)
Platforms to Search:
Handshake (college-run job board)
Linkedin
USAJobs (government internships for military-connected youth)
Idealist (nonprofit & advocacy jobs)
Campus Jobs:
Work-study and library jobs provide income and experience.
Ask the financial aid office for eligibility.
Military Student Resume Template
📦 College Packing & Move-In Essentials
📦 College Packing & Move-In Essentials
Must-Pack Items:
Passport, SSN card, health insurance info, POA, military ID
Power strips, surge protectors, adapters (if bringing Euro plugs)
Basic medicine, laundry supplies, comfort food from Germany
Command hooks, under-bed storage bins, fan
College acceptance letter + housing info
Driver's license/international driving permit
Emergency contacts list, medical & dental records
Military Shipping Help:
Ask your sponsor about unaccompanied baggage allowance (UB) through transportation office.
Ship ahead using USPS flat rate boxes from APO.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse