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I learned so much about the culture I was in through the IES Language & Area program. Germans can be very outgoing when you let them open up to you. They are just as curious about us as we are of them from a societal standpoint and some amazing friendships came out of that-- both from the program and just being a local. I also learned so much about ethnocentrism and how the American culture is the epitome of it. Because of that, re-adjusting to the American lifestyle can be a little nerve-racking, but don't be worried about it. Learn to accept the similarities and the differences and help others understand it to.
For the program itself, I could say nothing but good things. The only challenged I faced was in my studies trying to find a balance between both styles of university. However, the work I did wasn't horrible and I still had plenty of free time to go on adventures and wander around. The advisers were fantastic and were always available for questions and concerns.