My experience (as non-American, non-Asian) has been the interaction was actually somewhat easier in Japan or China, because you don't expect a smooth communication to begin with and both sides are not speaking in their native tongue.
When you're in the US you have the false sense that you actually understand what's being said, while in truth learning the actual meaning can take a while.
When you're in the US you have the false sense that you actually understand what's being said, while in truth learning the actual meaning can take a while.