Life on military bases

in_the_zone · #1 05-12-2006, 11:46 AM

Does anyone know anything about the DoDEA. This acronym refers to the Department of Defense Education Activity. It hires teachers to work in one of 14 American military bases across the world.

The website provides great information on the requirements and benefits of the job, but offers little in the way of what life on a base might be like. I have no idea what life on a military base would be like but I know it would only be worth it if I could keep up my interest in ballet/dance and be able to go into the region's major cities and actually live...not feel like I'm in a bubble.

By the way.....here is a listing of the bases that hire teachers...

One-Year Tour Areas: Bahrain, Cuba, Iceland, Italy (Sigonella and La Maddalena), Korea, Japan (Misawa and Okinawa), Portugal (Azores) and Turkey.
Two-Year Tour Areas: Belgium, England, Germany, Italy (other than Sigonella and La Maddalena), Japan (other than Misawa and Okinawa), Netherlands and Spain.

Obviously I need to do some research (that will help me answer some questions), but I still hope that some of you have had some experience on military bases and can share your insight.

LPIDelta · #2 05-12-2006, 11:58 AM

Growing up I was a military "junior" and I am now a military spouse...and I would say that your questions really depend on the base. Obviously, there would be many more opportunities in a place like Turkey (which I hear is GREAT!) as compared to a place like Cuba (where we do not enjoy the greatest relationship.) I have not been to any of the locations you listed, but I have lived outside the US as a dependent (not on base, attended a local elementary schoo, not DoDEA).

Would you be living on base? I am not sure if they have housing on base in all those locations, so you'll want to check that out. Even if you live on base, you're usually free to come and go as you want, and, as long as its safe, live your life as you'd want.

The good thing about DoDEA schools is that they are usually EXCELLENT and the students are usually pretty disciplined.

Feel free to PM if you'd like....

PiKA2001 · #3 05-12-2006, 12:23 PM

What installation in Germany are you looking at? If Rammstein, go for it. Misawa I hear is very expensive and very cold and snowy in the winter. A lot of people say their isn't anything to do in the bases in Italy or England, and with Tukey I would watch out. The bases there are under Islamic Law and it is strongly recommended that personnel don't step foot off base. I think Belgium would be cool.

afboiler · #4 05-16-2006, 09:51 PM

I was in Cuba for five months...it was some great fun times......the only problem is you can not leave the base....but the people are great! I went to schools on military bases from 2nd-6th grade and thought they were great. Also it is a great way to see the world on someone else's dime.

mu_agd · #5 05-17-2006, 12:56 PM

My college roommate did her student teaching at one of the bases in Germany. She absolutely loved working there.

KunjaPrincess · #6 05-26-2006, 09:12 PM

If you are living on base and have access to the military facilities it can be fun. you should have access to the PX's and commissarys which are good money savers and should be allowed to do as much as the troops can at that particular base. When I was in Iraq the contractors (DOD Employees) loved it. THey had access to everything we did but were allowed to do more.
If you can go to Europe you should have the chance to travel which is nice. Cuba may not be a good option (not the best place to go off post) Japan may be cool but I am not sure how much people are allowed to leave base there. that would be worth looking into.
I lived on stateside bases for 6 years and it was fine. really like a small city and there is no pressing need to leave for the most part. If I was in Europe I would be travelling for sure though :-)
Good luck if you decide to do it and I second the person who said DOD schools are great. They are usually the best in the area.

Nieng17 · #7 05-26-2006, 10:32 PM

I was raised in Terceira, Acores where the US Airforce/Military base is located and it is a beautiful place; being Portuguese myself i'm a bit biased. However, the island is beautiful and you can always catch an airforce flight to mainland Portugal for the weekend for free, being that you'd be a govt. employee.

You would have to learn some Portuguese because outside of the base not many people speak english. However, on base it would be just like living in the US.

-Natalia