“Go douche” Instead of saying “Go Dutch” (The phrase "go Dutch" as in 'everybody pays for himself' is very common here and I hear students and adults use it all the time - it kind of drives me nuts since it is not that common of an idiom back home. I'm convinced it must have appeared in some textbook in China somewhere along the line)

“When you meet foreigners for the first time, someone might shank you” Instead of saying “ Someone might shake your hand”

“Certainly you can’t pass ass in China as this is considered very rude”

“In China, appointment times are very relaxiable”

“Do not spit in public places in America or you will be fined”

“When you see a cute kid don’t touch his/her head, it is very impolite to do this”

“Last but not least a girl who is curvy and sexy is always welcome in America. So you’d better change your ideas about always looking for a girl who is just like a stick. So enjoy your study and enjoy the American beautiful girls.”

*note from a student at end of test “I think writing an essay is a good way of examination, better than the paper examination in China. Also, perform skits is a good way. Actually you are a very good teacher. I like your smile and your class. Come on!”

“When you talk with an American, you had better look at her eyes which makes her think that you are sincere. It is very important. Remember it in your heart.”

“When eating, just try to taste different things and if you do not like it indeed, you can go to the Chinatown to have a meal.”

“If you drink alcohol in America and you are not 21 you will be put in prison. It’s not a good event.”

“In the West, if you ask a waiter for chopsticks he will refuse to give them to you.”

“Please don’t ask Americans personal questions such as weight or salary or they may dislike you.”

“You may feel puzzled in USA because of the lack of karaoke. That’s because they prefer pubs or bars.”

“Please remember to give tips. In the West, tips must be given for the waiters because their salary is very low. If you don’t give them tips they will surely not be able to buy a piece of bread.”

In addition to these comments there was lots of talk about homosexuality and the prevalence of gays and lesbians in America. Though we never talked about this sensitive issue in class, the students obviously hold a strong fascination with it as it is not as common or accepted in China. Last year the fascination was with "ladyboys" especially with those in Thailand. The most common idiom that was used over and over again was "When in Rome do as the Romans do" and many essays included drawings of hands/fingers making the peace sign and multiple drawn emoticons and smiley faces. Even simple tasks like grading essays can be a kind of cultural experience!