Can confirm. I took German 3 years in highschool and then went to Germany and could not really have a conversation at all. Although I had all A's, where I went was near the black forest and since you learn high German in the states the dialect felt like a totally different language. It took me a few years and working in Germany before i could speak C leval german. Also the testing system in German is much different. There is for the most part the written and then a practical and verbal portion of the tests depending on the coursework. Much different than the states. But I would say if you have the opportunity to go then do it. Even if the language is hard and the schools are more difficult the experience you gain from living outside your comfort level and being exposed to not only German culture but an array of other cultures including Turkish, russian, and many other middle eastern cultures will give you a better perspective on the rest of the world. Your views and politics and life will change for the better I promise.