The really funny thing about this thread is that it was probably started by an obvious ERU student. What's so funny is that these people say these stupid things and are always getting into these ignorant pi$$ ups on boards in the US all the time!
For the record, the worst pilots I have ever worked with all went to ERU. Excellent theory knowledge, but all were afraid to get checked off on tailwheel aircraft... (I think it has something to do with the fact that you actually have to know HOW TO FLY, REALLY FLY, to fly a tailwheel...well land one anyway.) I'm sure ERU turns out good pilots, I just personally have never met one...
The best pilots are the friendliest, with the greatest attitudes and always willing to help. (Regardless of their nationality.)
Personally, I don't give a flying frig what someone got on their written tests. I'd prefer to have a person who fly's tailwheels or gliders on their days off sitting next to me, if or when the time comes to go around on one engine IMC with smoke filling the cabin. (The Gimli Glider comes to mind, the Captain was an "amatuer" glider pilot, and slipped, SLIPPED, to a DEAD STICK landing a 767. Now that is FLYING!)
Being a natural born US citizen, but first generation Dutch, let me just comment on the biggest problem I see facing the US. The complete breakdown of the societies infrastructure. There are 100,000,000 single Americans that are activly looking for partners. That is 1/3rd of the population. 23% of the children in America lived in two parent homes in 1999. That is down from 56% in 1970 (same study.) But that means that 77% of the children in the US live in SINGLE PARENT HOMES. Men here are targets. The women are totally out of control. Everybody is competing with everybody, and the children don't have homes or parents.
I assume this is not the case, or is not as bad in other countries.
What this has to do with flying, I cannot tell. But It does reflect on the "differences" between the cultures, and therefore may be relevant. I hope somebody finds it illuminating.
Fly safe...