An email from my advisor I got today:

Dear Students,

Just read in the paper that this Saturday, Oct. 29 from 12.00 noon to 7:00
p.m the Neonazis(NPD) got permission from the court in Lueneburg to
demonstrate in Goettingen. This unfortunate decision is a high potential
for violence because the alternative left will have a counter
demonstration.

I strongly recommend not to go downtown during the demonstration period,
otherwise the risk of getting hurt is too high. Please consult EAP's
safety notes in our orientation handbook (p. 27) and EAP general health
and safety information under eap.ucop.edu. EAP does not want UC
students getting involved in demonstrations in the host country. Even if
you are curious and just want to watch the demonstration, I urge you to
stay away. For your own sake please take this warning serious.

Have a nice weekend and take a hike through the beautiful woods. The
weather might change soon and the foliage will be gone fast.

Elke

This email is an example of what separates the experience in Germany from studying abroad in any other country. Pretty crazy, huh?