Laura, Ashley, Elliot (8) and Sophie (6) on life in Germany
How long have you been an army family?
Nine years.
Time in Münster?
Two years at HQ 1 (German/Netherlands) Corps – we live in Nordwalde about 20km north.
How many other military families live in Münster?
One other British family live about 10km away, the other Brits in the HQ live in their own houses a bit further away or are unaccompanied.
What’s your quarter like?
It’s a very nice modern house, with a tiny garden to accommodate our two dogs but it’s on the edge of a village so we have very easy to access the countryside for walks and rides.
Are there any employment/training opportunities?
Working online from home keeps Laura’s CV full. There are a limited number of civilian employment positions in the shop in HQ.
What about schools/childcare?
There’s an international school in Münster half an hour away which both Elliot and Sophie go to. Many families use the German school system.
Where do people get together and who supports you?
The HQ usually has a couple of events per year but most play dates are organised with international friends from the school which is 90 per cent HQ children.
How do you find the cost of living?
Additional child grants from the German government – even post-Brexit – and tax-free status mean we are financially better off than back in the UK.
In your experience, what are the best and worst things about living in Münster?
Being in the centre of Europe and able to visit so many amazing places. The isolation can be a challenge especially to non-German speakers.
Would you recommend it as a family posting?
If you’re content living in the middle of a German community with minimal UK contact and are happy to learn or already speak German, it’s a great opportunity
Want to share your experiences of army family life? Get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk