[schwarzmx]

To me it comes down to the language barrier. Not having a good command of English (or the local language) hinders your ability to integrate with the locals. Learning English for a person from a Western country is way easier than for a Chinese person.

[xtracto]

From my experience in the UK it was not. I spoke enough english to write and defend a PHD thesis. Yet I could never "click" with British society... even while being the "friendly mexican" I was just that... and i did want to get more "assimilated " by the culture.

It's a cultural thing, some cultures are more open and welcoming than others.