Being gone that long will be tough. I would imagine they would allow you to come home every 2-4 weeks or allow you to bring your SO over there. Suggestions Learn a few key German phrases. (Dont be the American that doesnt try to learn their language) See as many sites as possible. Get a rail pass so you can travel on the weekends to other countries. (Stay in cheap hostels when you do travel. Stay open minded and try as many foods as possible and go to as many other countries as you can while your there. Enjoy the hell out of it. The only hard part will be being away from your SO. Everything else, you will love. Oh yeah if youve never been on a plane before, thats a fairly long flight so it may be smart to get some meds from your doc just in case you dont like flying.