Are You A Military Spouse? Here Are 4 Things You Should Know About Your EducationÂ
As a spouse to a service member, there are countless things to consider and take care of. Luckily, the military has an extremely high value placed on taking care of their families, especially when considering personal education. Many families know that there are programs and policies in place to help them, but they don’t always consider all the factors that go into education when tied to a service member.
From the inevitable changes in duty stations that can disrupt educational pursuits, to the potential scholarships and benefits available to spouses, the journey has as many difficulties as it has benefits. Add to that the tricky terrain of transferring academic credits and the plethora of online education options, and it’s evident that choices abound. Lastly, but by no means least, is the importance of building a robust support system, making full use of facilities like the USOs on post and other resources the military avails to its extended family.
1. Where You Are Matters
Changes in duty stations are a given in military life. Every time a service member gets reassigned, it’s not just a change in their job but a whole shift in the family’s life. Moving means uprooting from one’s current locale, possibly leaving behind an educational institution mid-course. This can be particularly disruptive if a spouse is pursuing higher education. Although many colleges offer online options there are still those that require in-person or hybrid classes, so a hasty choice in institution can result in problems farther down the road. However, it’s not all bad news. While you are checking your prospective schools out for their class flexibility, you might also want to stop by their student aid page–the benefits there might surprise you. Blackstone Career Institute offers entirely online courses that you can take, working at your own pace, regardless of where you are stationed.
2. Finances Can be Simple
Financially, military spouses are in a great position to take advantage of many programs. The military community is vast and supportive, offering various scholarships exclusively tailored for service members’ spouses. These can cover significant portions of tuition fees, books, and more. Moreover, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®  and Montgomery GI Bill® benefits can be transferred to a spouse or a child, a huge boost that can cover full tuition and other educational costs at many public institutions. Make sure to talk to your school’s VA representative or your on-base support staff to make sure you meet all the requirements. While this is a fantastic advantage, it’s crucial to be aware of the eligibility criteria and application processes.
3. Credits Can Travel
Speaking of applications, another pivotal point in the academic journey is the transfer of credits. Transferring academic credits can seem like a daunting task. Different institutions have their criteria, and when you’re moving across states or even countries, this can get complicated. However, the silver lining is the increasing acceptance of online education. Several renowned institutions offer online courses, which can be a saving grace for those in the middle of a program. These online options provide continuity, ensuring that the effort and time invested don’t go to waste. It is important to keep track of your institution’s credit transfer policies. Of course, it is important to note that whether credits transfer depends on the institution receiving these credits and no school can guarantee that these credits transfer unless there is a written agreement between the institutions.
4. There are Plenty of Resources Available
While making sure your degree program is taken care of is important, personal well-being and support systems are equally vital. Building a sturdy support system is paramount. While military life is transient, the community is tight knit. On-post facilities, such as USOs and libraries provide not just entertainment but also resources such as free Wi-Fi, quite rooms and study resources. These hubs can also be a gateway to networking with other military spouses, sharing experiences, and getting advice on managing education amidst frequent relocations. Furthermore, the military often conducts workshops and counseling sessions focusing on career development and education, which can be invaluable. All of these are available free of charge and can be found anywhere you could possibly be stationed. Despite the challenges and hoops that are present when pursuing education on the move, the military gives you several key advantages if you know where to find them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a military spouse is about navigating a sea of change with grace and adaptability. The challenges, like frequent relocations, are real but so are the opportunities from scholarships to online education. Transferring credits might require some research and groundwork, but the options available today make the process more manageable than ever. And amidst all this, remember to lean on the strong military community, from fellow spouses to on-post facilities. For every challenge, there’s a resource or a program waiting to help. Embrace the journey and let your unique experiences as a military spouse enrich your educational pursuits.
