Great cities such as Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Dresden also offer extraordinary cultural and culinary fare, each with its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.

Despite continual improvement and modernization, upholding cultural traditions is important to the German heart. Hunters still wear green, master chimney sweeps get around in pitch-black suits and top hats, Bavarian women don the Dirndl (skirt and blouse), while their men folk find suitable occasions to wear typical Bavarian Lederhosen (leather shorts), a Loden (short jacket) and felt hat.

This is truly a country of hearty meals and good beers!. Visitors to Germany will experience traditional hearty dishes such as a plate full of sausages and dumplings everywhere. Beer is the national beverage and it's one cultural phenomenon that must be adequately explored. Both the beer and wine is excellent and pretty cheap, each region and brewery produces beer with a distinctive taste and body. Enjoy!

Is Germany Safe?
The people throughout Germany are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The Euro.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Important: Please Read!
Citizens of the United States and Canada in possession of a valid US or Canadian passport, are not required to obtain a visa for Germany for a period of up to three months if traveling as a tourist.

In case that a stay of more than three but less than six months is intended, a visa is required. If you are a resident of the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship, a visa may be required.

Visitors from the U.S./Canada do not need inoculations.

How do you get there from here?
Frankfurt is the largest airport in the country and handles most international flights. It has excellent connections to Dusseldorf, however internal domestic flights can be expensive. Dusseldorf is approx. the 5th largest airport in Germany and handles the largest number of charter flights. The S8 commuter line has intersections with every U-Bahn (Underground) and commuters line, and with most trams and buses in Frankfurt, the main transfer stations being Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station), Hauptwache, Konstablerwache and Frankfurt SYd.

German Federal Railways equal or surpass almost any other system in Europe today. Trains are punctual, clean, and comfortable; diners are efficient and inexpensive. Dusseldorf has excellent connections to most of the major German cities.

What is the weather like?
Germany has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The warmest time of the year is from May to September. The average temperature in July, for instance, varies from 16 to 20C (61 to 68F) according to location. In January, the variation is from -1 to 6C (21 to 34F). There is no specific rainy season.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electric current in Germany is 220 volts AC at 50 Cycles per second. To operate small appliances, laptop computers or other electronic gadgets, you will need a multi-adapter. Check with a large electronics store in your area. Electric clocks, record players and tape recorders will not work properly even on converters because they use the 60 Cycle American/Canadian standard.

What is the best way to phone home?
There are numerous public phones around the city which use phone cards and/or coins. All these phones can be used for both local and long distance phone calls. Phone cards can be purchased in shops and kiosks.

It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Germany or any other European countries at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Germany?
Business and public holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Epiphany (6 January), Good Friday through Easter Monday (4 days in March or April; dates vary), Ascension Day (April or May; date varies), Whit Monday (May or June; date varies), Corpus Christi Day (June; date varies), and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25ö26 December).