As scholars and writers have attested throughout the years, Germany can be a fascinating as well as challenging country in which to study and live. Its geopolitical position in Central Europe has given it significant influence over the course of European history. It has been a country of contradictions and of momentous events that have had tremendous impact on the international community. For the U.S. Fellows in the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow Program there may be as many reasons for participation in the program as there are Fellows. The program's objective is to give young U.S. professionals experience in German government and industry at an early point in their career. The Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association has undertaken to further the goal of U.S.-German relations with this book.