I have to agree with you SB, whilst trying my best to avoid tarring all with the same brush, I have had 6 'problem'teachers here, and 5 have been Americans. As a result I am very careful when it comes to employing our cousins from the other side of the pond.

It seems to me that the main problem is the attitude. Whilst most 'westerners'come to China with an open mind, ready to experience other cultures, most Americans seem to come here expecting it to be the US. When it isn't, then it is *wrong*. They should be doing things the US way.

I am sorry if I sound very anti-US here. I don't mean to badmouth, I have been to the US many times myself and know many great Yanks. :-)

I know I am not alone in this, I attended a teachers conference in Shanghai recently and met quite a few similar stories. (I also met a great American guy who had been here for years).

Please Americans, when travelling abroad, don't expect America!