I would add that while there is a chance of you having a good time with locals, don't expect to get concrete long term relationships out of them. Expect to understand and feel the society in both its good and its bad. You may get more than you bargained for because of your background. Just don't get too emotionally tied up. Avoid dealing with people (such as the expats who will dump on you and take up much of your time with their complaints, only to show how spineless they really are when they talk shyte behind your back about you) who give you knots in your stomach. Good luck.