I really like FT's, they are far more interesting than their stay at home compatriots. However, I've seen some bad situation of FT's ganging up against a particular FT because he's a bit different. I suppose it's the need for a bow-legged monkey to make oneself look good.

I'm English, but those most affected by culture-shock, I've found to be Americans- I've taken a couple of young ladies from the colonies under my wing in China. I'm bound to say though on both occasions the main culprits were Chinese Training Centres, promising things before they arrived and not fulfilling those promises. Culture shock is often intensified by the actions and inactions of the Chinese themselves.

The food does not help, it tastes really bad. It's the unhealthiest grub in the world- drenched in oil, MSG ladled on with gay abandon. Special attention, rather, special avoidance, must be exercised with gravies, heavily fortified with Hepatitis A. I do all my own cooking in China. My own food doesn't taste too good either, but food as with music is not a priority for me, as long as it is healthy.

If one feels alone and unwanted, boil up some spuds and cabbage(you don't have to like it)get a bottle of baijiu and snuggle up with a good Teach Yourself Mandarin book and some corresponding CD's. Soon you can start getting out and talking to the locals, they are very helpful and patient when you try out your new words.