I agree that the work ethic is higher here and that smarts are cool. However, I don't really agree about appreciation for the arts. I hear children practicing the piano or violin every day here in Taiwan and there's also a shop or two for classical instruments and sheet music near most elementary schools in Taipei. Children who can't draw also seem to be quite a bit more common in America than here.

Yes on the social integration, though. People don't really have the time for much socializing until college.