Hi all -
My husband has orders to Osan, and his report date is fast approaching. We originally didn't realize that going non CS was even an option. Now that we've found a bit of info on it we are trying to quickly decide if it would be doable for our family. Neither of us has ever been, so we don't have much of an idea of what to expect. What is the area like? Do many of you that are there non CS have children? I was told medical apts are on space A only - is it very hard to get in on base, or do you go off base? What about schools, any chance at that space A, or do you homeschool or go off base? I am so stressed about being separated for a year, but not really sure what we'd be getting into to go non CS, so ANY info you could give me would be much appreciated!

Tak a deep breathe everything will be ok! I have two NCS kids (5 and nearly 4) and I believe there are quite a few other NCS kids here. Dee has an 8 (?) year old, and Bri has 3 little ones. Medical is space A, that being said I have NEVER had a problem getting appointments. I was only asked once if I was NCS. Frankly I get the feeling that no one at the clinic cares if you are or not.

You can't live on base NCS, you live off base, and that's not nearly as scarey as you probably imagine it is. The places off base are much more nice than the ones on base. You just go to one of the many realty places off base and they'll hook you up with a place. School really i guess depnds on what grades you need. From what I understand the older they are the harder it is, but I do not know for sure, Dee could probably answer that better or you could try calling/emailing the school. Just know that you can't register them till you are here. I know the NCS thread is expansive, but it's worth the read.

thanx so much for the reassurance, it is sooo helpful right now. there is so much to consider. i have four kids. at my husband's report date they will be 6,5,2, and 6 months. i figure if i can't get my two older kids into school i could always home school for the year. they will be in 1st grade and kindergarten. also, what are rent prices currently like? the non-cs thread is great -i have been pouring over it crazy trying to get as much info as possible. what vaccines did you and the kids have to get? thanx again

I have a 2 1/2, 1 1/2, and 2 month old! I am actually leaving this month. If I had older kids or fewer kids, I'd probably stay. But its just too hard living in these small apartments with no yard. We've had no problem being seen on base, but right now there is no pediatrition and I'm not sure when there will be one. So my new baby hasn't been seen since he was a week old! I'm not too happy about that, and it another reason I am leaving.

My kids get so anxious to go outside, but we live between two busy streets and its quite a job for me to take 3 of them to base by myself. My oldest walks by himself, I push my daughter in the stroller, and then my new baby boy is carried in a Mei Tai.

Housing is pretty easy to find-- but it just depends on how far away you are willing to live on how much and how nice they are. The ones closer to the base seem to be a little less nice, but you can get lucky and find a great one for a great price! Just have to find a great realtor to find a great place.

Expect to do a lot of walking. I enjoy walking, but its a pain grocery shopping! We usually take a taxi home, but that gets expensive after a while-- 5 bucks each way, pretty much! We will walk to base and take a taxi home on most occasions.

Its an experience. Just make sure you are ready for it. Your husband will be working longer hours than usual, and exercises can be hard because you'll be doing everything by yourself for that week. My husband still kept his dorm room and had to stay on base during the exercises. So it was me at home with 3 kids.

Anyway-- I don't regret coming over because it cut my time away from my husband in half. We actually bought a house at the next base and that is where I am going. We are going to be surrounded by family, so I should be able to handle it. The 4 1/2 months away from my husband won't be fun-- but I have to do what is best for everyone! Good luck on your decision!

The pediatrician is at work now. We had our appointment with her last week. She was the lady that taught the breast feeding class. But you were right they didn't have one for about a month or so. Our baby got seen just as one was leaving and we got the new one within her first few days of work.

We called on Friday and they said they had no pediatritions and they could not see my children. So... I don't know why you were able to get your baby in and we aren't able to-- and we are even having issues with him. They told us to take him to the ER. I am not taking my 2 month old to the ER to be seen by doctors who don't know anything specifically about babies! I went to the ER twice-- one for thrush because they didn't an a close appointment, and the 2nd time he had blood in his stool. At that appointment, she said she didn't know what was wrong but to bring him back if it happened again! Glad to be going back to the states so I can see a civilian dr if I choose!

You can see civilian doctors anywhere in Korea. Pediatricians included.

Yes, as long as your willing to pay, if you are not Tri-care prime.

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

I'm not going to go to a Korean dr. I had enough trouble understanding the Korean OB at Yongsan. I wasn't meaning that all I wanted was to see a civilian-- I guess I should have said "and" instead of "so." I am glad to be going back to the states AND I can see a civilian dr. if I choose. :) Korea isn't for me! I know a lot of people love it here, but I prefer the US.

My wife said that they told her they didn't have one either but then she talked to the Mrs. Chon and she got an appointment that next day. It shouldn't be like that and I don't know why there doing that. But I do know they have one and she's been working there for at least a week now.

Maybe you should talk to someone higher then the appointment lady at the clinic. I think that's the girl that kept telling us they didn't have one.