The frustration of working abroad

I was sent for a sort of exchange program to Myanmar. Now I understand the frustration of working
abroad, and dealing with people who just nod and say yes to appease you, without any intention of following through with your original request to begin with. Not that this isn't likely to happen domestically, but I definitely think there is an element of: "just say 'yes' to the foreigner - I don't understand what she's saying and it seems to make her happy."

I am not a patient enough person to cope with all that.