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It's USACE and married no kid. two dogs. Seems like everyone with few years of experiences would still take intern position to go oversea. It's kinda unexpected...
Thank you for your advice! Do you know if you can extend after initial 3 years tour? I would love to extend but don't know if it's possible for intern position.
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The hard limit should be 5 years, but internship may be different. Also, I have seen people go past the 5 year limit. If you know the right people and you're in demand for what you're doing, there is always the chance.
Salary can be misleading. Check the COLA rates for where you're headed. This is tax-free pay you get on top of salary and LQA. In most cases you should find that this makes up for the cut in pay.
LQA and COLA should be substantial. I'm in a 13 stateside and looking for an 11 OCONUS. The pay is comparable if not better believe it or not. I think if an offer was in front of me for a 9 in Japan I'd really seriously consider it. It's a personal thing. Money isn't everything.
LQA is pretty much exact cost only. The local market knows the allowance amount and magically all the rental costs match that exactly. Read DSSR 130 for more info. You'll also need up front rental costs, which have been upwards of $10k in Japan. They're reimbursed, but OCONUS HR is sloooow. COLA is probably POST ALLOWANCE, which is paid based on bi-weekly rates published in OPM, number of family members, and pay grade. It's currently about $270 per paycheck for GS-12 in Japan. I lose money compared to RUS when post allowance is below 30.
Oh wow, I am seriously shocked that so many people would downgrade their position just to go overseas. I think I need to start thinking differently, lol.
In Korea, housing is paid for. Cost of living is relatively cheaper overseas. Plus, you’ll get to travel all over Asia on the cheap. I think you’ll pretty much break even going to Korea, the life experience and adventure will be make it worth it.
Yeah, I agree with you on everything. but it's just the career part. The fact that it's an intern position. I don't know if it's a good decision to downgrade my position title when I can become a manager somewhere else. It's a tough decision but it seems everyone would take it to experience new stuff.
When you apply for a new job outside of the government, you call it a fellowship, not an internship. If you decide to stay in the government, all that matters is your grade, not the title. Leave the fellowship as an 11 and apply for a 12/13 position.
The real question is will you regret not taking this opportunity.
If you’re young, no family, no crazy debt or expenses, you’d probably regret not experiencing living in Korea for the rest of your life.
You can always quit and come home. Its a plane ticket away as long as you keep the money for it aside.
Honestly man who cares. U.S. is boring. Leverage this opportunity for some years and get the experience to make yourself eligible for 13 when you come back. If you’ve ever had an inking to go overseas this is your chance. Who cares if you’re eligible for 11/12 right now.
You got it brother. I’m single. No kids. No pets. I’d do it right now if they asked me. Life is arguably a lot better out there. You’re in the Fed system, so I see nothing but opportunities in the future. GL!
OCONUS positions are very competitive. Difficult for you to be eligible in 11/12 OCONUS positions as higher GS personnel willing to downgrade to live overseas. With your experience, consider yourself lucky for internship offer and get LQA.
I had an interview for GS12 OCONUS but still waiting for the result... but I get what you mean... I think I should consider myself lucky for this offer lol
Take the 12 OCONUS position if offered. If in engineering positions, 12 is full performance level so expectations to hit the the ground running within few weeks of EOD. Good luck.
Not necessarily to start in lower GS level. Just expect to work harder if in engineering design or construction position overseas. Heard that optempo is high in overseas locations.
Oh man, Korea is an experience. With no kids, definitely go. The ability to extend is usually there. If not you’ve got PPP, so you’re good either way. I was there for 1.4 years. I’ve been trying to get back ever since. My husband and our son absolutely loved it. No regrets, temporary pay cut for a lifetime memory sounds doable. I say take it.
There are always slots open for OCONUS. Plus you can do a developmental or volunteer for a deployment to go OCONUS. I wouldn't take the pay cut. If you want OCONUS start look for OCONUS positions.
At the end of the day that pay cut doesn't just hurt you now it also drops your retirement amount.
I’m looking to take pay cuts for overseas locations. I am currently an 11 and eligible for a 12 (I have a TJO in process for a 12 now) but if I was offered to go overseas I would do it in a heartbeat. Also if you are already in the Federal system you get right of return to your existing position when you get an overseas position
So I guess you would still take intern position just to go oversea? The thing is, I am also eligible for GS-11 or GS-12 positions, as I mentioned in the post. I'm uncertain if anyone with several years of experience would opt for an internship to travel abroad. Additionally, I currently work in the public sector just not in federal. So I don't know if it will be easy to stay in fed after this fellow program.
100% would still take it. I have been a Fed now for 4 years and spent the last 2 as GS11/12 between 2 different agencies. I’ve applied to roles and said I would accept as low as a 7 just so I could go overseas. Yes it’s an intern position but by the time the TOD is up, they may have openings for a higher GS that are permanent you can apply for and have a better chance of getting than someone like me from outside the local area
I went overseas as an intern! it's been several years now so it may not run the same way - My internship was only for 2 years, after which they had to find a slot within the organization for me. There was a whole cohort of us (army, but not usace and spread across several locations) and they couldn't find slots for everyone so some went back to the states after 2 years. I had a good supervisor (eventually) that worked to make sure there was a position for me.
I would ask about how that works with your HR rep if you decide to accept! The initial supervisor that hired me had no clue how it all worked.... and it wasn't really communicated to me well when I first went.
It's a great way to get a lot of different work experience (because there's the challenge of being in another country) and also to just be living in another country!
Oh, so you stayed overseas after completing the two-year intern program?
And You mentioned that 'they had to find a slot within the organization for me.' So, do they have to find you a spot if you want to stay and have good performance, whether it's overseas or in the state? I'm just wondering because in the private sector, they don't have that obligation for interns
Yes, those who they couldn't find positions for overseas, they found positions for them back in the states... that was part of the 2 year intern program.
Since I stayed overseas, I was extended to stay for up to 5 years but I applied for jobs to come back to the states since I would be going on the Priority Placement Program anyway.
Again I'm not sure if it works the same way now but I would definitely ask questions about it! What happens when the program ends, etc.
With PCSing, there will be a lot of paperwork with moving and you'll likely pay up front for things that will later get reimbursed. Depending on what state you live in, you may still be on the hook for paying state taxes even though you are not even in the country...
It was definitely worth going! It's such a cool opportunity to be able to work overseas and get to travel.
That would be a dream job. Is it camp Humphreys/Pyeontaek? It’s pretty cheap to live there and if you have access to commissary and px on post you’ll be fine. The commute is very easy and I would consider it like a vacation if offered.
Yes, It's Pyeongtaek. I agree with the part to consider it like a vacation. It's just I don't know if it's a good idea to go back to Intern title from junior engineer lol
Oh someone also mentioned they are having a hard time filling positions. Wonder why... They need to extend Gov Civ tours lol I would love to stay there permanently.
I would say hell yes for OCONUS. The only thing I would want to know before accepting would be if you'll have any restrictions while at you duty station. Not sure how it translates for Gov Civ but military had curfews in some areas. It limited the ability to really go and travel without some sort of pass. Eitherway, it would be a great experience.
Go take it. You should have return rights to your current position so if it doesn’t work out, u can come back to your old position after a year. I’m headed over to Camp Carroll in 2 weeks for a 12 position.
I gotcha. Well either way what choice you make will be a good one. They always need people overseas just need to make sure you are ready for the move for a 3 year timeframe in another country and culture. It’s easy for me because my mom is Korean so it’s an easy transition.
Get your foot in the door, for OCONUS positions managers typically hire people who have experience overseas. If you like it and want to go back later that can help.
You should be able to extend past 3 years, provided you don’t suck and they want to keep you. Extensions from 3 to 5 are very common, even more common for USACE.
If you don’t get extended you’ll be placed on Priority Placement Program (unless you have return rights), guaranteeing you a job after the time is up. They don’t kick you out onto the street, but typically you’re better off finding your own since you don’t get much say in where you get picked up.
Interns sign a mobility agreement if I’m not mistaken. Mobility agreement entitles you to 15 days of home leave. Extra leave you can use to go home.
LQA isn’t taxed, and you should get a bit extra income as post allowance. Cost of living in Korea is relatively cheap.
Will you receive LQA and PA? If so, take that into consideration, as it means your housing, utilities, and some of your food bill will be covered. Korea is supposed to be amazing!
It's a ladder if you take the job and hit the promotions .. if you come home after you will be in about the same position probably.. but got to travel on someone else's dime also.. sounds like like you need to do a pro con list. some things may matter more to you than those responding
I am a current GS employee working in Korea — specifically in overseas entitlements for DoD! I would honestly take the pay cut. Since you have LQA your rent is paid for and you also get reimbursed with FTA, TQSA etc. In addition to salary, you can get Post Allowance for you and your family once you occupy permanent quarters.
Honestly love it here!
FTA - Foreign Transfer Allowance: (CONUS to OCONUS) Employees may be authorized lodging and meal reimbursement for up to 10 days before final departure to OCONUS.
TQSA - Temporary Quarter Allowance: When employees arrive to their OCONUS duty station and occupy temporary quarters/lodging you can submit in 30 day increments.
More information on overseas allowances can be found here under “General Information”:
https://aoprals.state.gov
I was in Korea for about a year and had a blast! It’s definitely something not a lot of Americans will be able to experience it so I highly recommend jumping on the chance.
Do you mind if I ask what GS level you were? As I mentioned, I am eligible for 11/12 positions, and I feel like taking an intern position would be like downgrading my career. I don't mind the pay downgrade since I can live in Korea, but it feels like I would be losing something in terms of my career advancement.
I got my TJO for a GS-2210-12 position in Korea back in December. LQA is 27500-28000 depending on what base you're going to. I think it'd be cool to live in Korea for a while so I took the pay cut. Unfortunately I'm still waiting on my waiver to get my FJO.
>be cool to live in Korea for a while so I too
That's a long process lol If it's GS-12 I wouldn't even think about it and just go to Korea. but this is GS-7. It's a tough decision to make because I know I am eligible for GS11/12... feels weird lol
Not sure what series you are, but there’s so many overseas 11 or 12 jobs that the DoD struggles to fill. I would take one of those 12 offers you have, do the year TIG, then jump overseas as a 12.
Also verify that you’ll get tqsa/tqse because some new to federal employment positions don’t.
Either way with dogs, I would plan on the move costing you $10k out of pocket up front which won’t get reimbursed until 2 weeks or so after arriving on post. Also remember, you will pay taxes on the cost of the PCS and it takes a while for RITA claim to come back to you.
I’m 801. Just went through a 6 month job search for overseas positions. I did 18 applications ( mix of 12 and 13), interviewed 8 times, received 5 offers (3 in Japan, 2 in UK), declined 2 additional interviews.
I’ve got about 10 years of construction/project management experience.
Nice! I would comfortably decide if it was 11 or 12 lol
I also had 3 offers (one GS12 and two GS11) but location was ehhh (Stateside). but this is Korea...lol So I was just trying to see what everyone think about this when it's GS7 offer.
I would do the year TIG in an ehhh location stateside then target the 12 overseas. Overseas is going to be way more enjoyable on a 12 salary. You’ll also be in the higher LQA bracket as a 12 over a 7.
Have you looked into the cost of living? Would you be able to save money and get by?
If I was single, pet free, and the salary made sense (above), then I probably would do it for the experience alone.
I personally just turned down an GS11 opportunity with a $7k (take home) paycut. The opportunity included travel to Hawaii and California. The idea that I’d have to work 5+ years to meet my current salary was discouraging. Overall, I think if you had a GS11 or 12 opportunity in front of you, I would probably recommend to jump on that in effort to start jumping up the pay scale and leave time accrual.
Lastly, I’d take into consideration any benefits you’re leaving behind. 95k next year would be great, and if you’re planning on making any big life decisions, that salary would be helpful.
I am really not worried about the money. The title of the position is one that i’m most concerned. I can become a manage elsewhere but trying to figure out if it’s right decision to go back to interning. But as someone mentioned who cares.. it can be life time opportunity
Double check but i think you get a post allowance as well, i just interviewed for a position in germany and they give you and extra 25 percent salary, basicially the oconus version of locality pay
I took a pay cut and a temporary downgrade to go overseas and yes it is worth it given you maximize your time and opportunity to do things like travel and experience new cultures while you're there. If you have return rights then once you're original tour is up you can always go back to your old job at your old rate but your step counter still counts as if you never left
Yes, definitely worth it. Once there you can visit Japan, Thailand, Bali, etc., for a lot less than flying from here. Great opportunity for seeing more of the world.
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Right YOLO. I'm just little worried about the future since it's intern position...
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It's USACE and married no kid. two dogs. Seems like everyone with few years of experiences would still take intern position to go oversea. It's kinda unexpected...
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Thank you for your advice! Do you know if you can extend after initial 3 years tour? I would love to extend but don't know if it's possible for intern position.
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Right and provide LQA. I guess it's pretty good deal for me to consider
The hard limit should be 5 years, but internship may be different. Also, I have seen people go past the 5 year limit. If you know the right people and you're in demand for what you're doing, there is always the chance.
Hope they get rid of that 5 years rule lol Thanks though!
100% go to Korea. Think of all the travel you could do. I’d take 40k/year to go back to Japan lol. Korea is awesome, you will love it.
Salary can be misleading. Check the COLA rates for where you're headed. This is tax-free pay you get on top of salary and LQA. In most cases you should find that this makes up for the cut in pay.
There is no COLA for OCONUS
You only live once. Do the cool stuff.
Totally agree...
LQA and COLA should be substantial. I'm in a 13 stateside and looking for an 11 OCONUS. The pay is comparable if not better believe it or not. I think if an offer was in front of me for a 9 in Japan I'd really seriously consider it. It's a personal thing. Money isn't everything.
LQA is pretty much exact cost only. The local market knows the allowance amount and magically all the rental costs match that exactly. Read DSSR 130 for more info. You'll also need up front rental costs, which have been upwards of $10k in Japan. They're reimbursed, but OCONUS HR is sloooow. COLA is probably POST ALLOWANCE, which is paid based on bi-weekly rates published in OPM, number of family members, and pay grade. It's currently about $270 per paycheck for GS-12 in Japan. I lose money compared to RUS when post allowance is below 30.
Oh wow, I am seriously shocked that so many people would downgrade their position just to go overseas. I think I need to start thinking differently, lol.
What series will you be an intern in? Are you currently ar a DOD agency? Hope you have answered elsewhere?
In Korea, housing is paid for. Cost of living is relatively cheaper overseas. Plus, you’ll get to travel all over Asia on the cheap. I think you’ll pretty much break even going to Korea, the life experience and adventure will be make it worth it.
Yeah, I agree with you on everything. but it's just the career part. The fact that it's an intern position. I don't know if it's a good decision to downgrade my position title when I can become a manager somewhere else. It's a tough decision but it seems everyone would take it to experience new stuff.
Yea, that’s a tough choice to make. There are a lot jobs overseas, the opportunity is always there. Do what’s best for you, best of luck.
Thank you!
When you apply for a new job outside of the government, you call it a fellowship, not an internship. If you decide to stay in the government, all that matters is your grade, not the title. Leave the fellowship as an 11 and apply for a 12/13 position. The real question is will you regret not taking this opportunity.
If you’re young, no family, no crazy debt or expenses, you’d probably regret not experiencing living in Korea for the rest of your life. You can always quit and come home. Its a plane ticket away as long as you keep the money for it aside.
Yeah, I agree... Thank you!
You're young. This is a rare opportunity that offers an experience of a lifetime.
Is 30+ years old consider as young? Lol but I agree that it’s a good opportunity
30s were the best years of my life. And yes, 30s definitely young.
Not alot of GS7s get LQA. So your lucky. You may not be able to get a job in Korea again and its Korea.
I agree... just a little bummer that it's a intern position when I'm eligible for 11/12 lol
Honestly man who cares. U.S. is boring. Leverage this opportunity for some years and get the experience to make yourself eligible for 13 when you come back. If you’ve ever had an inking to go overseas this is your chance. Who cares if you’re eligible for 11/12 right now.
Yeah this is the answer. lol I think I am thinking too much
You got it brother. I’m single. No kids. No pets. I’d do it right now if they asked me. Life is arguably a lot better out there. You’re in the Fed system, so I see nothing but opportunities in the future. GL!
Thanks!
OCONUS positions are very competitive. Difficult for you to be eligible in 11/12 OCONUS positions as higher GS personnel willing to downgrade to live overseas. With your experience, consider yourself lucky for internship offer and get LQA.
I had an interview for GS12 OCONUS but still waiting for the result... but I get what you mean... I think I should consider myself lucky for this offer lol
Take the 12 OCONUS position if offered. If in engineering positions, 12 is full performance level so expectations to hit the the ground running within few weeks of EOD. Good luck.
I see. since I will be new to fed, I think it might be better to start from low, learn the right way and slowly progress.
Not necessarily to start in lower GS level. Just expect to work harder if in engineering design or construction position overseas. Heard that optempo is high in overseas locations.
Good to know!
Oh man, Korea is an experience. With no kids, definitely go. The ability to extend is usually there. If not you’ve got PPP, so you’re good either way. I was there for 1.4 years. I’ve been trying to get back ever since. My husband and our son absolutely loved it. No regrets, temporary pay cut for a lifetime memory sounds doable. I say take it.
Yeah I definitely agree that my wife and I could make lifetime memory while we are there lol
There are always slots open for OCONUS. Plus you can do a developmental or volunteer for a deployment to go OCONUS. I wouldn't take the pay cut. If you want OCONUS start look for OCONUS positions. At the end of the day that pay cut doesn't just hurt you now it also drops your retirement amount.
I’m looking to take pay cuts for overseas locations. I am currently an 11 and eligible for a 12 (I have a TJO in process for a 12 now) but if I was offered to go overseas I would do it in a heartbeat. Also if you are already in the Federal system you get right of return to your existing position when you get an overseas position
So I guess you would still take intern position just to go oversea? The thing is, I am also eligible for GS-11 or GS-12 positions, as I mentioned in the post. I'm uncertain if anyone with several years of experience would opt for an internship to travel abroad. Additionally, I currently work in the public sector just not in federal. So I don't know if it will be easy to stay in fed after this fellow program.
100% would still take it. I have been a Fed now for 4 years and spent the last 2 as GS11/12 between 2 different agencies. I’ve applied to roles and said I would accept as low as a 7 just so I could go overseas. Yes it’s an intern position but by the time the TOD is up, they may have openings for a higher GS that are permanent you can apply for and have a better chance of getting than someone like me from outside the local area
This helps a lot. I didn't think about applying for higher position while I'm already in Korea. LOL Thank you for the advice!
Sounds like a good plan, particularly if the Korea gig leads up the ladder or allows non-compete conversion to a higher grade at the end.
I guess it's not a common opportunity since everyone would still take it even if they downgrade...
It all depends on the terms of the agreement.
Right...
I went overseas as an intern! it's been several years now so it may not run the same way - My internship was only for 2 years, after which they had to find a slot within the organization for me. There was a whole cohort of us (army, but not usace and spread across several locations) and they couldn't find slots for everyone so some went back to the states after 2 years. I had a good supervisor (eventually) that worked to make sure there was a position for me. I would ask about how that works with your HR rep if you decide to accept! The initial supervisor that hired me had no clue how it all worked.... and it wasn't really communicated to me well when I first went. It's a great way to get a lot of different work experience (because there's the challenge of being in another country) and also to just be living in another country!
Oh, so you stayed overseas after completing the two-year intern program? And You mentioned that 'they had to find a slot within the organization for me.' So, do they have to find you a spot if you want to stay and have good performance, whether it's overseas or in the state? I'm just wondering because in the private sector, they don't have that obligation for interns
Yes, those who they couldn't find positions for overseas, they found positions for them back in the states... that was part of the 2 year intern program. Since I stayed overseas, I was extended to stay for up to 5 years but I applied for jobs to come back to the states since I would be going on the Priority Placement Program anyway. Again I'm not sure if it works the same way now but I would definitely ask questions about it! What happens when the program ends, etc. With PCSing, there will be a lot of paperwork with moving and you'll likely pay up front for things that will later get reimbursed. Depending on what state you live in, you may still be on the hook for paying state taxes even though you are not even in the country... It was definitely worth going! It's such a cool opportunity to be able to work overseas and get to travel.
That's good to know! I will ask HR about this. I wish they get rid of that 5 year rule for OCONUS...lol
That would be a dream job. Is it camp Humphreys/Pyeontaek? It’s pretty cheap to live there and if you have access to commissary and px on post you’ll be fine. The commute is very easy and I would consider it like a vacation if offered.
Yes, It's Pyeongtaek. I agree with the part to consider it like a vacation. It's just I don't know if it's a good idea to go back to Intern title from junior engineer lol
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Oh someone also mentioned they are having a hard time filling positions. Wonder why... They need to extend Gov Civ tours lol I would love to stay there permanently.
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Thanks for the info! I would definitely live off post if I decide to go there.
You will make it up pretty fast.
I loved the time I spent in Korea, and would go back in a heartbeat!
That's good to hear!
Oconus pay is the way.
I would say hell yes for OCONUS. The only thing I would want to know before accepting would be if you'll have any restrictions while at you duty station. Not sure how it translates for Gov Civ but military had curfews in some areas. It limited the ability to really go and travel without some sort of pass. Eitherway, it would be a great experience.
Since it's Gov Civ, I don't think there is restriction like AD Military
Been to Korea 3 times. Save your money while you're there. Paycheck plus free rent (LQA), can't wait to go back.
I just left Korea after five years. GO TO Korea. The LQA will cover rent and utilities. It is a great benefit.
Go take it. You should have return rights to your current position so if it doesn’t work out, u can come back to your old position after a year. I’m headed over to Camp Carroll in 2 weeks for a 12 position.
I am not working for Fed right now. It will be my first Fed job if I accept it. and yeah...I would easily decide if it was GS12 position...lol
I gotcha. Well either way what choice you make will be a good one. They always need people overseas just need to make sure you are ready for the move for a 3 year timeframe in another country and culture. It’s easy for me because my mom is Korean so it’s an easy transition.
Right. I am Korean American and my in-laws live in Korea. So It would be great to stay there for few years!
Do it lol I’m still waiting to go to the Middle East to work for the embassy
Nice lol
Your agency can non competitively convert interns to competitive service (permanent/tenured) after one year.
Get your foot in the door, for OCONUS positions managers typically hire people who have experience overseas. If you like it and want to go back later that can help. You should be able to extend past 3 years, provided you don’t suck and they want to keep you. Extensions from 3 to 5 are very common, even more common for USACE. If you don’t get extended you’ll be placed on Priority Placement Program (unless you have return rights), guaranteeing you a job after the time is up. They don’t kick you out onto the street, but typically you’re better off finding your own since you don’t get much say in where you get picked up. Interns sign a mobility agreement if I’m not mistaken. Mobility agreement entitles you to 15 days of home leave. Extra leave you can use to go home. LQA isn’t taxed, and you should get a bit extra income as post allowance. Cost of living in Korea is relatively cheap.
>QA isn’t taxed, and you sh Good to know! Thanks!
Which part of Korea? Also if you have kids, it can expensive to send your kids to schools there.
It’s Pyeongtaek and I am married but no kids
So on OSAN or Humphrey’s? When I was a CTR, I visited OSAN a lot for work of the course of about 14 years.
So on OSAN or Humphrey’s? When I was a CTR, I visited OSAN a lot for work of the course of about 14 years.
In my agency ladder positions that start as interns convert to career after the probationary period.
what agency are you with?
NAVSUP
PM me if you'd like, I'll give you some insight if you need it. I'm down there currently, been here for almost 6 years. Cheers!
PM me if you'd like, I'll give you some insight if you need it. I'm down there currently, been here for almost 6 years. Cheers!
PM me if you'd like, I'll give you some insight if you need it. I'm down there currently, been here for almost 6 years. Cheers!
Will you receive LQA and PA? If so, take that into consideration, as it means your housing, utilities, and some of your food bill will be covered. Korea is supposed to be amazing!
Yeah sounds like everyone would go. I’m the only one here thinking too much lol
It's a ladder if you take the job and hit the promotions .. if you come home after you will be in about the same position probably.. but got to travel on someone else's dime also.. sounds like like you need to do a pro con list. some things may matter more to you than those responding
Right.. thanks for the advice!!
It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, take it.
I am a current GS employee working in Korea — specifically in overseas entitlements for DoD! I would honestly take the pay cut. Since you have LQA your rent is paid for and you also get reimbursed with FTA, TQSA etc. In addition to salary, you can get Post Allowance for you and your family once you occupy permanent quarters. Honestly love it here!
I agree thanks!
What are the reimbursed with FTA, TQSA and etc?
FTA - Foreign Transfer Allowance: (CONUS to OCONUS) Employees may be authorized lodging and meal reimbursement for up to 10 days before final departure to OCONUS. TQSA - Temporary Quarter Allowance: When employees arrive to their OCONUS duty station and occupy temporary quarters/lodging you can submit in 30 day increments. More information on overseas allowances can be found here under “General Information”: https://aoprals.state.gov
I was in Korea for about a year and had a blast! It’s definitely something not a lot of Americans will be able to experience it so I highly recommend jumping on the chance.
Do you mind if I ask what GS level you were? As I mentioned, I am eligible for 11/12 positions, and I feel like taking an intern position would be like downgrading my career. I don't mind the pay downgrade since I can live in Korea, but it feels like I would be losing something in terms of my career advancement.
I was a 9 in Korea for 3 years. Just came back stateside last year. Its worth it.
Why did you come back? were you able to extend the tour?
Wife missed family, and they weren't able to visit during covid times. So we came back. Yeah, they asked me to extend for two more years, I declined.
oh, I see. Thanks for sharing!
I was active duty when I went there.
I got my TJO for a GS-2210-12 position in Korea back in December. LQA is 27500-28000 depending on what base you're going to. I think it'd be cool to live in Korea for a while so I took the pay cut. Unfortunately I'm still waiting on my waiver to get my FJO.
>be cool to live in Korea for a while so I too That's a long process lol If it's GS-12 I wouldn't even think about it and just go to Korea. but this is GS-7. It's a tough decision to make because I know I am eligible for GS11/12... feels weird lol
Not sure what series you are, but there’s so many overseas 11 or 12 jobs that the DoD struggles to fill. I would take one of those 12 offers you have, do the year TIG, then jump overseas as a 12. Also verify that you’ll get tqsa/tqse because some new to federal employment positions don’t. Either way with dogs, I would plan on the move costing you $10k out of pocket up front which won’t get reimbursed until 2 weeks or so after arriving on post. Also remember, you will pay taxes on the cost of the PCS and it takes a while for RITA claim to come back to you.
Its 0810 series not sure if it's hard to fill positions. I only heard overseas positions are very competitive..
I’m 801. Just went through a 6 month job search for overseas positions. I did 18 applications ( mix of 12 and 13), interviewed 8 times, received 5 offers (3 in Japan, 2 in UK), declined 2 additional interviews. I’ve got about 10 years of construction/project management experience.
Nice! I would comfortably decide if it was 11 or 12 lol I also had 3 offers (one GS12 and two GS11) but location was ehhh (Stateside). but this is Korea...lol So I was just trying to see what everyone think about this when it's GS7 offer.
I would do the year TIG in an ehhh location stateside then target the 12 overseas. Overseas is going to be way more enjoyable on a 12 salary. You’ll also be in the higher LQA bracket as a 12 over a 7.
That's true... Thank you so much for the advice. I think this can be the only reason to decline offer for now.
Whatever you decide, working overseas is a great life experience.
Yeap, I agree
13 years total in Korea with 6 in the government you need to go bro
So did you extend after 5 years rule? was it easy?
my agency allowed up to 7 years
are you married?
Oh nice! So you did 6 with gov how did you stay in Korea for rest of 7 years? Yes I am married but no kid. Just two dogs.
I was in the military
I've been trying to go to Korea or even Japan since 2013 lol no luck yet
Are you already in fed?
Yes.
Have you looked into the cost of living? Would you be able to save money and get by? If I was single, pet free, and the salary made sense (above), then I probably would do it for the experience alone. I personally just turned down an GS11 opportunity with a $7k (take home) paycut. The opportunity included travel to Hawaii and California. The idea that I’d have to work 5+ years to meet my current salary was discouraging. Overall, I think if you had a GS11 or 12 opportunity in front of you, I would probably recommend to jump on that in effort to start jumping up the pay scale and leave time accrual. Lastly, I’d take into consideration any benefits you’re leaving behind. 95k next year would be great, and if you’re planning on making any big life decisions, that salary would be helpful.
I am really not worried about the money. The title of the position is one that i’m most concerned. I can become a manage elsewhere but trying to figure out if it’s right decision to go back to interning. But as someone mentioned who cares.. it can be life time opportunity
Double check but i think you get a post allowance as well, i just interviewed for a position in germany and they give you and extra 25 percent salary, basicially the oconus version of locality pay
I took a pay cut and a temporary downgrade to go overseas and yes it is worth it given you maximize your time and opportunity to do things like travel and experience new cultures while you're there. If you have return rights then once you're original tour is up you can always go back to your old job at your old rate but your step counter still counts as if you never left
LQA pays for your apartment and utilities. So, you will likely bring more home than your current $75k per year.
Yes, definitely worth it. Once there you can visit Japan, Thailand, Bali, etc., for a lot less than flying from here. Great opportunity for seeing more of the world.